Kokoda and Buna Trek - September 2018

[Deleted member 29185]

Well, as some of you may remember, I put together a 2017, 75th commemoration Kokoda Trek and there were many AFFers who indicated they would have liked to attend, but for various reasons, could not.

For anyone who did not manage to catch up on the TR, you can relive that trek via our TR here.

For better or for worse, we're going on this trek again! Yes, before anyone reminds me, I did say "never again", however I have also committed to the Buna lads (who are actually now my wantoks as +1, baby +1 and I were initiated into the tribe last year), to help them get their tour company off the ground and I need additional footage (including drone footage) for the web site, so come September 2018, Lisa and I will be trekking Kokoda once more!

This trek will be a bit different, but it made me think the difference may suit some AFFers who could not make it last year. Being a trek focussed on footage, it will be slightly slower than what we did last year. I want to capture much of the spectacle that I found so hard to do and I think I will need to spend more time on the photography. I don't have any set timeframe as such, but I'm guessing the same 3 days in Buna and then perhaps a max. of 4 hours a day trekking (13 days or so on the track) to allow lots of photo/videography, and to relax more in the villages. The villages were a real treat and last year we pushed though some, that I think would have been great to stop at.

So if there is interest, speak up and of course it is all ambulatory. Lisa and I are also looking to do the Buliminsky Hwy bike ride (New Ireland) and a scuba course in POM along with the Hiri Molale festival (but if anyone is keen for the Goroka Show, that may be on the cards again as well).

The book is open. Last year was better than I could have possibly hoped for and I can say that anyone interested, will not be disappointed. With the slower trek, costs will be higher than last year so as of yet, I haven't worked it out. If there is interest, I'll do that shortly but as an data point, last year we were dramatically cheaper than most Kokoda treks, yet included everything except an Aussie war expert to narrate. Having said that, the Buna Boys know the stories (and some) and they know the real stories. They are a bit bemused by the fact some of the so called expat "experts" have no idea and make it up as they go!

Anyhow, if you're keen, let me know. We are going regardless so there is no pressure.

 

[tuapekastar]

Great to see this is an ongoing thing swanning_it. After my late (ish) scratching last time I'm not about to commit. Not available till mid-September anyway, and by no means a sure thing at this stage. Something I still genuinely wish to do but this year may not be the one. Guess I'll have to wait till (hopefully) the next one!

 

[drron]

Sounds good but unfortunately I will be cruising again Sept/October.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Yep, it hopefully will be an ongoing thing. The web site is in it's final stages so should go live in a couple of weeks. As I said above, there is no pressure for anyone as dates are fixed (to suit Lisa's holidays) and it is short notice. I think this will be a stop start trek, as I do want to take about 3 million photos to get maybe a 1/2 dozen that are OK!

 

[serfty]

I look at September and know the dates won't align.

Then I realise that while I would like to do this it may be that the optimum the to do son has passed.

At least I will be able to vicariously experience through this thread.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

serfty, the Buna crew I used last year to trek with are very amiable, accommodating and professional. I spoke to them about the possibility of next year, doing either (or both) a short trek to Isurava jungle memorial (a few days return from Kokoda) and/or a Bomana service, both including the Buna trip.

Last year, I added Buna into the trek pretty much because one of my team in PNG was from Buna and he had described to me the history as was told to him by his forebears. I was absolutely overwhelmed by the stories and decided that even if some were true, it would be an amazing place to visit. The rest of the trekking group from last year sort of tagged along regardless and the comments at the end were quite telling. Everyone said that they were so pleased that we had included Buna and that it was one of the highlights of the trek, yet Buna is not hard to get to! It is reasonably remote though, with access by 4WD and no electricity and long drop dunnies. I am helping them get electricity by donating some solar panels that are just cluttering up my garage (I took two 170W Conergy panels with me last time and I have another 4 in the garage to take).

Quite a lot of people are of an age that trekking through the jungle for 8, 9 or 10 days (or more) is just no longer wise or even possible, but the desire to partake in some of the trek is compelling. I have no doubt that we can organise shorter, though equally poignant but uplifting treks that enables the Kokoda Track experience to be realised with just as much reverence as a full trek.

If the interest is there, I'll certainly arrange it and come along myself, I do love the experience ... if not the bloody great hills !

 

[penegal]

Good to see you the other week.

Following the thread.

 

[Einherjar]

Following the thread.

The last few weeks I've learnt my great grandfather helped rescue many soldiers, specifically Lark Force 2/22nd from Rabaul through war diaries I've gone through via AWM. I really want to visit but Sept may be a bit too short notice for the family.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

One thing has led to the other with me. I started the Kokoda threads on AFF purely as an idea as I was going to do the trek personally, so I thought I'd throw it out to the AFF family to see if anyone wanted to join myself and +1 in tackling the track.

Now however, I am actively involved in assisting my new wantoks to set up their own trekking business and although I won't be personally benefitting financially, my involvement means I will need to seek AFF Admin permission to continue to post as it will soon become a commercial venture and I am no longer "uninvolved".

We will though, be offering many different kinds of treks (and other PNG experiences) into the future so I wouldn't panic about making September if it doesn't suit. The main reason for September is that I want to get some good photos and drone footage for the soon-to-be launched website. I'll now withdraw from the conversation until I have time to seek Admin's advice about my involvement and any conflict with AFF rules.

 

[drron]

I admire you giving your time to help the local people and economy.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I admire you giving your time to help the local people and economy.

There's a saying here that PNG is not for everyone and also that an expat has be one of the three M's to last here...
Missionary, Mercenary or Misfit! I tend to think I may be a bit of all three, but to be honest, I'm happy enough with my lot in life and I'm always amazed at how well Papua New Guineans manage their life with often very little luxury, so as far as I'm concerned, if I can help, why wouldn't I?

Also, I find this place absolutely intriguing, exciting, unusual and beautiful ... all within an easy reach from Australia. I can also honestly say, I'm never, ever bored at work! PNG, land of the unexpected!