KOKODA SPIRIT NEWS
www.kokodaspirit.com
“In the footsteps of heroes – In the footsteps of our brothers”

April 9, 2007
 

Welcome to another Kokoda Spirit newsletter.

The trekking season is well under way with our 8^th trek of the year departing Owers Corner for Kokoda. Our trekkers have experienced a variety of weather conditions on the track from monsoon rain to clear blue skies and tropical conditions.

This is typical for this time of year during the wet season. All trekkers are back safe and have reported that the treks were fantastic. Once again the comments focus on how good the Trek Masters, Trek Leaders and porters are at looking after their clients.

Check out the trekker’s feedback section for more testimonials.

ANZAC 2007

Our Anzac preparations are in the final stages with 75 trekkers heading out in 5 different groups and two different directions to commemorate the diggers that fought in all wars for their country. The Anzac services this year are being conducted and organised by the Australian Government, official services are being held at Isurava and Bomana.

Our trekkers will have the Anzac Service at either of these locations.

The Anzac treks are a very special trek, and particularly emotional as you feel the spirit of the diggers along the trek. The Bomana service overlooks the graves of the 3000 plus service personal that are laid to rest in the cemetery. The Isurava service is held at the memorial overlooking the Yodda valley down towards Kokoda.

Our 2008 Anzac Dates and treks are on the web site.

KOKODA TRACK FOUNDATION DINNER

I had the recent pleasure of attending the Kokoda Track Foundation Limited,

 2007 Lt Col Ralph Honner Oration Dinner in Sydney. The dinner was hosted by Patrick Lindsay who is the Chairman of the Kokoda Track Foundation Limited.

It was a magical evening, and a unique opportunity to spend time with our Kokoda Track Veterans. The Oration was delivered by General Peter Cosgrove. The foundation has been set up to raise funds and awareness for the people that live along the track. The foundation raises funds for medical supplies, first aid posts, hospitals, schools and scholarship programs for the villagers along the track. The foundation is a great way to contribute financially to assist with projects along the track. Kokoda Spirit has applied to become a corporate member and supporter of the foundation.

To find out more log onto www.kokodatrackfoundation.org

MICHAEL MILTON KOKODA TREKS

We have a very exciting and new trek this year with Adventurer and Paralympian Super star Michael Milton joining Kokoda Spirit in leading a very special and limited number trek across the Kokoda Track. Log on to www.kokodaspirit.com

DISCUSSION FORUM OPENS

Our discussion forum on www.kokodaspirit.com has become popular with trekkers looking for information about upcoming treks, training tips and training partners. Log on to the discussion forum and you may discover a training partner just down the road.

HIRE GEAR

Don’t forget that we have a range of hire gear available both here and in Port Moresby. We can hire you back packs, self inflating sleeping mats and tents. We can also sell you our new range of camping gear at a fraction of the big store prices. We also have a range of merchandising and souvenir packages. Our hands carved walking poles are very popular and are a great souvenir from your adventure on the Kokoda Track.

GENERAL NEWS

Kokoda Spirit now exclusively users the Charter services of Airlines of PNG. This service allows us to Charter our flights to suit our pickup times and trekking schedules which makes for more reliable and convenient pick ups.

Our Beachhead treks continue to grow in popularity, with regular treks going down to the beachhead areas. The locals love to see the trekkers as it delivers much needed tourism. It is a great way to complete your Kokoda Track adventure.

We also have a number of Australian led treks going out this year.

The Australian led trek dates are as follows.

17^th-26^th April (Full) Wayne W

8^th-16^th July (6 spots Available) Craig

16^th-25^th July (2 Spots Available) Wayne W

2^nd-12^th August (Full) Wayne E

14^th- 24^th August (Full) Craig

3^rd-12^th September (Full) Wayne W

23^rd – 2^nd October (Full) Wayne E

8^th- 17^th October (8 spots Available) Wayne W

15^th- 24^th October (2 spots Available) Craig

19^th 28^th October ( 10 Spots Available)

Check out our web site for more information or contact us and we will guide you along with the information you require. 

We have a large range of trek dates on the web along with information and suggestions to make your trek successful and a whole lot of fun. 

If you cannot find the information you require on the web or you just want to find out more about the Kokoda Trail drop us a line or give us a call, we would be very pleased to assist. 

Contact Wayne or Michelle Wetherall  

Phone/Fax +61 07 54452758 Mobile +61 0437473900 

Email kokodaspirit@bigpond.com
Web www.kokodaspirit.com