2023 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge
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The Kokoda trip went from 26 September 2023 and ended on 8 October 2023. The trek itself lasted 10 days and throughout those days I learnt a lot about the country, the war, my fellow trekkers and myself.
We woke up at 1:30 am and arrived at Gosford RSL around 2:45 am. It was a long, quiet drive to the airport, but we eventually arrived. It was awkward at first and people kept to themselves but even after 20 minutes people already started warming up to each other and became much more open. We boarded the plane and most of us fell asleep or watched a movie on both flights. We got to Papua New Guinea in the afternoon and made our way to the hotel. It didn’t take long for us to settle down after the first briefing as we found the pool and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and taking our last proper showers for the next few days.
We woke up early on day one, got our last things packed and brought them to the muster point. Then we got on the bus and stopped by a shop to get some snacks or anything else needed before officially driving to Ower’s Corner and starting our journey. Upon arrival we unloaded the bus, had sandwiches for lunch and took a photo session at the arches before putting our packs on and starting our descent to Goldie River. It wasn’t too difficult, especially looking back, and we got into camp pretty early that day. We took this time to get to know each other better and share stories.
The next few days were a bit of a blur, but this is where I started to feel ill and nauseous, so it was pretty difficult to carry on along with the homesickness kicking in. Day two started off early as usual and we set off and many of us say this was the hardest day, especially after it started raining. Many people in the group were pretty discouraged as it was the first full day of walking, but we pushed through and did our little routines once we got to camp. Day four was another tough day 19 km in total, but I just remember trying to stay upright and keep walking.
Finally the halfway point was reached and it took the wind out of most of us as most of it was uphill, not to mention the fact it was Brigade Hill but we got to Efogi and had a really nice wind down time, replenished on some snacks and had a sweet moment with the villagers when handing out our gifts and it’s something I will always remember.
This was the day we finally made it to Bombers Camp and had hot showers. It was a long day but overall, especially looking back it was pretty OK compared to other days. The relief when we got to camp was overwhelming and we all enjoyed ourselves. Ange and I pulled out some marshmallows that we had fun trying to roast over the fire. We ended the night with some music and dancing.
On the next day we got to decide whether we wanted to go on a short walk to see some aircraft wrecks but I was extremely sore and tired, so I used this time to rest and relax a bit more with Kylie, Jess and David. Most of us, even those who went, woke up at 6.00am which I thought I would never classify as a sleep in, but I think everyone enjoyed it. Those who stayed back just talked at the dining hall and hung out washing. Eventually we went back to our tents and collectively had the best nap ever. The others got back not too long after 11.00am and we spent the rest of the day pretty much in the drying hut around the fire. Later, after dinner we went around the fire again and shared our inspirations in life and most of us cried which I think helped all of us connect more and appreciate things in life.
The next day was shorter (14km) but I still found it pretty challenging as this was the most mud on the track thus far, but again I don’t really remember too much until we got to camp. After we all arrived, we walked across a river to a small grave site where we learnt a bit more about the Japanese and Australian advances.
The next day we arrived in Isurava, but before that Bobby (one of the porters) accidentally cut himself with the machete and we were all super worried, but he was still strong. As we got close to camp the rain really started to come down and it was hopeless trying to dry stuff and get into our tents, so we had to stay in one of the huts together and it was definitely an experience. It wasn’t too bad though and it was kind of like a big sleepover and we found the culprits who snored throughout the night.
We woke up very early for our Dawn Service and the scene was beautiful. We got out of camp a bit late as there was a landslide just outside of camp, but we managed to get across after a while. We stopped for lunch at Denki and the view of the valley was breathtaking and the realisation that this would be over soon started to settle in. Asha and Kale weren't feeling the best on the way to Hoi but we eventually all made it in one piece, and we were greeted with a traditional welcome dance which was amazing to watch. We ended the night with the stick ceremony, and the performers were terrific, and I really appreciated the effort put into this event.
Next day we woke up at 4.00am to get to Kokoda nice and early. The walk was flat, so it didn’t take too long but it did feel a bit weird. Whilst walking towards the arches I started to get a bit emotional because this experience was finally coming to an end. Walking through the arches felt like a huge weight had lifted off my shoulders, despite still carrying my pack, and emotions got the best of us and a few started crying as we all shared some hugs.
The breakfast we had after that was so filling and some of the best food we ever tasted. We all thought it would be easy from here but due to some difficulties with the rain the night before we had to cross another river which didn’t sound like much at first but when we finally got there, we were instantly humbled. There was a rope tied to the other side and all the porters lined up along it to help us cross. When I crossed, I honestly felt like I was going to get washed away. My head went under, and I lost my footing as well as the rope but they grabbed me and I managed to get out safely. We finally made it to the airstrip and waited there for a few hours; some of us fell asleep or just talked. A few local kids came, and we played with them for a bit before getting news we would have to go to Popondetta due to the overcast weather conditions and that meant crossing the river again. We found a better place to cross and went into a hotel for the night.
On this day we woke up at 2.00am to do the 3 hour drive to Popondetta and I made the smart decision to put my jacket in my pack, so I was freezing the entire time. The plane wasn’t due till 9.00am and we arrived around 6.00am so we still had some time to spare which we spent laying in the sun and talking. After a while we were finally on the plane to Port Moresby and back at the Sanctuary greeted with hotdogs. We started to unpack and clean ourselves up a bit before heading to the War Grave Cemetery. I got to sit in front of the soldier, George Peter Bennett, whose profile I carried for the last 10 days. I made a lot of promises to him that I will strive to keep and shed many tears whilst doing so. We got back, finished cleaning, and spent the rest of the time by the pool. I called my family and friends. As night came, we had a buffet dinner, got our awards, shared our highest and lowest points as well as something we will keep with us and more tears were shed. Then we blasted the music and enjoyed our last official night in PNG, Kale and Alisha put on an amazing pool dance and eventually we all went to bed.
Ali woke up comically late, but we were all out of bed and ready at the expected time. On the drive to the airport, I got a bit emotional again but was able to contain it. On the entire trip back home, we got a lot of questions from people about our journey because we were all wearing our Adventure Kokoda shirts. It was fun answering questions and promoting the company. We got to Brisbane Airport, relaxed, had lunch and then went to find Scott and Meg (trek leaders) to wish them farewell before our final flight. Arriving in Sydney, I felt weird thinking I won’t be seeing these guys every day and a few of us kind of stuck around just to talk and meet each other's parents before hugging one last time.
This was truly an amazing experience. I will never forget “most of it” or those who were walking by my side, and I don’t think anything in life can compare to what is means. I learnt a lot of things over those two weeks about the war, the country, myself, and those around me. I’m so grateful to Gosford RSL, my school, Henry Kendall High School and everyone who helped make this opportunity become a reality. I will cherish the memories forever.
Lest We Forget.
Melissa Cheng - Year 10