Kokoda Police Trek 2012

I’ve had an amazing, inspirational experience. You bring the experience to life, its to the point and no frills.. I loved it

Aidan,

I know its all been said before, but here goes short and sweet……just like meJ

Thanks to you, I’ve had an amazing, inspirational experience. You bring the experience to life, its to the point and no frills.. I loved it. I will be sure to spread the word and pass on as best I can all that you have given me in such a short time. You deserve all that comes your way and so much more. Thanks again

Sharlene Harriman 24/4/2012

Kokoda Police Trek 2012

I not only learnt a lot about the history of the campaign but also a lot about myself. Met some great mates along the way and will carry these memories forever.

To Aidan,

Thank you soo much for the experience and all the knowledge you shared with us along the track. I not only learnt a lot about the history of the  campaign but also a lot about myself. Met some great mates along the way and will carry these memories forever. Thanks again and congratulations on getting us all across and your award.

Nadene Carroll 24/4/2012

Kokoda Police Trek 2012

amazing staff... I honestly have an understanding of what some of the soldiers felt during WW2 even though probably would have been happy to stay back and fight them rather than try to walk up some of those bloody hills

Hello Aidan,

Its hard to say what I went through on the track. You have some amazing staff, Owen, Simo. I honestly have an understanding of what some of the soldiers felt during WW2 even though probably would have been happy to stay back and fight them rather than try to walk up some of those bloody hills. I have a deep respect for what you do and wish you well in the future. Im pretty sure I said I’d take the helicopter, then I was walking away after you said “I’d complete the walk”. Once again thank you, your staff and amazing legends who without them I wouldn’t of made it through. I know that I’m deeply sorry and if I come back I will be properly prepared.

Regards Eric TEuben 24/4/2012

Kokoda Police Trek 2012

I will advise those who ask to train hard and prepare physically then just wait and see how the track decides to treat you

Hey Aidan,

Firstly thanks for leading us on this little journey. I came on this trek prepared, I believe however this was no guarantee for low points as I had many. If anyone asks me for advice I will tell them to train hard, prepare physically and buy  shares in a  chemist as preventative maintenance is always better than a cure. After this has been done I will say just wait and see how the track decides to treat you. It could be you or your mate next to you that is injured or sick. I find no greater pleasure than seeing someone doing what they love and are passionate about. This my friend is you, and it is an honour to be here for you to do this.

Thanks Dave Scott 24/4/2012

Kokoda Police Trek 2012

I appreciate your knowledge and passion for Australian military history. you have a great relationship with your legends and your friendships with local villages shines through

Hey Aidan,

I just wanted to thank you for leading us through an amazing country, a temultous track and a history of our nation which is clearly undertold.  I don’t express (man tears) like my flatmate Beggars did last year, but I appreciate your knowledge and passion for Australian military history.

Whilst you pushed us as a group, you achieved the objective and showed us the track is certainly alive and bites back (scratches and itches to prove it) you have a great relationship with your legends and your friendships with local villages shines through. It was a pleasure to complete this journey with my mates and colleagues so thank you for your patience . all the best and kind regards

Julia Bradley 24/4/2012

Kokoda Police Trek 2012

Afantastic and memorable experience. I am very thankful that I got to do it with someone who has an obvious passion for the track, its history and the country.

Dear Aidan,

Thank you for a fantastic and memorable experience. I grew up in the wonderful country of PNG and learnt about the track from a very young age.. I had wanted to walk the track from a very young age.. I had wanted to walk the track for a very long time and am very thankful that I got to do it with someone who has an obvious passion for the track, its history and the country. Whilst my grandfather was not an Australian soldier, he fought for the British and was a prisoner of war, working on the Burma railway. This experience has brought me closer to understanding his hardships and struggles which is what I had hoped to achieve….and so for that, I thank you.

I also thank you for what you have done for PNG and the close relationships you have formed with the people of this country, because that is something I also hold dear. Wishing you all the best and congratulations on the Anzac of the year award.

Emma Huckins 24/4/2012

Kokoda Police Trek 2012

Your passion for Aussie history is infectious... we had a great time

Aidan,

Thank you for an amazing experience. Kokoda tested my body (well my knees mostly!!) and my mind. Your passion for Aussie history is infectious and will be well rewarded this Anzac Day 2012. Like my partner in crime Kate,  we had a great time.

I loved kokoda, I hated kokoda, and then I loved it again. The generosity of locals and self disregard of the Legends is inspiring and humbling. Thank you and congratulations on another successful kokoda trek.

