Kokoda Trail Testimonials 2006

Kokoda Spirit takes great pride in providing an exceptional Kokoda Trail experience.  Here is what our clients have to say in their essays and feedback regarding their Kokoda Spirit Kokoda Trail trekking experience.

To Whom it May Concern:

Re: Mission Australia Kokoda Spirit Challenge – October 2006

Being in the business of managing charity trips all over the world, we deal with ground crews and trek companies on a daily basis.

From the very first contact with Kokoda Spirit their enthusiasm and exceptional customer service shone through with quick responses and a ‘spirit’ which suggested that we had made the right choice in choosing our ground crew and trekking company.

In the lead up to the trek, Wayne Wetherall’s experience and knowledge of all things ‘Kokoda’ was extremely helpful and his ‘no-problems-at-all’ attitude was a credit to him and Kokoda Spirit. Our group certainly pushed the customer service boundaries with a variety of dietary requirements and other requests. Michelle Wetherall was on the ball when it came to forms and travel arrangements and her professionalism permeated through the telephone line whenever we spoke.

Upon arrival in Port Moresby we were met by Kokoda Spirit and some of the porters who were joining us on the trek. They were all extremely friendly and were buzzing with an energy that made us all feel welcome and very well looked after.

The trek itself was an amazing experience for all of our trekkers. The porters and Kokoda Spirit crew went above and beyond their call of duty to make sure we were all as comfortable as possible and that we were all healthy and happy. They were always there to catch us as we nearly fell and to make us smile and laugh when we hit an emotional or physical brick wall. Their songs and laughter will forever be remembered and their presence on the trek enhanced our overall experience. Many of our trekkers made friends for life and have not stopped talking about the ‘Kokoda Spirit Boys’ since they got back.

Trek Masters Adrian and Gideon were very experienced and knowledgeable. They led our group with an attitude and leadership skills which were inspirational to us all. They dealt with any problems with the greatest of ease and were always on the ball and full of energy.

We would not hesitate to recommend Kokoda Spirit to anyone considering undertaking the Kokoda trail. Amongst the other groups which we on the trail at the same time as us, we got a sense that we were definitely being looked after better. Trekkers from other groups would gather around our porters at night to listen to them sing. No doubt they would have headed back to their tents in awe of the spirit which our porters exuded and would have been kicking themselves they took an alternative trekking company.

Based on our experience, any future customer of Kokoda Spirit should be pleased with their demonstrated commitment to customer service as well as their knowledge of the Kokoda trail and the requirements for a successful and memorable trek.

Sincerely,

Justine Curtis
Director
Pollen Fundraising

November 15, 2006

Dear Wayne/Michelle

Michelle following up our conversation about my experience on the trail on Mon. 25/09/06.thank you for talking & suggesting that I send an email to Wayne.

On 25/09/06 I was trekking from Hoi having started from Kokoda the previous day having booked the trip with Nuigini Tours. On the night of 24th I became quite dehydrated which continued into the next morning as I started to walk over the next 4 hours, I became weak, losing fluids, getting a little disorientated, I was really struggling. It was at this point that my luck changed, coming in the opposite direction was Adrian & three others. On seeing my condition he immediately took the initiative & took control of the situation. Recommending that I turn back as I was never going to make it to the next overnight camp, which was another 6 hours away. He said that he would kindly stay with me until we got back to Hoi City. Adrian spoke to my head guide, who really did show minimal concern about my condition. Relieved, I decided to turn back with Adrian & his party, from your company KOKODA SPIRIT.

Over the next 4 hours I progressively felt worse & literally needed a hand as we returned to HOI . Step by step Adrian encourage me to go at my own pace & reassured me of my progress. Over the next 4 hours , Adrian & I became close & built up a strong rapport/friendship that I will never forget .He also tried to radio out but to no avail. My day ended up being 10 hours of walking.

My highest praise must go to your employees Adrian Koe & his three team members. On that day his professionalism, help, genuine concern, expertise & overwhelming ‘CARE’ towards me & my reliant situation will never be forgotten.

