It rained all night last night, not the best when certain people (like Ali) have to get up to go to the toilet at least 4 times a night! Most had a great night sleep and only woke up when Greg tapped on the tents at 5am.
As we left Euro Creek we crossed the very full rapids which was possibly the most nerve racking creek crossing of the trek, particularly when it is first thing in the morning when the legs are still warming up.
On the way to Isurava we made a detour to Conns Rock where the locals place flowers regularly to respect the significance of the location. It was on Conns Rock that many, many operations took place during the war. Unbelievable to think that a piece of nature, reasonably square rock of about 2 m x 2 m at hip height, could be used to operate on the soldiers. The operations meant life or death.
We then walked onto Isurava which is the place of the Battle of Isurava and now where the Australian Government have erected a monument to signify the battle ground. It is here where the headstones of Endurance, Courage, Mateship and Sacrifice sit. Considered the most photographed section of the Kokoda Track.
We held a very moving memorial service to commemorate the soldiers who showed such amazing courage to fight for our Country. Following some words from Greg, Troy read a poem about the free land the soldiers created for us and we then sang our National anthem. Donna then read a poem.
The special part of the service was the fact that we stood shoulder to shoulder next to the Porters. They sang 3 songs, including their National anthem led by Reuben on guitar. We then walked past every person in the group and shook hands, all 42 of us. Every hand shake was meant; you could feel the connection as we acknowledged each other.
One of the funnies for the day was when Lou asked Wacko for 2 Voltaran tablets. He handed her 2 water purifying tablets instead as he thought she was also filling up her water bottle. Lou thought they were the Voltaran so swallowed them and it wasn't until later when Wacko said to Lou, "I need to give you those 2 tablets", did they realise the mix up. Well Lou's insides will be well purified!
If the singing of the Trekkers was rated against that of the Porters, the Porters would win hands down. The way they harmonise is unbelievable.
After lunch of hot chips and donuts (yes you read that right), we walked on for another 1.5 hours to Isurava Village. The children of the village were very excited as some of the Trekkers handed out some gifts to the children. Emma gave some Waratah West Uniforms to the kids and they loved wearing the hats.
Shay gave one of the mothers a bag of clothes to the kids and as the mum pulled out each piece of clothing she picked which one of the 12 kids around her would be best suited to the piece and dressed them in it. Very special to watch! Jo was surrounded by the kids as she handed out jelly beans. We didn't think she was going to make it out of there!
Shay gave one of the mothers a bag of clothes to the kids and as the mum pulled out each piece of clothing she picked which one of the 12 kids around her would be best suited to the piece and dressed them in it. Very special to watch! Jo was surrounded by the kids as she handed out jelly beans. We didn't think she was going to make it out of there!
Double Cheekers for the day go to Greg and Ali. Conversation of the day as we trekked goes to Grace and Jo for creating a profile of Jo's ideal man in a way that sounded like the board game Guess Who!
The most courageous woman ever, Donna, is still nursing her injured hand in a sling. Donna's Porter John is exceptional in the way he is looking after her in slippery downhill slopes and steep inclines. Thank God for John! Donna now has a cold as well the poor thing.
As we settled into our 5pm dinner of pizza, Wacko ruined the fire and we are all in tears from the smoke everywhere. Stick to making sausages Wacko!
We heard great life stories tonight from Kylie and Aaron, our resident Winemaker. Both have done plenty of travel and been fortunate to live abroad. Kylie has so much happy emotion that she is getting to share this amazing experience with her son Adam.
Everyone is on a high as we have had a really great day. We only have 1 day of walking to go, it has gone so quick!
Ali x
