yesterday was the first time all four of us got to walk on the kokoda track. we worked well together and kept fairly close together, i am always last on the hills.
we took two cars and started at pollys hill (majella's first time) and then to the water circuit, we were able to find the small path to the environmental centre which brad and i couldnt find last time, so great to know where it is as you end up going to it twice in the event.
the water circuit with its 8 creek crossings is very beautiful, no one got wet which was a bonus but at night it will be really hard not to take a wrong step and go in. after the creek crossings there is a very steep hill before getting to the hall, i can only imagine how its going to feel after 50k and 3 previous mountains. had a break at the hall and met some women who had been doing the checkpoint 11 for the past few years, great to hear some tips from them about what we need and how to protect ourselves (blisters, knees, extreme cold)
the walk back up the mountain was long but this older dude on his own just flew up by all of us (makes you appreciate that hiking is not just for the young) and then over the ridge and down.
i felt okay, no more forefoot pain now i am getting pain in my arches and ankles so off to the podiatrist again to see what to do. the boys pulled up well though brad's back and knee was a bit sore, majella got a blister but walked through it (she's tough) and alan looked fresh as a daisy.
next week hope to take to gang to mt maroon for a change and a challenge
I can't imagine what it will be like to do at night! Your podiatrist must be making good money at the moment. How did i know Alan wouldn't even raise a sweat? Keep in going, you're nearly there. Proud of ya!
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