Awesome Kokoda experience

Wyndham residents Cameron Haynes and Adam Conwell have walked in the footsteps of soldiers, reliving Australian history on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea recently.

Mr Haynes, a teacher at Wyndham District High School, and Wyndham police Senior Constable Conwell trained for three months in tough Kimberley conditions to prepare for the journey.

Propped up by walking sticks they bought for the occasion in Papua New Guinea, the two men hiked single-file up mountains and through jungle to complete the track in October.

Mr Haynes was also retracing the steps of his grandfather, a heroic soldier who was recognised for his bravery during World War II.

“He was in the 2nd/16th Battalion and was awarded a military medal,” he said.

“I was able to see the village where he was awarded the medal for holding his ground under heavy fire, being shot in the leg and a grenade blowing up near him. I said a couple of words to him out there.”

Although Mr Haynes had trained extensively with backpacks before setting of for Papua New Guinea, he said the trek was still a challenge.

“The trek is 96km of steep terrain and we did it in eight days,” he said.

“Some days you walk for nine to 10 hours, other days six hours.

“It is an absolute awesome experience.”