Kokoda to Sanananda

Day 11

Woke up not so early, maybe 6:30 and was a little slower after celebrations last night.  Maybe a little too much celebration some might say, but we had come a long way and it was worth it.

We had a quick breakfast of donuts and bread before loading into a "truck" to head down to the Kokoda Plateau.  There were a few memorials here.  One for the Aussies,  one for the Japanese and one for the PNG people.  There was also a museum as well which had some photos, stories and some general war memorabilia. It was a small place, but the things inside were nice.  David told us about Templeton and the first contact the Australians had with the Japanese.  He also talked about a few guys who fought in Gallipoli and all wars right through to WWII Kokoda.  There were some tough looking solders.

We then jumped back into the truck and headed toward Popondetta.  This took over 3 hours on a very bumpy as dusty "road". We stopped at the markets to pick up supplies for our next part of the trek and we all went in for a look around.  I bought a new shirt as I gave "Name Sake" my Broncos sleeping shirt this morning as a parting gift for him.  He was really surprised and very happy about getting it.  I would have liked to get a photo of him wearing it, but missed that opportunity.

David bought us a pie from the shops for lunch and to lift our spirits, and it worked.  It was the best pie I have ever eaten. (It should be noted, I would have said that about anything other than noodles at this point)  We said goodbye to Allan(Robbo) and Tip as they were heading home from here and not continuing onto the beach.  They wished they were though.

We finally made the beach ready for our short boat ride only to see the boat we were going on was tiny! The sea was a little choppy and wind was a bit up.  I knew we were going to get wet.   On the way over Pete and I got really wet, Peter more than me.  I have a video of it, and it shows just how wet were getting.  But that did not stop Pete from smiling ear to ear.  He was loving it.

We made a landing at Sanananda and were welcomed by some local dancers who were all dressed up in tribal attire.  We were given a lay and a fresh coconut to drink.  They really wanted us to feel welcomed and that we were going to have a good experience. The coconut was so fresh and was really nice to drink, so refreshing.

We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and easing into beach life, which included a swim in the ocean.  It was quiet warm, but that was fine.  We were then treated to a feast of fresh food cooked by Gybe form the Green Machine.  It was so good!

We are staying in a hut, with rooms in it for each of us.  There is a mattress and a mossie net already placed out for us. It is going to be great sleeping so close to the ocean.

Missing home a lot now and wishing you guys where here with us.  I know you would like this part of the adventure.