MARK RICCIUTO - KOKODA TRACK JUNE 2009
Where do I start? Having experienced many years in elite footy, I thought I was prepared for this. I know about training hard. I know about team play. I know about supporting your mates. But I didn’t know about the PNG jungle these blokes fought for their lives (and ours) in. I didn’t know about the hills, the mud, the humidity and the rain. About Brigade Hill where our diggers were outnumbered 6 to 1 and cut off from their command. About Isurava, where a bunch of young, inexperienced volunteers held off the might of the Japanese Army.
Getaway Trekking surpassed all of my expectations; their pre trek preparation and training of our group...their PNG staff and logistical backup... and the in depth knowledge of Wartime History and local culture by the Getaway Trekking leaders made this a journey of a lifetime.
I’ve learned a lot from footy, but there are still lessons out there - there were plenty of times when we had to dig deep, and everyone pitched in and supported each other. And I learned from our carriers – these guys own nothing, but give you everything. Always smiling, always helping, always an outstretched hand. Top blokes.
I highly recommend Getaway Trekking to anyone who wishes to tackle the Kokoda track and experience this Australian iconic adventure in a safe and supportive manner...Mark Ricciuto
Adelaide Crows
CHARLES DUNN - KOKODA TRACK August 2009
Where does one start with the thank-yous?
The first must go to Chester my porter. Not only did he guide my every step, lifted me up and over steep inclines he also lowered me down with gentle strength. He also knew of my attachment to Gona and was there for me during some very troubled hours. From Chester I have gained both strength and humility.
Next I must thank both Kevin and Wayne who helped in the facilitation of my journey, to learn more about my father as the Registered Medical Officer at Gona during the battle for Gona, the laying to rest of the last remaining ashes of my father near the cross of the Old Gona Mission and assisting me in the difficult journey in the discovery of myself. I hope I never forget the lessons learned along the track.
The last but by no-means least thank-you goes to all the team at Getaway Trekking. Without them my very personal journey would have neither started nor come to its rightful conclusion. To all of you, words do not adequately express my heartfelt thanks.
On a less personal note may I congratulate you all on a well run trek. I had spoken to people who had walked Kokoda with other trekking companies. You not only met but exceeded expectation. Your attention to the history of the Trail, needs of individual trekkers and never forget the care of the porters has made this a moment in my life which will remain with me forever.
Getaway Trekking will be the company that I will recommend to anyone I know who is about to embark on such a journey, be it in PNG, Australia, Viet Nam or Thailand.
Charles Dunn28 Church Street
Rutherglen VIC 3685
John Cockle – Kokoda Track
If you are considering doing Kokoda, do yourself a favor and make sure you look at the Getaway Trekking offering. In my job I’m sitting around all day and wanted to do something to improve my fitness. I thought all trekking companies were the same, but this could not have been further from the truth.It’s Getaway’s attention to detail that sets them apart from their competitors. From the information nights, that explained fully what we should expect, to the unobtrusive monitoring of your training program, to ensure your ultimate experience.
Their New Guinea carriers are from the seaside village of Buna….. We were blown away by their caring nature, knowledge and encouragement. Not seen with other trekking companies, you are guaranteed a special bond with your personal carrier.
Our Getaway Trekking leader’s knowledge of the Kokoda Trail, the campaign, and local history had us in tears on occasions. However for most of the trip, as a 55 year old, I truly felt like a 15 yr kid on camp with the Getaway camaraderie having us in fits of laughter from dawn to dusk.
I did the trip with my 25 yr old son-in-law and thanks to Getaway we have an even stronger lifetime friendship bond due to this experience. If you are contemplating Kokoda you owe it to yourself to look at the Getaway package and you will experience a life time changing holiday full of light, fun and fitness.
The great news is you certainly don’t have to be an athlete to take advantage of this holiday. The colleagues that I met on the trip due to the Getaway dynamics left us with a lifelong interest and bond within each other.
