“In selecting a company to take our Group over the Kokoda Track I researched a number of providers. In making my decision I considered: Safety (security, insurance, communication and evacuation plan), Trek Leadership (an experienced, knowledgeable leader who could provide a detailed description of the people and events), and prior success (record in getting all participants safely over the Track). Our Spirit exceeded all my expectations in providing the entire Group with a rich “life time experience” conducted in an unobtrusive safe environment with the support of the local “Legends”. The Trek Leader’s knowledge and passion for the history, the Track, the Veterans and the local people ensured that we all not only understood the events but importantly received, through him, a very personal insight into the extraordinary individual achievements that occurred.”
Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer, Allomak Limited
Kokoda Track - August 2007
“An incredible experience and educational and physically and mentally challenging, but the most fulfilling thing I have done in my life. To anyone thinking about it “just do it”. Many thanks Aidan and Rob and a great team and a great inspiration – your passion and knowledge, experience and team work made it a special “journey I will never forget! Best wishes and thanks also to all the team behind you”"Seems like a dream now. Can't believe we did so much and now I am sitting back at work doing my normal work things. Was a fantastic experience and one I am so glad I did. The best part for me was the education and gaining a better understanding of just what our great diggers did and how hard it was for them. The walk was challenging and tough in patches and living in third world conditions was also a challenge and an eyeopener. But Brett and I both agreed on the plane trip home we learnt so much and would recommend it to those who have the fitness and guts and determination required and want to be educated about what went on there. Many thanks for a great trip Aidan. You and Rob were superb. "
Lyn Parnell, Torrens Park, SA
“Aidan and Rob, you are both very special people. I have so much respect for you both and had an amazing experience. Although I was quiet, I took so much away with me and will remember this forever. What you both do and teach is fantastic. The Kokoda Track is more than just a walk!”
Brett Parnell, Canada
Kokoda Track - July 2007
"Hello everyone at Our Spirit, ...without our great Leader Rob who was most helpful & very considerate & compassionate towards myself and also the assistance of my Porter Rommy Babu, I don't think I could have got through, so to both of these great men I thank them immensely for making a hard slog into wonderful memories. ...The whole trip from beginning to end was not only emotionally & physically challenging but a very moving and memorable one. I cant express my thanks enough for allowing me to take part in being part of the Trek experience.
Once again thankyou and best wishes & good luck to all"
Harold (81 years) Young, Melbourne
Kokoda Track - June 2007
When I was asked to drive the Kokoda trek initiative and find a suitable provider, my first considerations were safety and integrity. Integrity being such an interesting concept so often used fragrantly. Having enlisted your services for our trek, I had no hesitation in encouraging our members to take part nor in taking part myself. At no point during our trek did I ever feel that either our safety nor your integrity were compromised. In fact your dedication towards the safety and wellbeing of your trekkers was highlighted as each injury, ache or concern was so meticuously attended to.
Your attention to detail also ensured that no historical reference was missed, whether it be the site of a major battle, a long forgotten foxhole or a bullet hidden amongst the leaf litter on the jungle floor. A floor which you have traversed on so many occasions and which you know and love so well.
I don't believe we could have asked for a more passionate and inspirational leader than you. Not only did you ensure that everyone completed the track in good health but also thanks to your incredible tenacity, they were also given the chance to experience the true spirit of Kokoda and all the elements that make it a truly special place.
So if I were to be asked the question as to why anyone would want to take on the Kokoda Challenge, I'm still not sure how I could have wished for a more insightful, inspirational and awesome journey, a life changing experience for which I feel incredibly privileged and fortunate to have been able to share with you"
Jacklyn Knight, Associate Director, National Training and Development Manager, PRDnationwide
Kokoda Track - June 2006
"Just wanted to say thank you to Aidan, Rob, The Legends and the entire team at Our Spirit for an experience I will never forget. Our family trip to the Kokoda Track was everything I wanted and more. Aidan's passion was infectious, his knowledge, research and presentation outstanding and his professionalism and management of the group gave us all a great sense of safety. Rob's medical expertise ensured we all felt safe and all made it through to Owers Corner in great shape. The respect and friendship shared with the Legends and villagers made us all feel like we were doing the Track the way it should be done. I personally felt I had the opportunity to experience and overcome the physical challenge, learn the history and feel the pain and sacrifice of both the Diggers and Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.
I also grew as a person and shared an experience with eight members of my family that has formed a bond between us that will remain throughout our lives. I saw many other groups on the track breezing through sacred sites like Brigade Hill and Isurava apparently oblivious to their importance. I saw other trekkers flown out and many obviously struggling to the point of hating the whole experience. I have no doubt if they had chosen to do Kokoda with Our Spirit their experience would have been totally different.
Thank you Aidan and Rob for getting to know us all, sharing your passion, lifting our spirits when we needed it and most importantly giving us the opportunity to understand the legacy of the men who gave so much on the Kokoda Track. Other members of our group have told me it has been the greatest experience of their lives. I have no doubt the best of our Kokoda trip is yet to come as our experience improves us all as people and passionate Australians. I have a strong sense that my connection to the Track is only just beginning. I feel compelled to pass the story on."
