Kokoda Trekker - July 2008
Hear in explicit detail through descriptions, explanations, accounts and poetry about the hell our diggers went through in '42.
Kokoda Track - July 2008
"To do the Kokoda Track and not hear the full and complete story of the hell the diggers went through is a dreadful missed opportunity that some trackers face. Our Spirit allows the Kokoda track to challenge us both physically and emotionally as you hear in explicit detail through descriptions, explanations, accounts and poetry about the hell our diggers went through in '42.
Everybody was touched by the passion and emotion that your trek leaders create as they recounted the desperate fighting withdrawal of the 21st brigade and the 39th battallion. This is an experience that I would recommend to all Australians, Thanks Aidan."
Kerrin McKenzie, Terang, VIC
Testimonial by Matt McConnell, 20 year old, Warrnambool
Overall I was honoured to do the track with such a professional company and will one day do it again! Thanks heaps - it has been a great journey!!
Kokoda Track - July 2008
As a 20 year old male, I found the Kokoda Track an amazing experience. Before the trip I knew barely anything about the torturous conditions suffered by all of the soldiers.. Our trek leader was amazing at giving all of us on the trip a great insight into the happenings along the track and his feelings were shown greatly in his presentations, particularly at Brigade Hill and Isurava.
Loved the way that we were able to interact with villages along the way and also village meals were great.
The Legends (Papuan guides) on our trip were an amazing bunch of blokes who were willing to help with the understanding of their native "motu" language and with details on the track.
The days were at a great length with the "rest days" fitting in well to the itinerary.
On talking with people trekking with other companies, we realised we were quite lucky to get the insight on the track that they didn't seem to.
I did although, get sick of pasta, fresh fruit/vegies were great and teh roast/hotpot meals were different and nice.
Matthew McCallum, 20 Year Old, Warrnambool
Testimonial by Anne Brown, Bendigo, VIC
Looking at many of the groups along the way, it was just a trek, they were way too big, didn't get the history or the spiritual or emotional reason for being there. We were mate looking after mate...
Kokoda Track - July 2008
I have just experienced the most humbling event of my life! I always thought it would be special, but little did I know just how much. Your extensive, loving and emotional history of the track just blew me away. Even being there it is still so hard to comprehend what our brave boys went through. Looking at many of the groups along the way, it was just a trek, they were way too big, didn't get the history or the spiritual or emotional reason for being there. For some it was a race to finish or just get that bit over with. For us, it was like a tight unit was formed from the start. It was mate looking after mate, watching each others backs just as our young boys did may years ago. It was their journey that we all relived each day we were on the track. Thank you for allowing me to be a partof such a wonderful, emotional and educational experience.
Anne
Anne Brown, Bendigo, VIC
Testimonial by Michelle Terry, Sergeant, Newcastle City Police
I could not image doing it with any other group. Everything from juggling full time work and training, to being a mother of a two year old boy... walking in my grandfather’s footsteps it was truly the most amazing journey of my life.
Kokoda Track - ANZAC 2008
"I am very glad and appreciative of having walked the track with you. I could not image doing it with any other group. I have such strong feelings of walking the track. Not a day goes by without me thinking of this experience. It was such an amazing journey for me and one I will cherish forever. Everything from juggling full time work and training, to being a mother of a two year old boy, being away from home for two weeks & most importantly walking in my grandfather’s footsteps it was truly the most amazing journey of my life.
I would like to thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience and passion with me."
Michelle Terry, Sergeant, Newcastle City Police
Testimonial by Kerrin McKenzie, Terang, VIC
To do the Kokoda Track and not hear the full and complete story of the hell the differs went through is a dreadful missed opportunity that some trackers face with other companies.
Kokoda Track - July 2008
"To do the Kokoda Track and not hear the full and complete story of the hell the diggers went through is a dreadful missed opportunity that some trackers face. Our Spirit allows the Kokoda track to challenge us both physically and emotionally as you hear in explicit detail through descriptions, explanations, accounts and poetry about the hell our diggers went through in '42.