Wayne I am a middle aged man of 50 years & have been managed my own businesses for over 25 years: may I say that the customer service displayed towards me on that day was of the highest order, to Adrian it did not matter that I was not with KOKODA SPIRIT - he just showed tremendous concern for his fellow man & this goodwill will never be forgotten!!

Wayne congratulations for employing “exceptional people” & for conducting a very professional tour company & although unfortunately I did not travel with KOKODA SPIRiT on this occasion, I do have many friends that I can recommend your company to that intend to do the KOKODA TRAIL.

My condition on returning to Sydney was that I was admitted to hospital with early stages of kidney failure due to dehydration & had I left it much longer could have been critical, if not fatal. Yes, I was disappointed that my trip was cut short but the positive being that I may never meet a man called Adrian ( a modern day Fuzzy Wuzzy in the real sense of the word.)

Wayne, finally

1. Please use this letter as a testimonial if ever the need arises for your company.

2.  Please would you be so kind as to read this email to Adrian & the boys for me.

3.  I will write Adrian a letter &,send it to him via you, as Michelle suggested. I would really love to hear from him, so as we may keep in touch.

THAT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED

THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN ADRIAN

YOURS TRULY : RICK SULLIVAN  (KNOWN TO ADRIAN AS : “RICKY” )
 

October 11, 2006

 KOKODA!!!

We did it!
96 Kilometres
13 Pilgrims
12 Days away
9 Days on the track
8 Students
7 Hundred insects
6 Plane Flights
50 Creek crossings
4 Weeks of Malaria Tablets
3 Litres of water to carry each day
2 Tired legs (each)
1 Bloody Track

There was so much we bought home from this trip, the early highlights were before the track itself. Sunday September 10 we bid farewell to our generous families who funded our venture and flew to Sydney, here we visited and stayed overnight at Mary MacKillop Place. I felt proud to come from a school named after this great Australian, yet I also felt a little embarrassed that there was comparatively so little that I knew of her. A prayer at her tomb was our final step on the tour before a relaxing day spent mostly on Sydney harbour.

A 3:30 am wake up to begin chapter two – Port Moresby. Our Pilgrimage raised $1000 AUS which we personally gave to the Catholic Church of Port Moresby. We then had a short time at a local market before our briefing and bag check by the Kokoda Spirit tour leaders.

Tuesday September 12th and so to the track and our walk begins – a few nerves, some excitement, a full back pack, our walking stick and our 11 local guides, these are all we have for the next 9 days. Before we reach Owen’s Corner the official start point for the track we visited Bomana War Cemetery. Here lie over 650 Australians, many graves are unnamed, the citation being “Known Unto God”. Here Pat Deayton read a letter we received from the Premier of Tasmania – further heightening the significance of the track and our now imminent journey.

Our days on the track were varied in length and difficulty, however some things were ever present; the heat and humidity, the sweat (except for Patrick), mud (although not as much as it could have been), hills (we seemed to be always going up or down -mostly up and rarely flat), Our leader Geoff giving us the 2 minute warning before “rock ‘n roll time” after a brief break to shake the legs, drink more water and have some jelly beans or some other high energy snack. Mr Barnes always had some history to tell on the specific section of the track that we were on. All of us did our own presentation of something significant along the track as well.

Experiencing the track first hand gave us all a very tangible perspective on the difficulties our diggers faced, fox holes, ammunition pits, plaques and even a bullet in a tree were constant reminders of the fighting to and fro between Kokoda and Imita Ridge. We also met Ovoru Idiki, one of the original Fuzzy Wuzzy Angles, wow!!!