John Cockle
Managing Director
Financial Foundations
Greg Hutchinson – Kokoda Track
I would like to say that I had a great time and an unforgettable time and it goes down as one of my greatest trips.
I must admit also I was a bit apprehensive about a female leader, but I think that Kellie was outstanding and was an inspiration as well and acquitted herself really well.
Cheers
Greg Hutchinson
Paul Tynan – Kokoda Track
For me, the Kokoda track was a true learning adventure:
* To learn how our Australian soldiers had to fight and survive in unbelievable conditions.
* To learn how gentle and innocent the Buna people are….who live such a happy and contented life…
* To learn how to appreciate the little things in life.
* To learn to appreciate Mateship, Endurance, Courage, Sacrifice.
The Kokoda track to me was about hills, creeks, climbing up, climbing down, the military history, a sense of a place where Australia came of age and the Buna People “our carriers” who got us through our journey.
When we arrived at Owers Corner, at the top of the Kokoda Trail Arch, the carriers formed a guard of honour for all the trekkers…I kissed the feet of my carrier (Gerry) in appreciation of getting me through my personal journey. I will never forget the “Jum Jum” or the 2 minutes before we commenced our walks….the gentle caring nature of our carriers…
Goodbye PNG..I will never forget the spirit of the Kokoda Track and the gentle helping hands of the BUNA people.
Finally let me say thank you to those who shared this journey; my mates for life, and our carriers, the true heroes of the track.
Paul Tynan
John and Connie Ross – Kokoda Track
I’m sorry not to have written this before Sue, but we are most grateful for everything you did for us and helping us to achieve a cherished dream! If we do nothing else in our lives from here on, we have that wonderful experience to remember and we are stronger, different people for the experience too!!! The country and it’s beautiful people, the haunting history of the Kokoda Track and the deeds of our soldiers and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels remain an indelible memory. We will always remember you and Shaun as cheerful, caring and committed leaders and along with all the nationals, particularly Carson and Dennis, Basil, Brian and Co, you have endeared yourselves to both of us in so many ways Sue!
Thank you too for your help in getting me through my passport problems at the High Commission...it would be great to go on the Sandakan trip with you for Anzac next year.
Take care and regards,
John and Connie Ross
Paul Roberton – Kokoda Track
My congratulations and thanks for a spectacular Kokoda Trek. From the outset, it was clear we were in excellent hands with you. Your cheery leadership and knowledge even made the 5am starts tolerable!
I really appreciated the time you took to help me get my pack sorted. You helped me get back to basics and once I knew I could cope with the pack, I started to relax a bit more and enjoyed myself so much!
I’d like to thank Sue as well. Our little chat at Kinglake was a timely kick in the pants about the amount of weight I was training with. Those last three weeks of ‘last chance training’ probably made it possible to for me to finish the trek!
Your passion for the Track, its people and its history really made this an opportunity of a lifetime. I could never have imagined being able to participate in a memorial service on Brigade Hill, or watch my Dad do the same at Isurava. I was absolutely astonished to see parties ‘power-walk’ straight through places like Brigade Hill, and I’m glad we weren’t one of them!
Two things stand out as highlights;
- Walking down into Isurava and seeing the Memorial pretty much stopped me in my tracks. The view over the back of Kokoda Gap above the cloud cover will remain with me all the rest of my days, and
- Being able to meet and bond with the Nationals, singing and learning songs with them, playing rugby with them and seeing them in their homes and meeting their families in Buna afterwards.
Walking the Kokoda Track has taught me about life, and about myself. This would not have been possible without you and Sue, and the rest of the Getaway Team.
My most profound thanks,
Paul Roberton.
Scott Wendt – Kokoda Track
Having been back for a few days, and having the opportunity to reflect on our achievements of the past 10 or so days I can genuinely say I could never imagined actually doing the the trail let alone completing it. I still cannot believe what I have just done and am so grateful for the experience and am also equally grateful for being able to share it with my new 12 lifelong friends.
