On the 6th April 2010 to 16th April 2010 I set out from Melbourne bound for the shores of Papua New Guinea north of Australia. (This is just my random thoughts, im writing up a brief journal of each day)
What can I say this trip was an experience that I set out to complete as a physical challenge in my quest to regain my Body, Mind and Spirit – in the process I gained so much more, more than I could have ever expected.
The Kokoda trek dating back to the battles of 1942 between the Australians (Supported by the Americans in the Air force) and Japanese primarily is one of the toughest treks in the world, it allows you to reflect on what the soldiers went through to protect our boarders, way of life, and allow us to lead the lives we live today and afford us all the rights we take for granted such as freedom, justice and fairness for all, from time to time we wonder if we really do live in a fair society, but looking back at the history I can undoubtedly say we do....... we have the judicial fairness and process that allows us to fight just as the soldiers did in the days of 1942, it’s a matter of what you believe in, what is right and what is wrong, it comes down to Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice some very Australian characteristics of which I firmly believe in.
The Trek took 8 days, and was some of the toughest terrain that you could imagine......... here’s the run down.......
21 Porters
19 Trekkers
2 Charter flights
10 tents
Food, Packs and medical supplies
And a lot of toys, cloths and gifts for the villagers along the way.
5 younger adults 15-19
14 adults (9 women)
The youngest of all Millie at 15 years old followed by the Holroyd boys and Jake Blood – an extreme amount of respect goes to these young folks for getting in and giving it a go!!!
And 90Km of terrain to cover with a little bit of down and little bit of up, NO REALLY a lot of up and a lot of down!!!!!
I had my first ever experience living in a tent, come face to face with a enormous spider on night one!, walked through the jungle, knee deep in mud, crossed swamps, tree man made bridges, swam and bathed in creeks and rivers, wore the same shirt more than once (washing it out in a creek), fell over in excess of 150 times and came out injury free!!!!!!!!!, was always one step from falling to my death climbing cliff faces, ridges and muddy slopes, broke my walking pole, walked through storms........... the list goes on and many stories to tell, when we catch up for dinner, drinks or all! A real test of endurance.
Here are the photo links for those interested, be warned far too many but check them out if you are interested, ill have summery DVD soon !!!!! (if your not on Face Book if you are add me if you like, jeffohara@bigpond.com )
Album 1
Album 2
My Next Challenge is now set, the Australian North Face 100 – which is a 100km run through the NSW National Park in the Blue Mountains, last year attempted by Dean Karnses, you have 24 hours to climbs the slops, run crawl and leap over the Blue Mountains and finish triumphantly...... (May 15th and 16th 2010)
I’m still working on the Iron Man thing but I am unable to Swim the distance yet !!!!!!! wish me luck as I chip away at this one.
But before year end Mt Kilimanjaro or Everest Base camp hits the list any one who wants to join me let me know!!!!!
This Kokoda Trek benefited a couple of charities a Children’s Orphanage in Guatemala ($2550) and RPA Life House ($500) I have a link if you would like to donate to the Life House @ RPA Cancer Centre in Sydney NSW a worthy Cause Indeed! – I’ll also donate a small amount to the same fund if I cross the finish line at the North Face 100! (Email me for the link)
I dedicate the Kokoda Trek experience to my Father who passed away from a long and tough battle with Cancer in 2008, he demonstrated the characteristics of the trek throughout his life COURAGE, ENDURANCE, MATESHIP and SACRIFICE!!!!! Thankyou John Joseph O’Hara (1944 – 2008)
Cheers
Jeff
