David Robins Walk 2010

The final hurdle. Friday 17 September 2010

As the trail ends, David reflects on what has been the hardest physical challenge he has attempted.

David and his team at the end of The Kokoda Trail

So finally, 8 days later and with 60 miles of challenging terrain behind us we have arrived drenched and exhausted at the last section of the trail with just an hours walking between us and the finish.

As it was the last day, we enjoyed the relative luxury of a lie-in this morning and set off walking just after 7am. The terrain was as uneven as we had come to expect with ups and downs followed by a longer more challenging climb. With weary legs this last ascent was a real struggle but the draw of reaching the finish was a strong enough incentive to keep us moving. When we finally reached our last peak of the trail we were greeted by the most welcome sight of the arches at Owers Corner, the official finishing point. We had done it.

David with his porter

We were met by a welcoming reception and had our faces painted to compliment the head-dresses that we had worn all the way from camp. There was time for a few photos of the group in front of the arches before a few speeches made to thank our guides. They really did a fantastic job, carrying the heaviest of our bags and getting us through this experience. It’s no exaggeration to say that this simply wouldn’t have been possible without them. There was time for one last song, fittingly about the Kokoda track itself, before it was time to say our goodbyes. I am now sitting with a cold drink before we load up the range rover and head back to Port Moresby.

The last 8 days have been one of the hardest physical things I’ve ever done. All six of us are completely exhausted and soaked through. I hope that our efforts can help to achieve something fantastic for Connect’s 10 year anniversary and I really would encourage you to donate generously. With your help I hope we can reach and go beyond our £30,000 target and truly make a difference to the lives of people with aphasia.     

David and his group at the end of the Trail

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