Eora Creek to Isurava

Day 9

Had a bit of a sleep in this morning, did not get up till well after 6...almost 6:30am.  Was a cold night, even had to put my jumper on.  Being warm made for a good sleep. Allan woke up feeling completely better, which is good for him. Peter is still sounding like he has a cold.

A short walk down and up a ridge where we got to the Japanese position of a mountain gun that had clear firing down onto Eora Creek.  This is what made it so hard to cross at Templetons Crossing.  Dave told us about the Menusu brothers.  Where 2 brothers we killed in action and a 3rd was pulled out of the line of fire so their mother did not have to loose all her children in the one war.  The way Dave told it and the details about the brothers really got to me.  He said he did not tell the story cause we were brothers  but he thought it would have great meaning and understanding to us.  Steven remarked that one generation difference and it could have been us.  That poor family and it was just one story of hundreds like it.

We continued on with more of the same, short hard walking until we reached a spot for "morno's".  Army term for morning tea, which I love using.  Here we were able to buy twisties and a soft drink, which I splashed out for.  It was a cute village and some really cute kids.

More short hard walking until we got to Con's Rock.  Big story about Con's rock which dave retold while we were all sitting around it.  There was also a plark there for Bisset.

We were now not far from Isurava.  When walking into it I was just overtaken with emotion.  The place is beautiful, which would have been the complete opposite of how it would have been 70 years ago.  I can only image how terrifying the place would have been back then.  The monument is perfect and its location is nothing but spectacular.

There is also a plark for Kingsbury VC here.  He charged the Japanese with his tommy gun clearing the way for his mates to retake the position.  He paid the ultimate, but without him things would have been very different.

This spot was also very special as we got to have a shower.  So we had one and washed our clothes.  Not sure how well they will dry however, looks like we are about to get some afternoon rain.  Got too have a little leisurely walk around the area with Steve and Peter.  Was really nice just hanging out with the brothers. It feels so good they are here doing it with me.  Going to be something we never forget.

I got another message!!! Feels great.  Was thinking about home and was wishing I was there to cheer on the boys (Broncos) with you.  Hope you have a good night and you can bring home the victory.

Just before bed Peter had a fall down a slippery muddy track.  We are staying up for a bit to dry by the fire.  We managed to stay up till 8:30 and Peter clothes, although dirty, were dry.

Tomorrow KOKODA!!!!!!