Our trip was safe and at all times we were capably cared for by the ‘boys’, led by Geoff and Gideon who ensured we had a steady hand at a creek crossing, an extra foot or similar to prop against going down a slippery section, a big pot of boiling water ready when we reached camp every afternoon and some card tricks or brain teasers, as well as their own insights into the history of the track. They also made a bush stretcher from vines and tree branches; it took them less than 20 minutes to make and we all had a turn at trying to carry it with 2 packs on top. We soon realised that this slowed us down considerably and increased the difficulty of getting a secure foothold on the track. After we had all shared that experience the locals showed us how it was done – they managed a pace that we struggled to keep up with – and we now had nothing extra to carry! Our journey cannot be retold no matter how briefly without mention of Isurava – a key village and strategic position on the track and the site of the impressive memorial dominated by the 4 granite pillars etched with the words that are symbolic of the track and all it represents – COURAGE ENDURANCE MATESHIP SACRIFICE. At this stage we were Day 8, close to the end but tired drained and missing home – to add to the emotion we received letters from home as our diggers would have also, and indeed we were very grateful.

Our memories of the track will be forever – as well as our porters with whom we became good friends. I will always remember Richards energy and desire to always get going, James’ ability to throw a grenade (rock) further than anyone into enemy territory, Kristians mental “toughness” and ability to have us laugh, Alex’s singing, Brocks crazy desire to chase wild pigs, Theo (and Ross) for taking on the Damien Parer role of capturing video and images from the track, I have mentioned Pats inability to sweat, but he also searched for the best “Fotot” (photo) the two Sues who reminded us that no matter how beautiful some of these surroundings were Tasmania was just as awesome. Finally a BIG thankyou to Mr David Barnes for his vision to create this pilgrimage and his research each day to ensure we were well informed each step of the way.

Camilla Burnett

October 11, 2006

Dear Wayne

Thank you for your message. We would be happy if you used MacKillop College as a reference.

As the coordinator of this Kokoda Pilgrimage I found Kokoda Spirit to be an outstanding trek company. You would be aware that as a college based excursion all safety, legal, pedagogical and personal elements involving young people would have to be scrutinised. I looked very carefully at several companies and you were the best.
I have worked a considerable time in this industry, teaching is a new line of work for me, and I do understand the logistics and the structure required of an operator. You fulfilled all these to a professional standard, but may I add it was your service, prompt replies to request and your on-going support that provided us as a college community, opportunity to take on more responsibility through media engagements and public recognition. Both you and Michelle are great communicators and were able to answer all of my questions (as well as my adult team!) You also provided us value, for families, that is appreciated.

The other reason I chose Kokoda Spirit is I wanted an authentic PNG experience and I did not want my students to be shielded from the people, the culture and the story of the Trail. This also proved to be a wise decision. Gideon was simple the best man/leader I could ever had hoped for, we were able to work ideas off each other and adapt the day to suit the objectives we both wished to meet. Gideon and his team were professional in every sense of there word and I cannot speak more highly of Gideon and his team. The greatest example is the stretchers; another is his letter to one of my students whom missed one from his parents. Thank you also for the logistics of Helen and Bonny, they did their tasks and made us feel welcome.

From what we saw of every other group we met we were blessed. One was the lack of respect shown for porters of other teams was appalling, hence, my only negative of this trip, occasional mind you, was other Australians!

Could I also note other porters who did exemplary service to our college team?

Jeffery Ima - is developing well as Track Leader and my boys took to him and just loved his "Rock n Roll!"

Freddy Gibson - Has the possibility of going much further, a very able young man, always abreast of what is happened and able to contribute at any time. Good English and understanding of the history. The story he shared with me at Brigade Hill will stay with me forever. His climbing a Coconut tree in Kokoda for us was just a great touch.

Erua Senisis - A potential leader for the future. Excellent service, wonderful apprentice to the senior men. His English was first class and his ability to soak up information and use it for others is a gift. Keep and eye on him.
As previously mentioned ALL members were first class and just perfect but these guys are men who can not just work as a team but lead us as well.

At present I am still on the Kokoda Pilgrimage! I have spoken on ABC radio of the pilgrimage as well as making comment on the Gold Mine debate (the one near Naoro). I attempted to stay as close to what I listened to the boys share on this topic whist there. I am writing articles for three magazines in Tasmania, for the Catholic Education Office and The Tasmanian Catholic Magazine and East Hobart News. We have written an article for the college as well (attached).

