DAY 2 on KOKODA TRAIL TREK
Advanced Trekker - Update 13th October, 2005;
Trek 68
As mentioned yesterday by Gail, the group was up early this morning to start of their first day of walk as planned.
Though every single one of them looked nervous as this was their first day and off-cause they knew they’d be doing a lot of mountain climbing and another 7 days of walk, yet the excitement on their faces said it all, they’ve trained hard for it and this day has finally come to face the real thing.
The group was at Kovelo village when John Eroro called in to inform us, said they now head to Mudulu and to be followed by Hoi village next.
All trekkers are ok, doing good and moving well.
More of their updates will be posted up later on during the day.
One of the village houses at Mudulu village.
13 Oct 2005, 08:28 PM
Advanced Trekker - Latest on the trail; - Trek 68
The group has arrived safely up at Isurava village. They will camp up there tonight and tomorrow will make their next move to their next destination.
All trekkers are ok, have done really well up the test mountain, only Russell sprained his ankle, its not serious his ok and has made it up well to the top.
The test mountain is actually the very first mountain to climb, before you start the whole trail. It's a pretty big mountain to start off with that is why the porters and guides call it the test mountain. Their main reason is to see how fit the trekkers are on the first day and how well they can face the first challenge.
Deniki look-out point, is the half way mark of the test mountain.
Day 2 on Kokoda Trail Trek - Dr Robyn diary
Thursday 13th October 2005 - Day 2: Kokoda to Isurava
Terrible sleep, a bit paranoid about buzzing mozies. Up at 06h00. 06:30am, my porter Ross/ Rosco/Rusty (I am confused already) introduces himself to me. He repacks my backpack so that he can fit some of his stuff in. He tells me and my travel buddies that girls have no idea how to pack a back pack. OK Rusty go for it, I am happy for you to pack my backpack every morning!!! Amazing how little all the porters need for themselves for the long 8 day trek through the mountains!
We headed off finally at 0700, officially began our trek at 0730 from Kokoda. Already could feel the heat and humidity once in the thick jungle. About 1 hour fairly flat, then begin a steady climb, up, up up and up all day! About 7 hours of climbing. When you look at the map for the 200th time I can appreciate why this is called the test mountain. Some people pull out after this day, and some choose to hire a personal porter, Isurava being the last point you can get one.
I did really well, this is what I have spent many hours training for. But of course I am not carrying a full pack- about 6 kg or so today, the guys are carrying about 17kg. I am feeling a bit guilty the guys are struggling so much. I continually remind myself I weighed only 49 kg when I left home. And my chiropractor’s mind justifies my decision and tells me it would be very silly for a petite female to attempt to carry a full pack in these conditions. See how strong and confident I feel in a few days, I can always make a decision to carry my full pack…
I feel so sorry for the guys- Russell, Stuart and big Mick. I can hear their laboured breathing right behind me. Do I sound like that? My recovery at each short rest is excellent… so far so good.
Russell, a 58 y.o. a very fit ex triathlete, who has grown up on the beach, surfing, running up sand hills for training is falling behind us 3. He suddenly stopped, threw his back pack off and almost collapsed. He was experiencing severe chest pain. He was having an angina attack, his thighs were already cramping, he was confused and did not look very well. We all stopped., I made sure he had enough rest, loads of water and electrolyte, and some food I gave him some of my magnesium and we lightened his load amongst the porters. I am pretty worried by now, he recovered, and insisted on continuing, but it made us all take stock and reevaluate how the next 8 days were going to stress us to the max.
He seemed to cope much better for the rest of the remainder of the day.
My feet are OK, one small blister at back of left heel when I checked but no pain. Taped both heels and off again.
I had a great day, certainly a challenge but very enjoyable. Unbelievable thick jungle, chocos (green veg, not the soldiers!), pawpaws, palms etc. I love weaving in and out of the little spaces the tree roots make. I would never have believed how hard you have to concentrate just to place one foot in front of the other. You have to make yourself stop and take in what is around you. There were lots of creek beds to cross. The rocks were very slippery. My porter was always there to lend a hand if I needed help, but I am so determined to do this myself… I just hope that is not my undoing and I fall in the water.
A very heavy down pour started about ½ hour before we arrived at our camp. Out came the ponchos to cover our packs- which quickly become heavier if wet. I covered myself with my poncho as well, but 10 more minutes passed and I thought I would pass out from the heat. It is still so stinking hot, and very wet.
Arrived at Isurava, an incredibly simple village, much more so than Russell’s block were we stayed last night. There are about 2 families here from what I can gather. We stayed with Joey and Ewar- in their spare hut. I wish I hadn’t given away most of my gifts to the kids yesterday. The children here are in much more need. A few huts, a makeshift toilet and shower again. I cut my finger fairly deeply trying to hook up the shower- not as if I can yell out for help standing here starkers after a freezing cold wash with blood everywhere. Can’t seem to stop it bleeding. Getting all my clean stuff dirty already. But my highlight is that it does feel good to be semi clean. Clean but cold. Noticing the temperature drop quickly now we are higher up surrounded by mountains.
Today I cannot remember stinking so much, EVER!! My clothes are soaked with sweat and grim, muddy pants. I can’t be bothered rinsing much stuff as I know it will not dry. Anyway, I will be sweating profusely after 5 mins of walking tomorrow. I am glad I wore long pants to protect my skin from the jungle and hopefully all the creepy crawlies. I look at the guy’s legs and they already are covered in lots of scratches and rashes. Some parts of the track were very narrow, about 30cm in width, some as wide as 1 ½ m.
Torrential rain all night, it sounds great but I haven’t had a good night sleep yet. The roof was leaking near Stuart’s bed and he kept on having to shift all night.