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David Wainwright Tackles Kokoda
In 2009, our Brisbane Manager David Wainwright completed the Kokoda Trail. Below is his story which describes his experience.
My Kokoda Track Experience
It is difficult to explain “Kokoda” to those that have not been there. It is a very emotional journey that is different, and yet somehow the same, for everybody that does it.
When a good mate of mine suggested that we should do the Kokoda Track together, I jumped at the chance. What better excuse for a real adventure and to get fit.
Compulsory training started 10 weeks before we were due to fly out. About half way through the first night of training, a few of us looked at each other and wondered what the hell we had got ourselves into – it was tough. We all became very good friends during the 10 weeks of pain and torture.
When I set out for Kokoda, I knew that it was going to be physically demanding, and I knew that I needed to be mentally tough to get through the physical challenges. I was confident that I had done the training to achieve all of this. What I had not planned on was the emotional roller coaster of the trek.
To sit around as a very close group of mates at Isurava and Brigade Hill where Diggers had fought so bravely and died was very emotional. To hear accounts of their bravery and sacrifice, their determination and selflessness, were some of the saddest and most emotional moments in my life.
Whilst the loss of young soldiers is tragic, I also related to the older Diggers in their 30’s and 40’s. These guys would have had wives and children, like myself. I still get a lump in my throat just thinking about it. I did struggle to process this incredible loss of life and the bravery required during the futility of war. If a few of us sit around talking about, we still get very emotional about it.
Kokoda was the hardest and best thing I have ever done by a long way (excluding marriage and kids – had to throw this in). Everyday on the track is an 8 to 10 hour physical and mental battle, not only get up the next mountain ridge, but to also get down the other side. Quite often the descent was much harder than the climb. I have never seen so much mud, and for those who have ever seen any footage of the Kokoda battles, the mud the diggers had to fight through is relentless, and extremely slippery. One wrong step and the best outcome was a sore butt and the laughing of your mates. Slip in the wrong area and it is all over – a vertical drop to certain death. This is where the physical and mental training really kicked in – maintaining concentration whilst very fatigued.
The true Kokoda experience, in my opinion, is about paying homage to the Diggers that defended our Country and lifestyle against incredible odds at supreme personal sacrifice. The pain, the exhaustion, the mental fatigue that we went through is nothing compared to 1942. I feel privileged to have been allowed to walk in their footsteps. Courage, Endurance, Mateship, Sacrifice – four simple words – these words are on the memorial at Isurava to succinctly describe the Aussie Digger. This is what Kokoda is about.
Below are some photos of me on the track. For anyone who has been thinking of walking Kokoda, all I can say is get motivated now, find a reputable Company now(someone with small groups and concentrate on the history of the place), and do it now.
As some of you may have guessed, I am passionate about Kokoda. Don’t let my stories of personal pain during my trek turn you off. With proper training, it is an experience that will stay with you forever, and the group of people you share the experience with will become your brothers and sisters.
David Wainwright
Pepper Jane Slogrove
Trevor and Penelope Slogrove are happy to announce the arrival of Pepper Jane Slogrove on Monday 2nd August, born 3Kg (or 6lb 10 oz)
Pepper joins big brother Harrison and sister Olivia in the Slogrove household.
Many comments have been received thanking the good Lord that Pepper looks like her mum and not her dad.
Let the sleepless nights begin ☺
Anthony Florence Wins the 2010 Lucinda Light Tackle Tournament
The Ingham Rod & Reel Club hosted the 2010 Lucinda Light Tackle Tournament held over the 21 & 22 August weekend. Townsville Structural Manager and one of STP Consultants Partners, Anthony Florence fished on Flo-tation, a 5.75m boat owned by Anthony and his wife Bridie. Their crew won overall champion team earning them a haul of prizes and trophies and as overall champions, were also presented with the Mal Florence memorial trophy, which was a “buzz” for Anthony & Bridie (son and daughter-in-law), particularly after over a decade of competing in this tournament.
Team members were Peter Mamino, Anthony & Bridie Florence and Stav Bogiatzis. Stav Bogiatzis won champion angler with captures including this nice sailfish which was tagged and released.
Anthony has been on the Townsville Game Fishing Club committee for nearly 12 years and is currently the President, having previously been secretary, weigh master and vice-president.
Many staff members enjoy the great fishing the Townsville area has to offer. Anthony Florence fishes as often as he can on Flo-tation. Here are some examples of fish encountered.
