The final day began at 05:30hrs also, with hike to Owers’ Corner commencing an hour later. First we would have to descend to Ua-Ule Creek, with numerous crossings of the river required before starting up the ridgeline to Imita. Following brief tea stop half way up we arrived at Imita Ridge before noon. This is the site of the last defensive positions by Australian forces. For although Japanese forces could now see the Coral Sea from Ioribaiwa Ridge and the glow of lights at night time from Port Moresby, they were instructed to retreat by Tokyo High Command following naval defeats against America at Battle of the Coral Sea and fierce fighting in Guadalcanal. This was the turning point in the Kokoda Campaign that ultimately led to the first land defeat of Japanese forces in WWII at Buna and Gona beaches on the north coast four months later.
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We continued on our trek to Uberi at the bottom of the valley to the south of Imita Ridge and on to the Golden River where we had lunch – our final frugal affair! It was also an opportunity to soak body and clothes in the river so we would not be too smelly during the car journey back to Port Moresby! And so finally to our last uphill ascent towards Owers’ Corner – a short stretch lasting 45 minutes only. Once there we posed for obligatory photos at the gateway erected at the trail head, with the Owen Stanley Range forming fitting backdrop.
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We continued on our trek to Uberi at the bottom of the valley to the south of Imita Ridge and on to the Golden River where we had lunch – our final frugal affair! It was also an opportunity to soak body and clothes in the river so we would not be too smelly during the car journey back to Port Moresby! And so finally to our last uphill ascent towards Owers’ Corner – a short stretch lasting 45 minutes only. Once there we posed for obligatory photos at the gateway erected at the trail head, with the Owen Stanley Range forming fitting backdrop.
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While waiting for the transport to arrive I found myself mesmerised by the beauty and tranquillity of the mountains; what a contrast to the nasty surprises awaiting those whom venture through the tree canopy below. And having now completed the trek, I marvelled even more at the hardiness of Australia’s finest sons that overcame such great hardships and depravities. No one leaves this place without at least understanding the true meaning of "Courage", "Sacrifice", "Endurance" and "Mateship".
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For Simon, Daren and myself, we can at least claim to have accomplished our four goals, and in the process forging a new mateship with our guide Dave - four Pommies with a common passion for adventure.
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