We are done! So excited, emotional, proud, grateful.....so many words to describe this experience.
Let's talk through the day before we get to the end!
It absolutely poured rain last night, non stop so there were many Trekkers swimming in their tents, namely Wacko, Lou, Troy, Kylie and Bennie Boy. As we finished breakfast we were contemplating where to hold our special Camp Quality service (that we have had on every Trek) as it was raining but we decided to take it outside and thank God we did.
The Trekkers and Porters all gathered around as I started reading a tribute to the children of Camp Quality impacted by cancer as well as those who have lost their fight. I had literally said one sentence when the rain stopped, the sun started shining from the Kokoda Valley and a full rainbow appeared across the mountain range. It was such an emotional moment for everyone.
We believe it was a sign from the beautiful kiddies that have lost their fight looking over us to tell us they were okay. As our service finished 10 minutes later, the rainbow disappeared. Words cannot explain what this moment meant to us all. There were many tears shed and shared.
We believe it was a sign from the beautiful kiddies that have lost their fight looking over us to tell us they were okay. As our service finished 10 minutes later, the rainbow disappeared. Words cannot explain what this moment meant to us all. There were many tears shed and shared.
Once we regathered ourselves we set out for our last day of trekking, about 6 hours and we would be at our finish line!
The day of trekking was not as difficult, but you still had to concentrate as we had to go downhill for a lot of the day to get into the Kokoda Valley and it was very muddy after the heavy downpour last night and the daily rain we have had for the past 8 days.
Sheriff Ben had us all penalised if we slipped to the point of near fall and by the time we finished the day we were around 100 penalties!
We reached Deneki for morning tea 2 hours in where you experience THE best view of the Kokoda Valley and get to see the finish line of Kokoda in the distance. It was a bit of a tease really as it was still 4 hours away!
After morning tea we continued on to the most beautiful little village of Hoy, another 2 hours down the track. Hoy is set by a small creek with the freshest water running. In we all hopped for a swim, sitting in the rapids enjoying the cold water as it has been much extremely muggy today. The tender parts of the body are felt in the cold water. We all could have stayed there all day!
After lunch we had a 2 hour walk to get to the finish line. There was a spring in our step that is for sure!
As we got closer to Kokoda the Track become more populated with more children lining it in sections. Oh my god, the kids are so adorable that you would love to pop one into your backpack and bring them home.
Aaron decided the easiest way to hand out his CQ wrist bands would be to throw them in the air as there wasn't enough to go around.....little did he know that one of the kids (about 5 years of age) was carrying a machete and ran past a 2 year old child and just about sliced him with the machete. Many of us held our breath!
Aaron decided the easiest way to hand out his CQ wrist bands would be to throw them in the air as there wasn't enough to go around.....little did he know that one of the kids (about 5 years of age) was carrying a machete and ran past a 2 year old child and just about sliced him with the machete. Many of us held our breath!
The straight access road into Kokoda feels like it goes forever! The feeling when you turn a bend and can see the finish line arches is a feeling that can't be easily put into words! Many tears were shared as we all crossed the line......all 13 of us had made it......all 13 of us have all walked the Kokoda Track!
Once we made our way into camp, the sun is shining so there is great opportunity to put our wet mattresses and sleeping bags out to dry before we have our last night in the cosy one man tents.
After our last supper prepared by the Porters, each of us shared the overall highs and lows of the entire experience. As hard as the trip is physically, we all shared very few lows but could have talked about the highs all night. The rainbow from this mornings' service was the icing on the cake for us all!
Everyone is looking forward to sharing with you the amazing experience they have had here on the Kokoda Track. We have awesome photos to share!
The Trekkers cannot thank you enough for all of your support of us coming here. We can't wait to see you!
Ali xx
