Trek the Kokoda Trail Travel Blog

Archive for the ‘Testimonials’ Category

We have just received a report that one of the most liked and longest serving local guides working on the Kokoda Track has passed away.
Colin Obed from the Kokoda Track village of Naduri has passed away on Friday 16th July while resting at his Morata residence. To date we only have a very sketchy report however it would appear that he was suffering no ill health and was in good spirits when he suddenly collapsed and died without any warning.

Though Colin was not working for Back Track this season he has worked with us over the years and completed contract work for us early this year.

He was a very hard working, responsible and well liked Head Guide.  He was  leading a trek for another trekking company when members from Back Track Team 9, met and chatted with him at  the Isurava memorial.  He was in great spirits and the sudden news that he has died so quickly has left all of us who knew and trekked with him in shock and deep sadness.

We wish everyone of Colin’s extended family and all those who knew and loved Colin our deepest sympathy.

He will be forever missed but never forgotten. Not having Colin on the Track  is a great loss to the trekking industry.

One of our trek leaders sent this information to us today,  having received the list from a trekker from one of her  recent Teams.  It is posted to illustrate that trekking the Kokoda Track is just not all about  history and challenge and achievement. Trekking the Track with Back Track is also about:-
Rowan’s Top 10

1. Seeing Dacrycarpus on Mt Bellamy and all the other plants along the track.
2. Butterflies at Hoi & elsewhere
3. Birdsong in the morning
4. Service at Brigade Hill
5. Children singing at Naduri
6. Receiving carving from Kay
7. Swimming after hot day on the track – especially at Agulogo & Goldie River
8. The porters singing in the evenings
9. The guard of porters singing at the end of the track
10. Having a fantastic group of people to share the journey with

To all Interested in the history of the Kokoda Track, you may like to consider attending the 28th Annual reunion of the 2/14th Battalion. Members and friends of the 39th Battalion will also be attending. You are all welcome. Please follow the directions at the bottom of this post  if you wish to attend.

 Dear Member/Friend,

As advised in the “Comradeship”, our annual reunion is being held in New Farm, Brisbane on Thursday, 29th July 2010 from 10am to 4pm.  A warm invitation is extended to members, wives, widows, kinfolk and friends, also to members of any associated Battalion. 

The venue is again “Riverside”, 50 Oxlade Drive, NEW FARM, adjacent to the river.  The setting and facilities are excellent.  Morning tea or coffee with goodies and a main hot meal will be provided.  The bar will open at 10.30am for drinks at public bar prices.
 Parking is available in Brunswick Street, Oxlade Drive and adjacent streets and also in New Farm.
In the light of increased catering costs, our charge per person has had to be increased to $40.  In order to subsidise reunion costs and operation of the Queensland Branch throughout the year, the usual raffle will be conducted.  Please advise if you are able to assist with a prize.
Please return your contribution of $40.00 per person with your RETURN SLIP, or email information if using EFT.

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RETURN BY 19^TH JULY 2008 TO:              Trevor Pryor
13 Townley Dr
North Lakes   QLD   4509

First names & surnames of

            those attending                                   …………………………………………..

…………………………………………..

…………………………………………..

…………………………………………..

Total number attending ………………… 

Cheques for reunion should be made payable to:-     

2/14^th Battalion Assn. Q’land Branch.

EFT Details:              BSB     014-672,     A/c      384073793 ,

Please include your name and email me your information.

Many of our supporters who have walked the Kokoda Track in recent years have now become members of our Association.  A warm welcome is extended to them and to all trekkers interested in our Association. 

I am in the process of taking over the duties as Hon. Secretary/Treasurer of the Queensland Branch.  I offer a grateful thanks to Andrew for his work over the last few years and his offer of assistance in the future.
Please make yourself known to me at the reunion.
Those interested in attending the reunion but requiring further information please contact:- 

Trevor Pryor              13 Townley Dr, North Lakes  Qld  4509
                                         Ph:  (07) 34824768,   Mob:  0407500588,  Email:  teepee_au@yahoo.com
Dress  -  casual.

Trevor Pryor

15/6/10

RIVERSIDE RECEPTIONS MENU

Morning Tea:         Coffee/Tea

                                 Scones with jam & cream

                                 Spring rolls & shrimp shamoi

Luncheon:              Grilled breast of chicken served in tarragon & mushroom sauce

                                 Steak Dianne – tender steak served with a rich Dianne sauce

                                 Meals served with pear potatoes, cauliflower au gratin, beans & carrots

Dessert:                   Fruit salad with ice cream

                                 Apple crumble with ice cream

                                 Tea and coffee

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