We were greeted at the airport on return by the Hobart Mercury (Newspaper) and we have received x 3 articles from that alone. We were able to get a grab on Seven News (Southern Cross) when the Governor commissioned the students in May.

Finally the Governors Office has been approached and we will have a morning tea with him in person soon to discuss our pilgrimage and our learning from it.
I also need to write to the Premier of Tasmania, Mr Paul Lennon for the gracious letter he wrote for us whilst we were over there, and it was read to the students in Bomana War Cemetery and was very moving...

As you can see success come from hard work and because you were able to do all the things requested and provide a team who were of such quality allowed me to explore so many other fruitful options for all concerned, Ultimately it gave us all a once in a life time experience and for that I am forever grateful.
As soon as I finish this letter Wayne I will return a phone call enquiring about the pilgrimage from 'another' college.

I hope Tasmania comes to spend some time with you and your men and women of Kokoda Spirit real soon.
Take care Wayne and feel free to contact me anytime that suits,
Until the next bright idea!

Kind Regards,

David Barnes
MacKillop College
Kokoda Pilgrimage Coordinator

October 10, 2006

Hi Wayne and Michelle,

I have just returned from PNG on the Victorian RSL Trek with your Company and wish to convey my sincere thanks for having organised such a wonderful Trek along the Kokoda Trail (Track) - climbing up, down, around and along the rugged rainforest of the Owen Stanley Range. It was challenging, gruelling, physically demanding and extremely emotional experience for me, and as a Vietnam Veteran, I am in complete awe with a further enhanced knowledge of just what our diggers in 1944 had to endure as they continually held back the advancing elite Japanese army. I am amazed at the dedication of our troops as they had to contend with the elements of a strange country, face the Japanese head on, and live, eat and sleep in the atrocious conditions and cope with the disease and sickness.

I commend you for having your team so organised and nothing was too much trouble for them to ensure that our needs were well catered for. The various bush camps and villages where we stayed overnight were more than
adequate, and added to the atmosphere and experience of the trek. I don't believe the facilities require upgrading as it would tend to lose the whole concept of having to cope with every delicate step over the 10 days. Food was always tasty and adequate, and the daily ration packs were far more than I could eat, and my porter accepted the leftovers with a big smile and thank you.

May I take this opportunity in thanking you for providing information on my many phone calls prior to the trek and it certainly assisted me greatly in my limited preparation. Because I was a "fill-in" for another chap who was unable to attend, I only had 2 weeks notice that I would be attending.  I certainly agree that the more prepared you can be with your training, the easier it can be. But I am very proud to have been able to complete the distance unscathed, and it is thanks to your team of porters and others who were always very encouraging in their remarks. My porter "Mona" could not do enough to assist me during the day, and especially when setting up and taking down the tent and cleaning my boots and gaiters. He was always there without having to look for him. And of course, the trusty walking stick was my closest friend who I respected more and more each day. The stick saved me many times from falling into the mud or rolling down an embankment. I only had one fall - backwards on my backside - so was extremely pleased with my effort.

As a 61 year old with diagnosed emphysema, I was determined to achieve on a daily basis to follow in the footsteps of our brave diggers back in  1942. Reaching the memorial at Isurava was a very moving and emotional moment for me - my energy was almost zapped and my emotions were released from every part of my body as I broke down and wept. I felt very embarrassed about this afterwards, but that was just me. I have suffered greatly from PTSD for the past 35 years as a result of my Vietnam service, and this moment gave me some release.

Thank you for a wonderful inspiring trip - the whole group was great to get along with the trek was a very uplifting experience for me.

Brian Cossar

September 6, 2006

August 27, 2006

Hi Michelle,

Sorry I haven't had time to reply earlier, has been hectic here since I arrived back. I had the best time ever on the trek. I can't begin to explain how great it was. The porters were the most fantastic group of people I have ever met, they looked after me and treated me as one of their own and because of this I have made some lifetime friends. The whole experience has made me appreciate everything in life much more than I ever did. I fully intend to go back and visit everyone as soon as finances allow, I really could have stayed over there for a lot longer.