From the very outset of getting the show on the road with respect to gear purchasing, flight details and training and assessing the physical strengths of the group - you cared from the outset to ensure the whole experience was a enjoyable one for not only me but for the group.
You made what was at times a physically trying and emotional experience into an uplifting and enjoyable experience. Your intimate knowledge of Papuan customs and procedures only enhanced both mine and the groups experience. You kept repeating " expect the unexpected" and I can now understand why. Nothing is what it seems in Papua New Guinea and our environment changed rapidly, whether it was the unpredictable weather patterns or falling a day or so behind due to the weather, you took it all in your stride and moved onto the plan b,c, and d.
Unlike alot of comparative trekking companies who take away groups of up to a 120, by you capping group sizes to 20 ( and in our case 13 ) really made our team a team. We were all in it together and having a group so personal in size made us all work and live together as one tuned unit.
Wayne, you made the group "click" with your easy going attitude and put everyone in the group at ease with the conditions, there at times physical state and were often the counselor for the emotional roller coaster we were all on. Your local knowledge on Wartime history relating to battles, artifacts was also great in enhancing the overall feel of the trip and just added to the already high level of respect for the fallen and the sacrifices made on the track.
Our trip was highlighted by the moving Dawn Service at Isurava on Anzac Day and was a great time to reflect on the sacrifices our forefathers made for our freedoms of today. Then of course we commenced our final 7 hours of walking to Kokoda to finish.
Having the opportunity to visit the village of Buna was also a highlight.
Being able to float in the warm waters of the Coral Sea and reflect on our achievements as a group was fantastic. This trip to Buna also gave us the opportunity to meet our Carriers families and friends. It was particularly evident as to the level of respect you have ( and now we have ) for the national carriers. What magnificent human beings they are, so caring and prepared to put their own safety second to that of ours. Always encouraging and caring to the very end. Absolutely fantastic !
Once again Wayne, thank you for making my Kokoda experience one that will be with me the rest of my life. i would have no hesitation in recommending Getaway Trekking for anyone or group considering embarking on the spiritual journey of the Kokoda Trail.
Kindest regards,
Scotty Wendt
Craig Schwerdt – Kokoda Track
Words can not really describe the time I had in PNG walking the Kokoda trail with you and all the team. I can not thank you enough for what was one of the most memorable weeks of my life. I am so proud to call myself an Australian and this experience is life changing for me. Thank you for the assistance in training and preparation so that I could actually enjoy the time walking.
Again thanks for everything and I will be recommending all that if you want to walk Kokoda see Getaway!
Warmest regards,
Craig Schwerdt
General Manager / Sales & Marketing
Stafford Group Pty Ltd
Tony Kenna – Kokoda Track
“What an experience"
Physically and mentally demanding, and equally as satisfying. A personal highlight for me was Kevin’s thorough knowledge of the war history and the significance of certain areas i.e. battle fields etc. That made the trek a living history lesson.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience (even the food and accommodation – but not the toilets).
We had a fantastic group, and the small size (16) allowed us to walk together as a group which helped create a great support base – for those times when it was needed (and there were plenty of those.) The size of the group also made it a lot easier to get to know each other and that helped pass the time, and added to the total experience.
Kevin’s patience, experience and strong leadership provided a level of comfort that is hard to find in remote, hostile environments.
Thanks again for a wonderful experience
Regards,
Tony Kenna
National Client Service Director
(www.belonggroup.com.au)
Sarah McDonald – Kokoda Track
Not long after meeting Kevin I found myself on board to hike the 'gruelling' Kokoda Track which, although I didn't know it yet, would end up having a significant impact on my life.
We commenced our training to prepare for the upcoming hike in June. I was a bit hesitant to begin with about being able to reach a high level of fitness in such a short period of time and with no real hiking experience behind me. Kevin encouraged me every step of the way through a tough training regime. He gave me the motivation and determination needed to get through the trip.
