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Duration: Varied - See Below
Direction: (KOKODA - OWER'S CORNER) or (OWER'S CORNER - KOKODA)
Soc Kienzle is the youngest son of Captain Bert Kienzle the man who has been given accolades like "Architect of the Kokoda Trail" and "King of the Angels".
Bert's contribution to the Kokoda Trail Campaign is well documented but what many don't realize is that he was at Kokoda for 8 years before the War, throughout the War, and for 35 years afterwards. He was literally fighting for his home which he saw from a distance go up in smoke when the Japanese occupied, trashed and burned it. After the end of World War II , he stayed on in Kokoda to rebuild and expand his Rubber & Cocoa plantations while significantly contributing to the development of Papua New Guinea, the Nation.
Soc Kienzle was born in Port Moresby Hospital in 1950. He grew up, lived and worked at Kokoda until 1983. He spoke Motu ( the true language of the Papuan people - not Pidgin) and Koiari before he spoke English.
As a child, Soc explored the jungle with the History "fuzzy wuzzies" and their families, searching for war relics on the battle sites his father would describe. Much of what is and was in the Kokoda Museum was found by him, including the Japanese Mountain Gun now located next to the Japanese memorial on the Kokoda plateau.
At the age of 13, Soc set the record for a non-national "man" when he crossed the Trail, from MacDonald's Corner to Kokoda in 30 hours including 6 hours sleep at Kagi. Over the ensuing years he traversed different parts of the track helping drove the first cattle to native blocks and on aircraft search and rescue missions. He knows the true war Trail, much of which is no longer being used, better than anyone.
Soc's love of Kokoda did not begin with reading a book although he has read every one that has been written about the Campaign! His passion for Kokoda and its people is in his blood and his desire to maintain the integrity of the Trail is borne for this reason and out of deep respect for his father, the Papuans and the diggers.
Traversing the Trail with Soc entertaining you with stories of the war, and many other tales only he can tell, is an experience you will never forget and one which cannot be matched.
His rapport with the nationals as he talks and jokes with them in Motu will fascinate and amaze you and give you an insight into the local people, their humour and their culture that again, cannot be matched.
EXAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1: Fly to Port Moresby from point of departure. Arrive mid -Afternoon. Overnight Hotel - briefing after dinner. Dinner and Continental breakfast included.
DAY 2: Fly to Kokoda by charter aircraft early a.m. Activities at Kokoda incl. tours of battle sites, memorials and HT Kienzle Museum. Plantation visit and white water gummying( car tubes) optional Traditional welcome and sing-sing at Kokoda Station in the evening. Stay in guesthouse or tents at Kokoda
DAY 3: First day on the Trail. Walk to Isurava Village. Approx 7 hours, hard going. Overnight Isurava Villages
DAY 4: Visit Isurava Memorial - short memorial service held here. Trek to Eora Creek camp. Arduous day also. Battle sites enroute. Small service at Eora Creek. Overnight Eora Ck camp - warm gear needed
DAY 5: Third day on the Trail Walk to Digger's Camp, passing through Templeton's Crossing, over the moss forests and the highest point on the trail, and the ridge of Mt Bellamy. Explanation of original War Trail and pre-war mail trail routes. Overnight Digger's Camp.
DAY 6: Fourth day on Trail. Out of moss forests, open scenery and view of Myola Lakes Evening entertainment by local children. Overnight Kagi.
DAY 7: Kagi to Efogi Past sight of Japanese lantern parade Food re-supply at Efogi Overnight Efogi.
DAY 8: Efogi to Menari Stop and pay respects at Brigade Hill, full history lesson. Nights not so cold from here on. Overnight Menari.
DAY 9: Walk to Nauro - over the "Wall" down through the swamps of the Brown River. Lunch at nice swimming hole. On to new Nauro village or Ofe Ck.
DAY 10: Eighth day. Big day's walk. Over the nine false peaks of the Naduli Range, down the "Japanese Ladder" visiting Japanese trenches and battle sites. Past Station 88 and over Iorabiawa Ridge, pointing out original War Trail. On down to Ua-ule Creek. Overnight here.
DAY 11: Early start. Up over Imita Ridge, down Golden Stairs past Dump 66. Cross the Goldie River and up to Ower's Corner THROUGH THE ARCHES - the end of the Trail. Call in to Bomana War Cemetery en route to Port Moresby. Overnight Hotel POM. Debriefing & presentation over dinner. Dinner & complimentary champagne included.
DAY 12: Transfer to POM airport for morning flight home. Breakfast included.
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The Soc Kienzle Historical Trekking costs include :
Are you ready? Book now for your trek.
Australian Office - Gold Coast
Nathan Thomas
Phone Office : (07) 55 716 512
Mobile Phone : 0415 499 495
Email : trekking@kokodatrail.com.au