Kokoda Completed

Jeff writes:

Courage, Endurance, Mateship, Sacrifice ...

These four words are engraved on black granite stones at the Isurava Battlefield. They exemplify the spirit of the Australian soldiers who resisted a determined Japanese advance along the Kokoda Track during the second world war.

We, who completed the 96 km trek, were able to understand first hand what these words must have meant to those who fought along this precipitous jungle trail 68 years ago.

For me "Mateship" (or friendship) was at the center of our effort as we became for eight short days a family with a brief though intensely shared history. We endured difficult muddy root-choked ascents and descents, thunderstorms, and poisonous snakes. We enjoyed jungle flowers, sweeping vistas, clear mountain streams, the sounds of jungle birds, the sights of brilliantly colored butterflies, and the sweet harmonies of morning and evening worship songs sung by our porters. Most of all we experienced the joy of good humor, camaraderie, and fun as we ate, hiked, and camped together. These Aussies were a delightful bunch, and they all made me feel right at home.

All told there were seventeen of us who paid to walk the trek. We were supported by around 23 Melanesians, who served as guides, food porters, and as personal porters. Without them we would not have made it. My porter Bartz saved my bacon more than once. The photo below shows Bartz and me at the end of the trail.

It was a wonderful experience. There is too much to share on this blog, but when we meet again, I will be happy to bend your ear for a couple of hours ... that is if you are interested.

Thanks for all of you who prayed. Apart from some bruises and a pair of swollen feet I came through relatively unscathed. In fact no one in our party was seriously injured. We all made the hike from the youngest, who was eleven, to the oldest, me. God is good.