Kokoda Track - June 2009
Our Spirit gave me contact details for other ladies who had trekked with them and these ladies were most helpful and the key reason I chose to trek with Our Spirit
"Meticulous planning on the part of Our Spirit. Paul was a wealth of info as he had walked the Track with Our Spirit, a huge plus and selling point for me. He had also stayed and dived at Loloata Island.
- Our Spirit gave me contact details for other ladies who had trekked with them and these ladies were most helpful. First hand recommendation is most important to me (anyone can build a fantastic website) and the key reason I chose your company.
- Good and prompt communication on most occasions
- I enjoyed starting the journey up towards the beachheads, giving us a snapshot of more of the country ( and history) than just the track.
- The legends were all, without exception, friendly, helpful and caring.
- I enjoyed not having to walk ‘nose to tail’ like other groups we passed. When you’re all one after the other you wouldn’t be inclined to stop and ‘smell the roses’ as much, take photos etc because you’d feel you were holding the group up.
- Aidan’s motivational praise to keep us moving.
- I loved making camp each night with just ourselves.
- Carrying the medals and learning the story of an old digger made the trek that much more meaningful.
- Visiting Bomana cemetery at the end of the trek, rather than as you were setting out.
- Staying at a hotel that necessitated a drive through downtown Pt Moresby ( as opposed to airport hotels) – again another snapshot of the city we would not have seen if we’d been staying at say the Airways Hotel.
- The ration packs. Very filling and tasty."
Liz Murray, Trilby Station, NSW
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2009
Trekking the Kokoda Track with Our Spirit has provided me with self belief, an understanding of what the Diggers of 1942 suffered yet achieved and made me accept
"Hi Aidan,
Thank you for the opportunity to trek the Kokoda Track with Our Spirit. Our Spirit's reputation and level of professionalism is second to none. This was obvious whilst walking the Track and witnessing the respect the locals have for you and Our Spirit.
Thank you again for allowing me to trek with the Police Group. What an amazing bunch of individuals and an outstanding group. It was a privilege to be a part of this group and to share an unforgettable experience with people that started out as strangers and finished as friends. Seeing Our Spirit's passion for the Track and his accounts of the events of 1942 left me lost for words and in tears on more than one occasion.
Everything Our Spirit told me before the trek was true!! I was adamant prior to departure that I would not walk any part of the Track after dark. Sure enough my lack of respect was realised and the Track provided me with one evening of darkness and walking in the rain. He had also told me the Track was 70% mental toughness and 30% physical fitness. I can now understand and appreciate that my mental strength and resilience along with one foot after the other was what got me there in the end.
Again, I cannot thank you enough for such an unforgettable experience. Trekking the Kokoda Track with Our Spirit has provided me with self belief, an understanding of what the Diggers of 1942 suffered yet achieved and made me accept what a difference I make in my job working with current serving ADF personnel.
Regards,
Leisa White"
Leisa White, Snr Rehab Consultant, CRS Australia
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2009
It is now one week and a day since we got back but my mind and spirit is till up there in PNG, I would bet I’m not the only one feeling that way.
K. Dodd - QLD Police
Kokoda Trek - March 2009
Owen's genuine enthusiasm in detailing the war events created our own "talking book" with each important campaign
A trekker's opinions and feelings about his experience are detailed in the following letter addressed to our Director, Aidan Grimes
Letter from Stephen Bennett
Kokoda Trek - March 2009
Kokoda Women on the March - miss the everyday simplicity of life we had in PNG, the people of the villages, the legends and all the friendships of everyone
Kokoda Women on the March
I am still feeling so overwhelmed by our journey in PNG. It’s a weird feeling to miss your family so much and then when you get home you miss the everyday simplicity of life we had in PNG, the people of the villages, the legends and all the friendships of everyone. Keep looking at the photos and pinching myself.
Sandy S. Business Manager, VIC
Black Cat Trek - September 2008
The Our Spirit team have really outdone themselves with this package of in depth military history in an area of one of Australia's unsung and often forgotten and bloody commando campaigns.
"I recently completed the Black Cat Trail from Wau to Salamaua with Aidan. I wish to thank him for a well orgainsed and highly successful trek. The Our Spirit team have really outdone themselves with this package of in depth military history in an area of one of Australia's unsung and often forgotten and bloody commando campaigns. It travels through some rugged and relatively untouched natural environments .....heaps of wildlife and military relics. The local cultural involvement by the PNG villagers was another highlight.....a tremendous cultural experience with traditional welcomes and singalongs, rafting the Francisco river on bamboo / banana rafts, watching a village hunter show off his bow and arrow skills, home grown fruit ....sugarcane/pawpaw/cocunuts/pineapple, swimming amongst a coral reef; and to top it off after our mountainous journey, resting the night amongst an idealic coastal/palm tree sunset. The military significance of the trip was brought home on a number of occasions with some heart felt moments for us trekkers and also the legends alike. I think it's the passion, genuine meaning and team building that Aiden gives to the trip that gets to you. Well done Aiden, Kris and the team. This trip is a must."Owen Turner, Grafton, NSW
Testimonial by Jayson Hawke, QLD
The highlights of the trip for me were the passionate presentation of the war history, particularly the balanced perspective provided on both the Australian and Japanese side...
