Kokoda Police Trek 2012
Afantastic and memorable experience. I am very thankful that I got to do it with someone who has an obvious passion for the track, its history and the country.
Dear Aidan,
Thank you for a fantastic and memorable experience. I grew up in the wonderful country of PNG and learnt about the track from a very young age.. I had wanted to walk the track from a very young age.. I had wanted to walk the track for a very long time and am very thankful that I got to do it with someone who has an obvious passion for the track, its history and the country. Whilst my grandfather was not an Australian soldier, he fought for the British and was a prisoner of war, working on the Burma railway. This experience has brought me closer to understanding his hardships and struggles which is what I had hoped to achieve….and so for that, I thank you.
I also thank you for what you have done for PNG and the close relationships you have formed with the people of this country, because that is something I also hold dear. Wishing you all the best and congratulations on the Anzac of the year award.
Emma Huckins 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
Your passion for Aussie history is infectious... we had a great time
Aidan,
Thank you for an amazing experience. Kokoda tested my body (well my knees mostly!!) and my mind. Your passion for Aussie history is infectious and will be well rewarded this Anzac Day 2012. Like my partner in crime Kate, we had a great time.
I loved kokoda, I hated kokoda, and then I loved it again. The generosity of locals and self disregard of the Legends is inspiring and humbling. Thank you and congratulations on another successful kokoda trek.
Erin Twigg
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
Your knowledge especially of the history relating to my own family , really brought so much more reality to what my grandfather was involved in
Aidan,
Thank you for making this a very special experience for me. Your knowledge especially of the history relating to my own family , really brought so much more reality to what my grandfather was involved in. it wasn’t just a walk it brought me even closer to the grandfather I never knew. I loved the challenge and was proud to complete it with a great bunch of people. I will however hold the ranga jokes against you for a long timeJ
Cheers
Kate Howe
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
your knowledge of the track is second to none. To organise such a large crew and keep spirits up you did a fantastic job
Aidan,
What an amazing experience, your knowledge of the track is second to none. To organise such a large crew and keep spirits up you did a fantastic job. Owen, Simo and yourself take everybody’s needs into account. There were times when I thought what am I doing here? But what these diggers did in that campaign made me push through. Once again thanks I’ll be back again.
Tony Smith
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
Maybe one day with people like you refusing to let the history die that wars will remain in history and not in our present or future.
Aidan,
Your grasp of the history of kokoda is amazing. I really appreciated your humour and the way that you were in tune with 50 people at one time. I really felt that I had a tiny window into the horrors of war. Maybe one day with people like you refusing to let the history die that wars will remain in history and not in our present or future.
Good on you mate!! Keep up the great work, thank you for helping me grow
Paul Coughlan
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
the opportunities for personal growth were well worth the tough times and I think I have emerged from the track a stronger person
Aidan,
Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime. I have really enjoyed getting to know more of Australia’s history and the contribution of our neighbours in Papua New Guinea to our war effort. While there were many tough times on the track, the opportunities for personal growth were well worth the tough times and I think I have emerged from the track a stronger person. Thank you for your passion and commitment in making the kokoda track experience possible for myself and many others. Congratulations on eth Anzac of the year award.
Kerry Robinson 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
Thank you for an amazing experience! You have inspired me to learn more about our war history
Aidan,
I admire your passion for the kokoda campaign in 1942. You have inspired me to learn more our war history. This trek was an amazing and humbling experience for me. What an amazing country and amazing people. It tested my strength but I was determined and I am so proud of myself for finishing.
Thank you for an amazing experience!
Regards
Jenna Sheridan 24/4/2012
20 Years, Australian Military - Kokoda Trek 2012
I commend you of the highest level for the trek just completed. Your team and yourself, attention to detail from the get go was of the highest execution.
Aidan,
I never mentioned it on the track,, but you guessed and indeed knew many of my mates. I spent 24 years in the Australian Military, 20 of those years with the SASR, I am an NCO and have been to many theatres of war, I have seen the effects of war and the aftermaths amongst close friends. I commend you of the highest level for the trek just completed. Your team and yourself, attention to detail from the get go was of the highest execution. At all times you were across the level of the group and adjusted accordingly, you took into account factors such as climate, camp logistics, existing medical conditions and potential, you spent a lot of time working on morale and ensuring spirits were high…… your level of history is incredible and you respect for the Diggers inspiring….its been a while since I wore the uniform but I felt proud…. Your challenge to the group at Isurava was outstanding and what better messenger to issue that challenge .. but an Irishman…good on you! How you and your team kept your patience is testament to your professionalism, to have to deal with one or two ill prepared cops who forgot their own personal medicines and to front at your or Simmos tent each morning prior to breakfast so that they could get their blister sorted was weak… in most cases these individuals didn’t even attempt to wash their feet…… your team is brilliant and one to be proud of, your experience in that environment is second to none, we were always safe… Lest we forget…..
Dave O Brien 24/4/2012
Kokoda Trek - July 2010
your track expertise, war history and personal approach to successfully leading a group of trekkers is to be applauded
Dear Aidan,
I wish to formally thank you for the recent Kokoda Track experience myself and the rest of our group were exposed to. From a personal perspective, this was by far one of the most challenging fortnights I’ve encountered in my life, from a physical, mental and emotional point of view.
I felt very fortunate to have been led by yourself with the invaluable assistance of Owen and the legends. It is difficult to explain in writing what I obtained from both of you, however your track expertise, war history and personal approach to successfully leading a group of trekkers is to be applauded.
Although I have now been back in my Sydney home for only 3 days, I feel I miss the track already. I thank you and the Our Spirit team immensely for providing a truly memorable experience, one that I will keep with me forever and will endeavour to create for my own children as we embark on a similar journey one day together across the Owen Stanley Ranges.
Kind Regards
Scott Young
(Grandson of Staff Sergeant Phillip John Steeles, 2/55 LAD, NX 79886)
Kokoda Trek - July 2010
The experience of Kokoda was a moving thing for me and your passion for the history and track made the journey an exceptional one.
Hey Owen,
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
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
Kokoda Trek - October 2007
The way that you safely led the trek, managed the logistics, and gave us detailed military history with personal anecdotes was a real benefit
"Thanks for taking us on a great trek. It's good to meet someone who really believes in what they are doing, and along the way contributes to the community in Papua New Guinea. The way that you safely led the trek, managed the logistics, and gave us detailed military history with personal anecdotes was a real benefit. I'd have no hesitation in recommending your program to others."
Bernard O'Brien, CMO, GHD
Corporate Challenge - March 2002
Aidan, you are an inspiration – you help people achieve beyond their perceived limits”
“What this event taught us was that if we stick together, we come through together and we stay together. It was great. Aidan, you are an inspiration – you help people achieve beyond their perceived limits”