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Kokoda Trek Team Bigfish

Greg Bacon / 01.06.2008

My wife and I have just completed the Kokoda Trail walk as members of Team Bigfish, which included a few adventure racers. As part of the walk we provided a large quantity of school materials which was flown to PNG by the RAAF. We also commenced work on the first of three eco toilets which the team obtained funding for from some generous business houses around Australia. We all experienced the help and warmth of the local Porters, many of whom are descendants of the famous Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who helped our diggers during WW II. Being a porter is a sought after job as there is little or no other income sources for the villagers along the Kokoda Trail.

Having seen the porters in action which included, building a makeshift bridge across a raging stream, carrying additional backpacks when someone was feeling the pinch, their guiding hand down some very steep and slippery hills, sleeping under a tree in the rain when a few tents were left behind, pulling apart strands of bark so they could tie the sole of their boots. These were just some of the things that made this trek the experience that it was. Listening to their singing of their National Anthem at the dawn service on Anzac Day, compelled us to try to help them in whatever small way we could!

The porters have given many Aussie trekkers a wonderful experience and they will continue to do so for future trekkers.