kokoda

ozstyle08:34 UTC01 Oct 2007

Just wanted to jot down a few lines about my recent trip on the Kokoda trail for those thinking about doing it. My advice is- do it! I found it one of the most enjoyable things I have done. I cerainly didn't find it too congested and in fact the people that you meet along the way make it all the more enjoyable. I paid for a personal porter, mainly to help support a local and found him to be a wealth of interesting facts and support during the trip. The weather was great- good time to go is August/September as river crossings are easy. I ended up giving away a lot of my belongings along the way or at the end --shoes/gaiters,tops,hat,walking poles which was much appreciated and recommended. I plan to go back and with my husband at some stage although he may need to do a bit of training first!
Any questions from people just about to go welcome

pilko14:57 UTC08 Oct 2007

How will you do it again if you don't have any shoes?

knieush12:17 UTC14 Oct 2007

I did the trip back in April, and also loved it. I am still obsessed and think about it every day.
In answer to the questions, I think it's mostly that the villagers don't really have a lot. Some of our legends (porters/guides whatever you wish to call them) did the track bare foot or with shoes that were falling apart.
I guess it's not really that hard for us to go out & buy another pair of shoes. Particularly if they were old anyway.
I took along small things to give out, particularly for the kids. They loved balloons and tennis balls and someone from our group also brought along some clothing to give away as well, just be aware that you're gonna have to carry it all!!!
Nothing can really beat the gratitude you see in the eyes of the villagers, with so many things that we take for granted. One thing I love about it all, is seeing how they live with just the simplest pleasures (family & friends) and without all the "essentials" we take for granted.
PLEASE TAKE ME BACK!!!!

ruchy08:05 UTC01 Nov 2007

Hi Ozstyle

Im hoping to do the trek in April 08 for Anzac Day. It sounds like you did the trek independently thats how i would prefer to do it and pay the locals direct rather than a tour group.

Are you able to arrive and jsut organise your porter and then set off . or is it more complicated then that. I really dont know where to start !

cheers

heidi

kokoda Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Papua New Guinea
ozstyle08:34 UTC01 Oct 2007	Just wanted to jot down a few lines about my recent trip on the Kokoda trail for those thinking about doing it. My advice is- do it! I found it one of the most enjoyable things I have done. I cerainly didn't find it too congested and in fact the people that you meet along the way make it all the more enjoyable. I paid for a personal porter, mainly to help support a local and found him to be a wealth of interesting facts and support during the trip. The weather was great- good time to go is August/September as river crossings are easy. I ended up giving away a lot of my belongings along the way or at the end --shoes/gaiters,tops,hat,walking poles which was much appreciated and recommended. I plan to go back and with my husband at some stage although he may need to do a bit of training first! Any questions from people just about to go welcome
pilko14:57 UTC08 Oct 2007	How will you do it again if you don't have any shoes?	1
knieush12:17 UTC14 Oct 2007	I did the trip back in April, and also loved it. I am still obsessed and think about it every day. In answer to the questions, I think it's mostly that the villagers don't really have a lot. Some of our legends (porters/guides whatever you wish to call them) did the track bare foot or with shoes that were falling apart. I guess it's not really that hard for us to go out & buy another pair of shoes. Particularly if they were old anyway. I took along small things to give out, particularly for the kids. They loved balloons and tennis balls and someone from our group also brought along some clothing to give away as well, just be aware that you're gonna have to carry it all!!! Nothing can really beat the gratitude you see in the eyes of the villagers, with so many things that we take for granted. One thing I love about it all, is seeing how they live with just the simplest pleasures (family & friends) and without all the "essentials" we take for granted. PLEASE TAKE ME BACK!!!!	2
ruchy08:05 UTC01 Nov 2007	Hi Ozstyle Im hoping to do the trek in April 08 for Anzac Day. It sounds like you did the trek independently thats how i would prefer to do it and pay the locals direct rather than a tour group. Are you able to arrive and jsut organise your porter and then set off . or is it more complicated then that. I really dont know where to start ! cheers heidi	3