Kokoda Track - October 2008
Overall a fantastic trip.
The group leader was a credit to your company and always had complete control of the group. His ability to deal with minor medical issues prior to them becoming issues that may have prevented completion of the track made a great difference to me personally.
Our lead legend accommodated all requests with a smile and his sense of humour is something I will not forget. The highlights of the trip for me were:
(a) the people along the trek,
(b) the passionate presentation of the war history, particularly the balanced perspective provided on both the Australian and Japanese side.
(c) the additional mental toughness and great kick start to getting my fitness on track.
Jayson Hawke, QLD
Testimonial by Andrew Ireland, Lawyer, The Argile Partnership
Great experience, great team. Very good military perspective...
Kokoda Track - October 2008
- great experience
- great team, both Rob and Greg were good. Rob with medical background was fantastic, particularly when two of the boys needed help as well as with feet maintenance.
- very good military perspective
- Island resort was great as well
- As said above - great team
Andrew Ireland, Lawyer, The Argile Partnership
Testimonial by John Ball, Microsoft
I had the tremendous experience to hike the Kokoda Trail with Our Spirit. Our Spirit's leaders did an amazing job of bringing to life the key battles that happened along the way.
Kokoda Track - September 2008
The following email was sent to Stan Bisset upon returning from the Kokoda September trek:
"Stan,
John Ball, Microsoft
Testimonial by Rob L'Estrange, NSW
I can't tell how much it meant to me to do the Blackcat and what a privilage it was to trek with you and the legends
Black Cat Trail - Sept. 08
"I can't tell how much it meant to me to do the Blackcat and what a privilage it was to trek with you and the legends, thankyou all for the experience and friendship. The trek has sparked a deeper interest in the whole picture of the campains in PNG especially the 2/7th commando's. They were at Mubo, Wau, Bena Bena, Ramu Valley, Nadzab, Kaiapit, Bulolo, Kesaway, Dove Bay, Shaggy Ridge, Dumpu, Wewak. Even if I was fit enough I couldn't cover that amount of territory in the time I have left on the planet. I am going to the 2/7th reunion at Port Maquarie in November I will be taking the video footage I took on our trek and photos to speak about my experience."
Rob L'Estrange, NSW
Testimonial by John & Richie Butler (son, grandson of Captain CDG Butler - 2nd 14th)
Your knowledge of the battles, the positioning of the opposing forces and the enthusiasm and knowledge with which you spoke was simply inspiring. Dad (Captain CDG Butler of the 2/14th Battalion) had spoken many times...
Kokoda Track - August 2008
"Dear Aidan and Rob and the Our Spirit team, John and Richie Butler - VIC
Testimonial by Gary French (Son of Lt. French, 39th Militia Battalion) VIC
My trip was the culmination of a lifetime ambition to be there and pay my respects to all who fought on the track...
Kokoda Track - August 2008
"Dear Aidan,
Just a short note to let you know that my trip was the culmination of a lifetime ambition to be there and pay my respects to all who fought on the track and in particular the 39th Battalion. Your guidance and commentary was exemplary and I regard you as a very passionate AUSTRALIAN. I place you on the same level as the authors, Peter Brune and Peter Fitzsimons with regard to making people aware of what took place on the track.
Good luck for the future,
REGARDS, Gary"
Gary French (Son of Lt. French, 39th Militia Battalion) VIC
Testimonial by Robert Mann - VIC
Aidan's passion and knowledge of/for the track made the whole experience a sensational holiday for me and our group.
Kokoda Track - August 2008
"Dear Our Spirit team,
Thank you all so much for the help and guidance that you gave me and our group on our recent Kokoda adventure.
Your passion for the track is evident to us all and we encourage you to continue the good work on keeping it sustainable, so many more people can visit and experience what it was like during 1942-43.
Please find enclosed my last remaining kena what you might put to good use when you go back in a few weeks time.
With kind regards,
Bobby Mann"
Robert Mann - VIC
Son of 39th Militia Lieutenant on Kokoda
I place Aidan Grimes on the same level as the authors, Peter Brune and Peter Fitzsimons with regard to making people aware of what took place on the track.