Thankyou to everyone involved, for the experience and a lifetime of memories. Even though every day was extremely hard, the training paid off and it was all worth every minute.

One day maybe we can talk again and I can tell you all about my magnificent adventure.

Yours faithfully

Michelle Romari

July 18, 2006

Hi Wayne and Michelle,

I have just returned from PNG with your Company and wish to convey my sincere thanks for having organised such a wonderful Trek along the Kokoda Trail (Track) - climbing up, down, around and along the rugged rainforest
Of the Owen Stanley Range.

It was challenging, gruelling, physically demanding and extremely emotional experience for me, and as a Vietnam Veteran, I am in complete awe with a further enhanced knowledge of just what our diggers in 1944 had to endure as they continually held back the advancing elite Japanese army. I am amazed at the dedication of our troops as they had to contend with the elements of a strange country, face the Japanese head on, and live, eat and sleep in the atrocious conditions and cope with the disease and sickness.

I commend you for having your team so organised and nothing was too much trouble for them to ensure that our needs were well catered for. The various bush camps and villages where we stayed overnight were more than
adequate, and added to the atmosphere and experience of the trek. I don't believe the facilities require upgrading as it would tend to lose the whole concept of having to cope with every delicate step over the 10 days. Food was always tasty and adequate, and the daily ration packs were far more than I could eat, and my porter accepted the leftovers with a big smile and thank you.

May I take this opportunity in thanking you for providing information on my many phone calls prior to the trek and it certainly assisted me greatly in my limited preparation. Because I was a "fill-in" for another chap who was unable to attend, I only had 2 weeks notice that I would be attending. I certainly agree that the more prepared you can be with your training, the easier it can be. But I am very proud to have been able to complete the distance unscathed, and it is thanks to your team of porters and others who were always very encouraging in their remarks. My porter "Mona" could not do enough to assist me during the day, and especially when setting up and taking down the tent and cleaning my boots and gaiters. He was always there without having to look for him. And of course, the trusty walking stick was my closest friend who I respected more and more each day. The stick saved me many times from falling into the mud or rolling down an embankment. I only had one fall - backwards on my backside - so was extremely pleased with my effort.

As a 61 year old with diagnosed emphysema, I was determined to achieve on a daily basis to follow in the footsteps of our brave diggers back in 1942. Reaching the memorial at Isurava was a very moving and emotional
moment for me - my energy was almost zapped and my emotions were released from every part of my body as I broke down and wept. I felt very embarrassed about this afterwards, but that was just me. I have suffered greatly from PTSD for the past 35 years as a result of my Vietnam service, and this moment gave me some release.

Thank you for a wonderful inspiring trip - the whole group was great to get along with, and except for a slight hitch getting out of Kokoda (which did not mar the trip whatsoever) the trek was a very uplifting experience
for me.

Brian Cossar
 

Hi Michelle (and Wayne),

Yes thank you I totally enjoyed my Kokoda experience and haven't stopped talking about it since arriving home. I also wanted to pass on to you and I did let Bonnie know that your website is one of the best, had all the information that I required. Our porters and guides were also amazing. Wanted to thank all involved for making the trip the most memorable experience.

Also just upon leaving we all paid Bonnie for the laminated map I am sure that will be organised through you. Maybe they will arrive all together, I would like to forward some photos to the porters we had (Frank, John and our guide Giddion). Bonnie told me to mail them to you and they would be forwarded on that way. I have developed them yet but will get around to it very soon.

Thanks again,

Vanessa

May 29, 2006

May 20, 2006

Go the Spirit.....Regards  Clint, Shan and Alan aka "BUNBURY"

8th May 2006

Dear Wayne,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for the amazing experience I had doing the Kokoda Trail.

The excellent guidance from Bonney and team on the track helped make the trip for me. They were just such a wonderful group, I can still hear them singing along the way when the rest of us were struggling for breath, every time I think about it I can’t help but smile. There were so many times when I looked at them with amazement and respect, they just seem to be able make anything out of virtually nothing.

