Some members might be aware that I recently walked the Kokoda Trail In PNG. I’m generally a private person but I feel the need to tell you all how this trip over 12 days has truly changed my life. 

This was a dream of mine for the past 18 years after two very close friends, Erica Ford and Paul Chapman (Kooindah Member) did the track back then. I used to train with them and thought what a great thing to do. I said to my son, only 8 at the time that if I ever do this I want to do it with you. 

Well 18 years on, and here we are. Monday 14 April and along with my son Lewis and son in law to be Ben, we are on a flight to Port Moresby to tackle the grueling Kokoda Trail. So many feelings going on inside me, excitement, fear, a little anxious but overall just really keen to get into it., 

We started the trek at Owers corner on Tuesday 15 and over 10 days we would walk 152kms, climbing 7150 metres and descending 7570 metres to Kokoda.

On my trek we had 27 trekkers, along with around 50 porters to help carry the tents, food, supplies that we would need over the trail. I had a personal porter who over that 10 days was my guardian angel and helped and guided me so I could achieve this goal with out serious injury. He was my Fuzzy Wuzzy angel. For the record he saved me so many times from going head over due to the treacherous conditions daily. 

I’m more than happy to chat to any of our members to hear about my experience. It was truly the hardest thing I have ever undertaken. Not just physical but mentally, emotionally and at times spiritually. I trained for 8 months for hours on end climbing hills and preparing myself but truly nothing can prepare you for 10 days in the jungle, in muddy, wet, clay, swamps, hills and more hills, tree roots, 60 plus river crossings, some up to your chest and so much more. Each day was 4,30 rise, be ready to leave by 6.30 and walk up mountains and then descend and then do it again for up to 10 hours a day. have a tub in the river, dinner then bed totally exhausted. 

On example was day 5, We left Agulogo at 6.30am, starting the day with a couple of creek crossings before tackling Brigade Hill. We would climb for the next 9 hours, arriving for our Lunch at 3.30pm at the top. The hardest climb of my life. It was pouring with rain on wet clay and muddy ground, the sense of achievement at the top of Brigade Hill was surreal. Some rice and water for lunch then off to Efogi, down, down and down, so step and so dangerous. 

I would say, tomorrow looks a little easier and one of my fellow trekkers would always say that tomorrow is the hardest day and boy was he right. No let up for the 10 days. So hard, so humid, so mentally draining climbing, climbing and then descending for hours in conditions who would not believe me if I told you. However, to share the highs, lows, laughs, many tears and extreme elation with my son was truly amazing and a memories I will cherish for life. It touched me on a level I have not ever known and I leave with a new outlook and appreciation for life and the Diggers who died for us so many years ago. 

The history of Kokoda and what our diggers went through is something all Australians should be aware off. What these young Australians did to give us the lives we live today was selfless, courageous and something we should be so grateful for. To walk in their footsteps over the terrain they fought and died in was just so moving and extremely special. 

Kokoda day is November 3 and we should all take a minute to remember the diggers who gave their lives for us. LEST WE FORGET.

I know I will never forget and the experience I have been fortunate to have is etched in my DNA for evermore. 

“For your tomorrow, we gave our today”

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