Trek the Kokoda Trail Travel Blog

Posts Tagged ‘ANZAC DAY & Anniversary Treks’

Back Track are happy to announce that Fuzzy Wuzzy Day 2010 is now official.  Mr James Enage, the CEO of the Kokoda  Track Authority has confirmed the a programme  for the inaugral 2010 celebration will be available shortly.

When contacted recently MrEnage advised, “ we are currently planning the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Day for 3^rd of November, 2010 and have agreed on Kokoda Station as the main focus place for the celebrations. Tentative Programs in discussion are flag raising ceremony which will be followed by Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Medal Presentation that will be further complimented with Cultural Dance Festival. This Cultural Dance Festival will include various groups within the Oro Province and other invited guest Provinces in PNG and may require an additional two days.”

 A Back Track trekking  team will be  attending the inaugral Fuzzy Wuzzy day celebrations for 2010.  Our Team 17 itinerary has been designed  so we will be at Kokoda Station for the celebrations. Team 17 is completely sold out and we are now taking bookings for the same trek in 2011. let us know if you are interested in being there for 2011.  Our 2011 Itinerary will be slightly modified so  trekkers can opt to spend 1 or 3 days in Kokoda after their trek so they can take part inj some or all of the celebrations over the 3 days.

l .

A team of Doctors, in conjunction with the Kokoda Track Authority, have recently returned from the Kokoda Track with a wealth of research information.

Over 185 trekkers on Anzac Day treks  volunteered to give a blood sample to the research teams who were strategically placed  at Iorobaiwa and Isurava .

The study data is yet to be statistically analysed, but the general message to come from the study is in keeping with similar research in competitive endurance events. Put simply to drink when you feel thirsty. The Kokoda Track places the body under significant physiological stress and a consistent, sensible fluid intake is required. Trekkers need to avoid dehydration but must resist the temptation to force themselves to drink too much fluid while on the Track.

On Tuesday 20th April, Team 1 departed Kokoda in the rain with the plan to meet up with Team 2 who trekked from the other end of the Track. Morale in both Teams was high. The plan was to meet at Brigade Hill on Anzac Day eve for a combined Anzac Day Dawn Service. Brigade Hill has always been Back Track’s chosen place to celebrate Anzac day. Brigade Hill is considered to be a sacred site by the Australian Army. On the summit of Brigade Hill where we hold our ceremony, 76 brave young Australian soldiers gave their lives in the defense of their country.

For Teams 1 and 2 the weather this April was not merciful. Both Teams had prolonged rain fall every day and most nights. Team 2 had to ford the swollen Brown river under very adverse conditions while Team 1 crossed many of the creeks on make shift bridges as the rising water lapped over feet. Both Teams had wet slippery trails and extremely hot and humid conditions to contend with. Miraculously, the weather cleared when the 2 teams met and our Anzac Day Dawn Service was held under the most beautiful blue morning sky. With our trek crew singing and the Australian flag flying from its makeshift flagpole, it was a very special moment.

When the two Teams separated after the ceremony, to continue their individual journeys, we were all significantly more aware of the sacrifices our soldiers made. By the time both Teams had finished their journey several days later, we were all humbled and wiser for the experience. They were both great treks.

We have just completed the first 2 Kokoda Trail tours for the 2010 season. They were a great success. Both commemorated ANZAC Day with a very special dawn service at Brigade Hill. Below are comments from some of the trekkers in these first Kokoda teams:

Simone on Team 1 – “The whole thing was a fantastic experience and the crew were especially excellent. I will be spreading the word!!! Thanks Jim, once again Back Track gave me an excellent life changing experience.”

Bob on Team 1 – “I found the trek to be demanding & unrelenting -  perhaps because of my age. The comraderie & relationships with Trek leader, crew, porters, and fellow trekkers made it a special event in my life….”

Bruce on Team 2 – “What a great experience…..Gareth is an exceptional trek leader. he has a great attitude and a great knowledge of the Kokoda campaign. I would highly recommend anyone to go with Back Track...”

Anna on Team 2 – “An absolutely fantastic trip that I am sure none of us will ever forget. Gareth did an amazing job as trek leader. and the crew were great value. – lots of laughs and really helpful. Trekking with a smaller group allowed for some really close bonding. the food was great and helped sustain energy………..I would not hesitate recommending Back Track in the future.  I will certainly  look into Everest Base camp with Back Track…”

Thanks everyone for another memorable Kokoda trekking experience.

“I would like to thank you for the perfect Kokoda trek which Back Track provided. Right from the initial dealings with you I could in no way be any happier with the help-infomation-service & experience in which Back Track and all your support staff provided me. From the first meeting with you at the infomation day to all the training at Mt Cootha & Mt Glorious onto the trek, the friends that I have met along the way will last with me.A special thanks to Steve Foster,the unbelievable knowledge of Steve mixed with his fantastic attitude and love of his position is an absolute credit to him.The highlight was ANZAC day, it was perfect. I have no hesitation in recomending anyone to Back Track and I will continue to walk at Mt Coot tha with a eye on Shaggy Ridge in the coming future.

Once again thank you for helping me fullfill a dream!!!!!”

MS, Kokoda Anzac Day Trek 2009