I have made a point to stay in touch with Taylor, he was fantastic and did not take his eyes off me for one minute on the track. I cannot stress enough what a wonderful job he did in taking care of me, you really do have an excellent crew and you can be proud of the job they do. The hardest part was saying goodbye, it was heartbreaking and hard to believe you can get so attached to everyone in such a short time.

This is the first time I have ever travelled alone and I wasn’t really sure how I would go but everyone seemed to hit it off and I have already made plans to catch up with some of the people from our group and possibly travel with them in the future. Its wonderful to make friends under such tough conditions and know that you will always remain friends, it has truly been an awesome experience.

Thanks again and I would highly recommend Kokoda Spirit to anyone who is interested in doing the Kokoda trail.

Regards

Karen Ryder

May 4, 2006

May 4, 2006

Hey Bonni,
This is Justin, you took my football team on the trek. I just wanted to say thanks and say goodbye to Mack, Slave, Lee, Frank, Jason Taylor and everyone else.  I really enjoyed the track. Thanks heaps, Bonni, everyone says goodbye.
Justin, 15 year old Schoolboy Rugby player SC Christian College

Hi Wayne,
Back on deck after a short break in Surfers post trip. All went well and we had a great time. As you may be aware we pushed ahead and ended up finishing the track sooner then expected, although being in a small and fitter group this was our preference, rather then spending half days in villagers sitting still- you guys were great in being flexible and adapting to the changes.  On behalf of the group I would like to say thanks to the porters and guides for leading the trek. A very capable team who did a great job looking after us- and proving themselves to be decent cooks which was a pleasant surprise!  We would like to thank Helen back in Moresby for her efforts in looking after us and showing us some of the local watering holes- very interesting scene! She is a great asset for Kokoda Spirit and no request was too much for her.
Craig, Isurava Memorial Trek

Kokoda Spirit is one of the recognized Australian Trek operators, operating on the Kokoda Trail/Track using a very experienced local trek operator with his guides and porters.  I recommend you use Kokoda Spirit and the Principal Wayne Wetherall.
Warren Bartlett
Executive Officer
Kokoda Track Authority (KTA)

Hi Wayne,
Thought I had better get of my bum and send you guys a BIG THANK YOU!!!! The trip was extremely awesome, absolutely amazing and a bloody great time was had. The boys made the trip for us, they were there all the time always helping and making sure we were all OK and were well looked after. We had many a good laugh with them and spent many nights around the fire, talking, telling jokes and just having a good time. There was always a bit of banter on the track and lots of story telling from all of us.  The walk it self was harder and more challenging than I thought it would be but I found the pace and care that the boys took made the trip not that hard and that I was able to cope quite well and not fall in a heap after a couple of days. The first Tuesday of our trip was my 50th birthday and the group helped celebrate with a rendition of Happy Birthday while I held up a candle and we all shared a bottle of red. A day I will never forget, its not every day you have your Birthday on the Kokoda Track!  A special thanks to Helen for all she did to organize things and make our trip run smoothly. A very big thank you for the wealth of experience and knowledge and competence on the track, we never got lost once!
Lodie - Celebrated 50th Birthday on the Kokoda Trail

To Wayne
I would like to send a very big thank you to the guys and girls at Kokoda Spirit. In all it was a trip of a lifetime and one that I certainly not forget. We had a brilliant time and there are going to be so many things that I am not going to be able to explain to people. Most of them are small things that  the boys did for us, they meant a lot to us and I hope that they felt the same way about some of the things that we tried to do for them. They are a fantastic bunch of men, and with time a bigger and better business than the companies that are there now. If possible we would love to be able to spread the word about your company here in Australia - such as personal billboards ( t-shirts) and perhaps to offer availability for people to talk to us if required. Thank you once again.
Jenny

Wayne and Crew
Please pass on my thanks to the team in Moresby for looking after us on our recent Kokoda trip. We had a fantastic guide and we were always confident of our safety, comfort and every wish attended to. A great team, all the carriers and crew, hotel staff fantastic. Look forward to going back and spending more time out there.
Alister- Kokoda Film Crew