Kokoda Track - August 2008
"Dear Aidan,
Just a short note to let you know that my trip was the culmination of a lifetime ambition to be there and pay my respects to all who fought on the track and in particular the 39th Battalion. Your guidance and commentary was exemplary and I regard you as a very passionate AUSTRALIAN. I place you on the same level as the authors, Peter Brune and Peter Fitzsimons with regard to making people aware of what took place on the track.
Good luck for the future,
REGARDS, Gary"
Gary French (Son of Lt. French, 39th Militia Battalion) VIC
Kokoda Trek - August 2008
Your guidance and commentary was exemplary making this trip a culmination of a lifetime ambition to be there and pay my respects to all who fought on the track and in particular the 39th Battalion.
"Dear Aidan,
Just a short note to let you know that my trip was the culmination of a lifetime ambition to be there and pay my respects to all who fought on the track and in particular the 39th Battalion. Your guidance and commentary was exemplary and I regard you as a very passionate AUSTRALIAN. I place you on the same level as the authors, Peter Brune and Peter Fitzsimons with regard to making people aware of what took place on the track.
Good luck for the future,
REGARDS, Gary"
Gary French (Son of Lt. French, 39th Militia Battalion) VIC
Kokoda Track - August 2008
Your knowledge, enthusiasm and focus of the historical events and the personal sacrifice of the Australian soldiers on the track in 1942 constantly reminded us of their extraordinary commitment, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Australia
"Dear Aidan and Rob and the Our Spirit team,
John and Richie Butler - VIC
Kokoda Trekker - July 2008
Hear in explicit detail through descriptions, explanations, accounts and poetry about the hell our diggers went through in '42.
Kokoda Track - July 2008
"To do the Kokoda Track and not hear the full and complete story of the hell the diggers went through is a dreadful missed opportunity that some trackers face. Our Spirit allows the Kokoda track to challenge us both physically and emotionally as you hear in explicit detail through descriptions, explanations, accounts and poetry about the hell our diggers went through in '42.
Everybody was touched by the passion and emotion that your trek leaders create as they recounted the desperate fighting withdrawal of the 21st brigade and the 39th battallion. This is an experience that I would recommend to all Australians, Thanks Aidan."
Kerrin McKenzie, Terang, VIC
Testimonial by Matt McConnell, 20 year old, Warrnambool
Overall I was honoured to do the track with such a professional company and will one day do it again! Thanks heaps - it has been a great journey!!
Kokoda Track - July 2008
As a 20 year old male, I found the Kokoda Track an amazing experience. Before the trip I knew barely anything about the torturous conditions suffered by all of the soldiers.. Our trek leader was amazing at giving all of us on the trip a great insight into the happenings along the track and his feelings were shown greatly in his presentations, particularly at Brigade Hill and Isurava.
Loved the way that we were able to interact with villages along the way and also village meals were great.
The Legends (Papuan guides) on our trip were an amazing bunch of blokes who were willing to help with the understanding of their native "motu" language and with details on the track.
The days were at a great length with the "rest days" fitting in well to the itinerary.
On talking with people trekking with other companies, we realised we were quite lucky to get the insight on the track that they didn't seem to.
I did although, get sick of pasta, fresh fruit/vegies were great and teh roast/hotpot meals were different and nice.
Matthew McCallum, 20 Year Old, Warrnambool
Testimonial by Anne Brown, Bendigo, VIC
Looking at many of the groups along the way, it was just a trek, they were way too big, didn't get the history or the spiritual or emotional reason for being there. We were mate looking after mate...
Kokoda Track - July 2008
I have just experienced the most humbling event of my life! I always thought it would be special, but little did I know just how much. Your extensive, loving and emotional history of the track just blew me away. Even being there it is still so hard to comprehend what our brave boys went through. Looking at many of the groups along the way, it was just a trek, they were way too big, didn't get the history or the spiritual or emotional reason for being there. For some it was a race to finish or just get that bit over with. For us, it was like a tight unit was formed from the start. It was mate looking after mate, watching each others backs just as our young boys did may years ago. It was their journey that we all relived each day we were on the track. Thank you for allowing me to be a partof such a wonderful, emotional and educational experience.
Anne
Anne Brown, Bendigo, VIC
Testimonial by Michelle Terry, Sergeant, Newcastle City Police
I could not image doing it with any other group. Everything from juggling full time work and training, to being a mother of a two year old boy... walking in my grandfather’s footsteps it was truly the most amazing journey of my life.
Kokoda Track - ANZAC 2008
"I am very glad and appreciative of having walked the track with you. I could not image doing it with any other group. I have such strong feelings of walking the track. Not a day goes by without me thinking of this experience. It was such an amazing journey for me and one I will cherish forever. Everything from juggling full time work and training, to being a mother of a two year old boy, being away from home for two weeks & most importantly walking in my grandfather’s footsteps it was truly the most amazing journey of my life.
I would like to thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience and passion with me."