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Colin Baldwin, April 2007
If
you’re reasonably fit or can get fit,
If you’d like some adventure and a challenge,
If you have some mental toughness,
Do yourself a favour,
Walk the Kokoda
Lee Morrison, August 2008
Property & Office Services Dept
of Veterans' Affairs,
Ph 0362 216758, Fax 0362 216602,
E-mail: Lee.morrison@dva.gov.au
Hey Merv,
Just wanted to say how grateful I was to be
part of such a wonderful experience. After the shock of the first day I can
truly say I enjoyed every day of the trip - even the mud. I know it was
only a very small glimpse of the conditions that the diggers had to endure
but it gave me a much better appreciation of the formidable task they had in
front of them. I was really touched by how giving the porters and locals
were - especially for people that have so little. I was well taken care of
by my porter Vagi (vargee - I believe) & felt he took great pride in doing
so.
I really miss the stunning views of the
untouched mountains of PNG but especially the simplicity of our days and
nights. I'm looking forward to an escape to the wilderness again closer to
home (soon as I buy some new boots and my knees recover !) to recapture some
of that peace.
Thank you for sharing some of your personal
war time experiences with us.......they were genuinely very interesting and
particularly helpful in trying to understand the veterans that we assist.
So thanks again - and to Rhonda for all her
hard work behind the scenes.
If Rhonda e-mails me the contact details of
the lady with the baskets I'll pass it on to my girlfriend in cairns who is
happy to purchase me one.
It was a pleasure to meet you & walk with
you. It was an experience that will always be with me. Fondest regards &
take care - the people of PNG are fortunate to have your help.
Phillip Jackes E-mail:
philjackes@yahoo.com
Kokoda, October 2008
Regards
Merv,
Just a short note of
thanks for the experiences I have gathered over the last few days. As Deb
and I have traveled and trekked through many continents and countries I
think I can speak about our Kokoda Track trek, with some authority.
We were very fortunate
to be able to do such a trip considering what our ancestors did to ensure
that we could. A special place, but made even better with the selection of
guides and porters. Although I only spent a small amount of time with you,
seeing what you did for Tom and what you have done for the villages in terms
of water movement was and is substantial. And as for Dave, you would
struggle to find a better character to guide you on such a trip. His
compassion and patience was extraordinary, and his knowledge of the goings
on and atrocities of Kokoda was so informative, he often had us in the palm
of his hand.
We were also blessed
with the quality of your porters and native guides. The choice of Peter and
Arnold as leaders is very wise decisions. But across the board I managed to
interact comprehensively with all the local men, trying to explore their
backgrounds, and am a better person for my meeting with them. Andrew spent
much time teaching us some local music, Bishi for a first timer was awesome,
Kenny, Chilean the character, Simon, Jake, Nelson, and all the other boys
(very humble and loyal to the trip) were just great to be with. I have many
photos, some sad, many happy of the boys and when published would love them
to be sent to them.
If there is any way
in which I can help from Brisbane, I would love to, be it an informal
informative session with potential trekkers, or anything, please do not
hesitate to ask. Just today I bought 2 more books on Kokoda, “Retreat from
Kokoda” and “The Spirit of Kokoda”. I certainly have the Kokoda bug!
I will ensure that
anyone I know utilizes your company, and will pass on your details to
interested parties.
Thanks again Merv for
the wonderful experiences
Phil Jackes
Russel
Shatford E-mail:
rupertofoz@bigpond.com
Kokoda June 2008
Hi.
During my time on
the Kokoda Track I can’t speak highly enough about the support that I
received from Merv, John his assistant and Tom my porter. Due to a physical
mishap they ensured that my experience on the Track was not only enjoyable
but that I completed the trek.
The organization,
assistance and general running before, during and after was first class and
made a taxing undertaking satisfying and very rewarding. The mood within our
Group was always congenial which was a testament to Merv’s friendly
disposition, experience and knowledge of the Track.
All in all this was
an excellently run adventure that I would recommend to anyone who is looking
at walking the Kokoda Track.
Trust this finds you
well, regards to all.
Cheers……………………Russell
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