DAY 6 - KAGI VILLAGE TO MENARI

Wednesday 01July

The trekkers enjoyed a moving evening listening to the village children sing, but were up early to begin the day. They made a short walk past the church and out to the airfield, then tackled the steepest descent of the trek to a creek crossing — a section that proved challenging for some. After refilling water, they pushed up a brief, calf‑burning climb to the top, then enjoyed a relatively easy 30‑minute stretch in the sun before another 30‑minute hike into Efogi on the hill for morning tea and sweeping views down to Efogi Village.

From there they dropped 30 minutes into the village to visit the museum, then began the steady ascent of Brigade Hill via Mission Ridge. They paused at Mission Ridge to discuss the campaign’s history, then made the final climb to Brigade Hill where they held an emotional ceremony on the summit to honour the soldiers and their bravery. After lunch on Brigade Hill the group followed the track on a long two‑hour descent to the river, enjoyed a refreshing swim, then completed a 45‑minute climb into Menari, arriving at camp in good time at 4:00pm.

Ending the day in good spirits but some accompanied by blisters and sunburnt necks..

Menari is the site where the battle‑worn 39th Battalion were withdrawn before the fight at Brigade Hill — exhausted and on the brink of collapse, those “Ragged Bloody Heroes” later returned to fight at Buna and Gona. The team is now settled in camp, awaiting dinner and looking forward to a half day tomorrow.

Trekker Messages :

  • TC, Cold cokes at Kagi, Having a ball, Missing you - Matty and Snow

  • Hi mum it’s max I am going well and being looked after look forward to seeing you

  • Hey Lachy/bern it’s Hayden hard day today very difficult climb and a bit of toe pain but otherwise alright. looking forward to coming home miss you both lots

  • Hi Bec, Alfie and Oscar,

    I’m having a ball. Great weather so far. Amazing scenery. Very special place. Miss you all. - Love Tom xx

  • Hi Ami, Lucy and Lenny!

    Having a blast with Noah.

    Great weather and amazing views.- Love Noah and Matt! Xx

  • Hi girls day 6 unbelievable mountains we have climbed villages we have walked through and streams crossed and swam in taken lots of photos but none do it justice - 😍Don

Michael O'Malley