The trip far outweighed my expectations. I was supported and educated by Kevin the whole way along the Track. With no real prior knowledge of the 1942 campaign, I now have a new found respect for what our soldiers must have gone through. I have become very passionate about Kokoda and used my experience to educate others.
Hiking the Track was an experience of a lifetime and by far my greatest achievement. It has been a life changing experience in so many ways. I now have the motivation to achieve anything I want to in life and quite often remind myself that 'If I can do Kokoda, I can do anything'.
Now at the age of 22 I am a member of the Victoria Police Force, an outdoor leader with an adventure company, a proud house owner and a much more confident volunteer fire-fighter.
Kev, thanks mate! You really have had a huge impact on my life!
For a life changing experience I would recommend Kevin, Wayne & Getaway Trekking to anyone!
Regards,
Sarah MCDONALD
Constable 35084
Nunawading Police Station
Janene Ferguson – Kokoda Track
Thank you both very much for all your efforts in helping me with my Kokoda trip last month. I found the challenge everyday amazing and even more incredible that I crossed the finish line. This trip was fantastic, even though I am not a camper!! Great encouragement from you both. Well done. I really appreciate your help and look forward to seeing you soon.
All the best,
Janene Ferguson;
Principal of Harvey World Travel (South Melbourne)
Peter Gamgee – Kokoda Track
In April 2006 I experienced the Kokoda Track with a small group under the care of Getaway Trekking. This had been something I had wanted to do for some time and was fortunate enough to be introduced to Getaway and Kevin through Wayne.
The trek more than met my expectations and was far better than any other trekking group experiences we observed along the way.
First we trained together – organized by Kevin – before we went – and were prepared individually and also as a team. Most of us also read, or heard from others about the Kokoda campaign of 1942 and were able to relate the stories to the places we visited along the track. I have since re-read some of those books now that I can relate even more to what it must have been like for our soldiers.
We walked at a comfortable pace – taking the time to visit the sites, and interact with the nationals in the villages. We also visited Myola – not on the usual trekking route, and yet a significant site used for resupply during the war – then being the only flattish and clear area along the track.
It was clear that other co-track trekkers were envious of our group and the friendly and often jovial way we interacted along the track.
We also did a little more than just Kokoda – to top off the experience we spent a day at Buna on the coast. Buna is a picturesque village situated on the site of a major battle.
There is no doubt to me that our group experience was made exceptional due to the Getaway approach and personal involvement which provides a much more rounded and safe experience than I have observed from other trekking groups. The totally friendly, realistic, caring approach to trekkers and nationals was fantastic.
I plan to trek with Kevin & Wayne again and would recommend Getaway without hesitation to anyone planning to experience trekking in the out-of-the way places.
Peter Gamgee AM BE
Principal Consultant
SMS Management & Technology
John Szanyi – Kokoda Track
Completing the Kokoda Track has always been a goal of mine, as my Grandfather served in New Guinea during WW2. I waited until I was 42 years old and the experience has changed my life.
During the last year, I spoke to a number of trekking companies regarding completing the Kokoda Track, but more importantly I wanted someone that I was comfortable with. I chose Getaway Trekking. I could not have wished for a greater experience with Getaway Trekking, (Kevin and Wayne Principals of Getaway) they were personal and friendly, their knowledge and history of the Track was exceptional.
I do not have a background in camping or tracking but our pre trip briefing prepared me for the trip. We experienced local culture and learning’s, the interaction with our porters was an experience in itself. Both Wayne and Kevin could not have been more obliging or helpful in any way. I now consider them both personal friends and in time I will complete the Kokoda Track again, next time with my Son. They made the Kokoda walk an experience I will never forget. People who have not completed the Kokoda Track often ask did I get anything out of the trip, my response is, ‘’it was an experience that has changed my life for the better and something I will never forget.’’