Dean Trevaskis, Ocean Shores, NSW
Kokoda ANZAC Trek - April 2006
I'd like to thank the team - Aidan, Rob, Richard, all the guides, and Kris, for a wonderful and memorable experience. …I was very impressed by how well organised the walk was, the competence and efficiency of all the Our Spirit team, and by Aidan's passion, commitment and knowledge. I was affected by the experience in many ways - the beauty of the landscape and the rainforest, and the friendliness of the people. I enjoyed the physical and mental challenge. Above all was the fact that we were walking the site of battles fought in conditions unimaginable to us. On the first night I understood how young and inexperienced soldiers could mistake fireflies for the Japanese, which I just couldn't grasp from reading the books. The visit to the Bomana War Cemetery on the last day of the walk was a sombre and fitting conclusion. Although I had high expectations of the walk beforehand, it was a much more moving and powerful experience than I could have imagined. I was, and remain, affected deeply.
After we finished the walk I spent a week in Goroka in the Eastern Highlands, where I was born, and my father died forty years ago. In the market on the first day I was in Goroka I met an old man who knew him. I was again overwhelmed by the friendliness of the people, and the beauty of the country.”
Bill Johnson, Young, NSW
Kokoda ANZAC Trek - April 2006
"Ok, about Kokoda, DO NOT go with anybody other than Our Spirit. They took our Police Legacy Group in April of this year (2006) and it was simply brilliant. We had a reunion on Friday night just gone and I enjoyed speaking to the other trekkers and hearing how the trip has impacted upon their lives. One of the girls that I spoke to summed it up when she said nobody talks about the trip without making a comment about Aidan. Once you walk with Aidan and share in this man's passion and unsurpassed knowledge you will know what I mean. I have no idea about costs and how they might compare to other tour companies, but don't bother even wasting your time, this is not something you want to compromise on.
So was it worth doing? Hell yes and I would do it again in a heart beat!"
Peter Baines, Inspector, NSW Police
“I had a great night and it was a fantastic opportunity to see everyone again and relive some the memories of the trip. I want to say a big thank-you for making the effort to be there that night. You mean a lot to all of us - especially me and it was fantastic to see you again. It reminded me that Kokoda will not be a distant memory but an experience which has made some impact, whether small or colossal, to every day since my return”.
“In selecting a company to take our Group over the Kokoda Track I researched a number of providers. In making my decision I considered: Safety (security, insurance, communication and evacuation plan), Trek Leadership (an experienced, knowledgeable leader who could provide a detailed description of the people and events), and prior success (record in getting all participants safely over the Track). Our Spirit exceeded all my expectations in providing the entire Group with a rich “life time experience” conducted in an unobtrusive safe environment with the support of the local “Legends”. The Trek Leader’s knowledge and passion for the history, the Track, the Veterans and the local people ensured that we all not only understood the events but importantly received, through him, a very personal insight into the extraordinary individual achievements that occurred.”
“An incredible experience and educational and physically and mentally challenging, but the most fulfilling thing I have done in my life. To anyone thinking about it “just do it”. Many thanks Aidan and Rob and a great team and a great inspiration – your passion and knowledge, experience and team work made it a special “journey I will never forget! Best wishes and thanks also to all the team behind you”
"Seems like a dream now. Can't believe we did so much and now I am sitting back at work doing my normal work things. Was a fantastic experience and one I am so glad I did. The best part for me was the education and gaining a better understanding of just what our great diggers did and how hard it was for them. The walk was challenging and tough in patches and living in third world conditions was also a challenge and an eyeopener. But Brett and I both agreed on the plane trip home we learnt so much and would recommend it to those who have the fitness and guts and determination required and want to be educated about what went on there. Many thanks for a great trip Aidan. You and Rob were superb. "
"Hello everyone at Our Spirit, ...without our great Leader Rob who was most helpful & very considerate & compassionate towards myself and also the assistance of my Porter Rommy Babu, I don't think I could have got through, so to both of these great men I thank them immensely for making a hard slog into wonderful memories. ...The whole trip from beginning to end was not only emotionally & physically challenging but a very moving and memorable one. I cant express my thanks enough for allowing me to take part in being part of the Trek experience.
Once again thankyou and best wishes & good luck to all"
Your attention to detail also ensured that no historical reference was missed, whether it be the site of a major battle, a long forgotten foxhole or a bullet hidden amongst the leaf litter on the jungle floor. A floor which you have traversed on so many occasions and which you know and love so well.
I don't believe we could have asked for a more passionate and inspirational leader than you. Not only did you ensure that everyone completed the track in good health but also thanks to your incredible tenacity, they were also given the chance to experience the true spirit of Kokoda and all the elements that make it a truly special place.
So if I were to be asked the question as to why anyone would want to take on the Kokoda Challenge, I'm still not sure how I could have wished for a more insightful, inspirational and awesome journey, a life changing experience for which I feel incredibly privileged and fortunate to have been able to share with you"
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"Ok, about Kokoda, DO NOT go with anybody other than Our Spirit. They took our Police Legacy Group in April of this year (2006) and it was simply brilliant. We had a reunion on Friday night just gone and I enjoyed speaking to the other trekkers and hearing how the trip has impacted upon their lives. One of the girls that I spoke to summed it up when she said nobody talks about the trip without making a comment about Aidan. Once you walk with Aidan and share in this man's passion and unsurpassed knowledge you will know what I mean. I have no idea about costs and how they might compare to other tour companies, but don't bother even wasting your time, this is not something you want to compromise on.