Everybody was touched by the passion and emotion that your trek leaders create as they recounted the desperate fighting withdrawal of the 21st brigade and the 39th battallion. This is an experience that I would recommend to all Australians, Thanks Aidan."
Kerrin McKenzie, Terang, VIC
Testimonial by Richard Cummins, Orange, NSW
Our Spirit's leadership, passion, knowledge of the history and deep respect for the brave young kids from Australia who protected us and our way of life, combined to make the trek one of the best experiences I have had.
Kokoda Track - July 2008
"Walking the Kokoda Track was physically demanding, educational and emotional. We were lucky to have Our Spirit as our leader. Their leadership, passion, knowledge of the history and deep respect for the brave young kids from Australia who protected us and our way of life, combined to make the trek one of the best experiences I have had. We were lucky to have a relatively small group size of 16 which helped us bond with a look out for others. There were many highlights but the biggest was the service at Isurava and my son Scott being chosen to read a poem at Brigade Hill that was a tribute to the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. Scott was honoured and he will never forget it. The visit to Bomana cemetery at the end of the trek was a sobering experience. The sacrifice made by these young Australians demands that we appreciate the life we have and strive to be worthy of what they did for our country. Emotions kicked in on my return to Australia."
Richard Cummins, Orange, NSW
Testimonial by Peter Auchettl, Warnambool, VIC
There were many positives with going with Our Spirit. The small group size was terrific for camaraderie... Our guide was exceptional! Our Spirit's knowledge of the track and of the history associated with it was first class.
Kokoda Track - July 2008
"There were many positives with going with Our Spirit. The small group size was terrific for camaraderie and for those times when ceremonies were undertaken and for when points of interest needed to be explained. Our guide was exceptional! Our trek leaders knowledge of the track and of the history associated with it was first class. The ceremonies at Isurava and Brigade Hill were unforgettable and the opportunity to visit the was cemetery at Port Moresby was a meaningful ending to our trek. Walking from Kokoda to Owers Corner is the only way to go! visiting the war cemetery at the beginning of the trek would not have the same impact and neither would finishing at Kokoda when the diggers pushed on to the beach head. Flying into Poppendetta was a great start!
The legends were terrific! They were always there to help but did not interfere with the individual trekkers' daily experiences."
Peter Auchettl, Warnambool, VIC
Testimonial by Richard Page, Grafton, NSW
The physical challenge gave me some perspective of how difficult it must have been for the Diggers, carrying a much heavier kit and fighting the Japanese at the same time.
Kokoda Track - July 2008
"Overall highlights...
Our trek leaders incredible extent of knowledge which brought the whole history of the campaign into perspective. Getting to know, walking and camping with a group of interesting guys and a gal was a terrific bonding experience culminating at the point where we walked through the Arches congratulating each other. Every member of the group were so supportive. I can't remember ever receiving so much moral support. Maybe this had something to do with me being the "mature age" student of the class. It was a good feeling and meant a lot to me.
The physical challenge gave me some perspective of how difficult it must have been for the Diggers, carrying a much heavier kit and fighting the Japanese at the same time.
It was rewarding to be one of four father and son teams in the group and a wonderful experience to achieve this goal together with my son Ashley"
Richard Page, Grafton, NSW
Testimonial by Keith McConnell
The history and the way in which it was presented was fantastic - it gave me the feeling of what it may have been like for the young diggers.
Kokoda Track - July 2008
"The history and the way in which it was presented was fantastic - it gave me the feeling of what it may have been like for the young diggers, but as you said Rob, "how they survived is beyond our understanding"!!!
The legends and support crew were fantastic, it takes a few days to get to know them but the feeling of kindness and warmth shows through from these remarkable people.
The village people and their way of life to me was also a highlight of the trip to see people able to live a simple life and show enjoyment was brilliant, compared to our modern society. I hope it comtinues that way for some time yet.
The work Rob and Aidan do for the orphanage really struck a soft spot with me and I hope to contact you in the near future about some fundraising that I hope to do, hoping that you may be able to make sure it gets through to them."