John Szanyi; (Director) -
1Step Communications - Telstra Dealer
East Keilor, Victoria (0418 345 777)
Lynn Dean – Kokoda Track
I would like to thank you for a fantastic Trip to Papua New Guinea. Terry, Aaron and I had a wonderful experience walking the Kokoda Trail with you, and the modern Fuzzy Wuzzy’s [Nationals] with us on the trek.
The care, and help we received from sore knees to finding mushrooms and orchids. To watching closely as we crossed the many rivers. But most of all the care Aaron
received on the day he spent vomiting from too much Tapioca cake. “Exceptional” The knowledge of all the fighting we received was great, even to finding an elusive used bullet shell for Aaron nothing was too much trouble.
We enjoyed the slower pace than all the other trekkers we passed along the way as we were able to look at the flowers and find out all the information on a particular area as we passed. We think about all those others that missed out on fox holes and all the other information as they were going to fast to even look at the scenery or stop to see anything.
Buna was an added bonus to rest and relax by the beach, warm water to swim in. An amazing welcome from the local people and the fabulous meals and care received ‘Wow” our washing done and our boots cleaned what more could you want. There is even more war related things to see here as the Japanese landed at Buna at the start of the war. Your choice of Nationals was great as they were very gentle caring men and could not do enough for us.
It was an honor and a privilege to travel with your company and I would like to thank-you again for an awesome trip and will be recommending your company to everyone I speak to.
Kindest Regards
Lynn Dean;
Owner Manager
Harvey World Travel Chirnside Park
The Travel Professionals
Kathy Serra –Annapurna Sanctuary
As a first time trekker I would like to thank Kevin and Wayne for the ultimate experience of my life, it is one I will never forget. Both Kevin and Wayne provided an endless amount of encouragement, guidance, support and many laughs along our trek. You both make an incredibly dynamic team; it was a pleasure to have been a part of such a wonderful group.
What an amazing four weeks, actually stepping inside and experiencing the local Nepalese culture and lifestyle. On completing our trek up to Annapurna Base Camp, within the Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal in November 2006 with Getaway Trekking, I am entirely passionate about the Nepalese Country. I have already returned to Nepal during the Christmas break, some 4 weeks after my first trip and will be back again soon.
Getaway Trekking and its wonderful supportive team of local guides and porters have changed my life forever.
Kathy Serra – Commercial Manager
New Sector Engineering
Bayswater Vic (0408 671 622)
Aleisha Clark – Adelaide Crows Group / Kokoda Track
Have started to settle back in at home, but am still so excited from our trip! I think everyone is starting to get sick of every little detail of our trip! I can’t stop talking about it! Met a girl at Bootcamp this week who is doing the trek in a couple of months...thinking she probably won’t ask me any more questions as I talked through the whole session – think she will steer clear of me from now on!
I cannot thank you enough for all of your help and support over the course of our trip.
I had an awesome time and you and Kev were a massive part of that! – keep up the great work!
Take Care.
Aleisha
Helen Farrell – Adelaide Crows Group / Kokoda Track
I was deeply touched by the certificate that arrived the other day to say I participated in the Assault on the Kokoda Track, I will have it framed and hung with pride on my office wall. I have been quite surprised by the amount of people who presumed I finished the trek and they listened with great interest at our experience being airlifted out and our insight into the Port Moresby hospital. I still reflect on the journey and how great the experience was.
Helen Farrell
Will Maley
I just wanted to thank you for the manner with which you and Kevin dealt with our recent group members requiring evacuation. Although I would far rather be thanking you for something else, sometimes illness and injury are a reality when undertaking this type of activity. Not being able to continue, our clients were evacuated and under medical care as quickly and efficiently as weather conditions permitted. They have also reported that you demonstrated a care and concern for their wellbeing that was extremely comforting. Thanks again; it’s very reassuring to know that in an emergency, your responses are professional and caring.
Regards,
Will.
Business Development Manager, Flight Centre Adelaide