I was driving to training last week thinking about what really has motivated me to take on this challenge of walking Kokoda. It got me thinking, I wonder what has motivated members of our training team to go, so I decided to ask.
Below let me introduce you to some of the team Tanya and I have been training with and who will share the Anzac Day Kokoda experience with us.
I asked them the question - why are you doing Kokoda?
1. Robert Steinhardt - It’s a pilgrimage I needed to make. I want to test myself physically and mentally.
2. David Wainwright - I always wanted to do the trek, especially for Anzac Day. Also I wanted to test myself physically and mentally. Really looking forward to it.
3. Graeme Hopgood - I wanted to see it before it disappears and I wanted to get fit again. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the first attempt last year.
4. Kent James - I had alway been interested in PNG and doing the trek. Carmichael Builders invited me so I jumped at the opportunity.
5. Tanya Heading - She just wanted to be with me! (real reason: I needed a challenge that would test me mentally and phyically, this was something that has been on my list of things to do for a while now, and I feel it is something that I want to do for myself.)
6. Steven John Barton Grant - John Chad and I have been dating for some months and doing Kokoda was a way we could spend more time together! (real reason coming soon!)
7. Graeme Newton - I wanted to take on any future mid-life crisis head-on! Also, I am too old for the Contiki version.
8. John Selfridge - I was feeling very uncomfortable with the way John / Steve’s relationship was developing and had to be present to see if for myself! (real reason - Some things are just so much more important than material possessions we always seek!)
9. Madeline Kennedy - Cos I just can’t get enough… a test of will, courage and intestinal fortitude - and on the off chance that Priscilla Queen of Kokoda makes an appearance.
10. Justin Ribot - I want to be like Chuck! (real reason coming soon)
11. John Chad - EE trainer and our tour leader - (I asked John the question - Why do you enjoy what you are doing with EE?) I love working in the outdoors and having the chance to train up clients so they can achieve their goals. It is rewarding to see my clients improve not only physically but mentally.
12. Dave Clarke - Because Muzza (Murray Smith) said he wouldn’t go fishing!
13. George Sofronoff - Dad asked me to.
14. Walter Sofronoff - To lose fat in mind and body.
15. Peter Pferri - A father son adventure.
16. Jye Pferri - The more you walk the more snakes you can eat.
17. Joe Ashcroft - Something I’ve always wanted to do. A reason to get fit.
18. Brad Davies - A very good excuse to get fit and get away with a group of friends.
19. Murray Smith - I am going for the physical and mental challenge and the chance to do something with a good mate.
20. Belinda Vesey-Brown - A few years ago I wrote out my 100 dreams list and put it up on my wall in my office. Walking Kokoda is number 40 and I put it on there as the Australian history around it strikes a cord with me due to my Grandfather being involved in the war (he was captured in Singapore). I think the challenge of walking the track is going to inspire me and I know I am going to treasure the memories that it will create. I can’t wait. Thanks Tanya for wanting to be my buddy.
21. Glen Carmichael - Something that I always wanted to do. Test myself physically and mentally.
22. Jeff Goward - (Jeff is our piper on the trip). I have done Kokoda a few times now and each time the reason has been different. The first time it was for the memory of my father and step father who both had a military background. The second time it was really experiential, there are so many moments that were really special for me, you don’t get that from any other experience.
23. Michael Alexander - Treking Kokoda to escape boredom of daily life as a barrister. Raising money for charity - www.vitae.org.au
24. Levente Jurdh - Sounded like a good idea.
25. Robin Slade Jones - I’ve been a guest in Australia for 7 years. I enjoy the lifestyle and I thought going to PNG to see the price the diggers paid for my lifestyle was worthwhile.
26. Bart Turner - Challenge and to experience what the war was like and what they have done for our country.
27. Kerry Carmicheal - was forced to do it.
28. John Carmicheal - to experience what our young troops went through and the challenge.
I was driving to training last week thinking about what really has motivated me to take on this challenge of walking Kokoda. It got me thinking, I wonder what has motivated members of our training team to go, so I decided to ask.
Below let me introduce you to some of the team Tanya and I [...]