Erin Twigg

Kokoda Police Trek 2012

Your knowledge especially of the history relating to my own family , really brought so much more reality to what my grandfather was involved in

Aidan,

Thank you for making this a very special experience for me. Your knowledge especially of the history relating to my own family , really brought so much more reality to what my grandfather was involved in. it wasn’t just a walk it brought me even closer to the grandfather I never knew. I loved the challenge and was proud to complete it with a great bunch of people. I will however hold the ranga jokes against you for a long timeJ

Cheers

Kate Howe

Kokoda Police Trek 2012

your knowledge of the track is second to none. To organise such a large crew and keep spirits up you did a fantastic job

Aidan,

What an amazing experience, your knowledge of the track is second to none. To organise such a large crew and keep spirits up you did a fantastic job. Owen, Simo and yourself take everybody’s needs into account. There were times when I thought what am I doing here? But what these diggers did in that campaign made me push through. Once again thanks I’ll be back again.

Tony Smith

Kokoda Police Trek 2012

Maybe one day with people like you refusing to let the history die that wars will remain in history and not in our present or future.

Aidan,

Your grasp of the history of kokoda is amazing. I really appreciated your humour and the way that you were in tune with 50 people at one time. I really felt that I had a tiny window into the horrors of war. Maybe one day with people like you refusing to let the history die that wars will remain in history and not in our present or future.

Good on you mate!! Keep up the great work, thank you for helping me grow

Paul Coughlan

Kokoda Police Trek 2012

the opportunities for personal growth were well worth the tough times and I think I have emerged from the track a stronger person

Aidan,

Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime. I have really enjoyed getting to know more of Australia’s history and the contribution of our neighbours in Papua New Guinea to our war effort. While there were many tough times on the track, the opportunities for personal growth were well worth the tough times and I think I have emerged from the track a stronger person. Thank you for your passion and commitment in making the kokoda track experience possible for myself and many others. Congratulations on eth Anzac of the year award.

Kerry Robinson 24/4/2012

Kokoda Police Trek 2012

Thank you for an amazing experience! You have inspired me to learn more about our war history

Aidan,

I admire your passion for the kokoda campaign in 1942. You have inspired me to learn more our war history. This trek was an amazing and humbling experience for me. What an amazing country and amazing people. It tested my strength but I was determined and I am so proud of myself for finishing.

Thank you for an amazing experience!

Regards

Jenna Sheridan 24/4/2012

20 Years, Australian Military - Kokoda Trek 2012

I commend you of the highest level for the trek just completed. Your team and yourself, attention to detail from the get go was of the highest execution.

Aidan,

I never mentioned it on the track,, but you guessed and indeed knew many of my mates. I spent 24 years in the Australian Military, 20 of those years with the SASR, I am an NCO and have been to many theatres of war, I have seen the effects of war and the aftermaths amongst close friends. I commend you of the highest level for the trek just completed. Your team and yourself, attention to detail from the get go was of the highest execution. At all times you were across the level of the group and adjusted accordingly, you took into account factors such as climate, camp logistics, existing medical conditions and potential, you spent a lot of time working on morale and ensuring spirits were high…… your level of history is incredible and you respect for the Diggers inspiring….its been a while since I wore the uniform but I felt proud…. Your challenge to the group at Isurava was outstanding and what better messenger to issue that challenge .. but an Irishman…good on you! How you and your team kept your patience is testament to your professionalism, to have to deal with one or two ill prepared cops who forgot their own personal medicines and to front at your or Simmos tent each morning prior to breakfast so that they could get their blister sorted was weak… in most cases these individuals didn’t even attempt to wash their feet…… your team is brilliant and one to be proud of, your experience in that environment is second to none,  we were always safe… Lest we forget…..

Dave O Brien 24/4/2012

Kokoda Trek - July 2010

your track expertise, war history and personal approach to successfully leading a group of trekkers is to be applauded

Dear Aidan,

I wish to formally thank you for the recent Kokoda Track experience myself and the rest of our group were exposed to. From a personal perspective, this was by far one of the most challenging fortnights I’ve encountered in my life, from a physical, mental and emotional point of view.

I felt very fortunate to have been led by yourself with the invaluable assistance of Owen and the legends. It is difficult to explain in writing what I obtained from both of you, however your track expertise, war history and personal approach to successfully leading a group of trekkers is to be applauded.

Although I have now been back in my Sydney home for only 3 days, I feel I miss the track already. I thank you and the Our Spirit team immensely for providing a truly memorable experience, one that I will keep with me forever and will endeavour to create for my own children as we embark on a similar journey one day together across the Owen Stanley Ranges.

Kind Regards

Scott Young

(Grandson of Staff Sergeant Phillip John Steeles, 2/55 LAD, NX 79886)

Kokoda Trek - July 2010

The experience of Kokoda was a moving thing for me and your passion for the history and track made the journey an exceptional one.

Hey Owen,

Kokoda Trek - July 2010

Email from July 2010 trekker says, "the experience of Kokoda was a moving thing for me and your passion for the history and track made the journey an exceptional one. Look out for me again"

Kokoda Trek - July 2010

"your track expertise, war history and personal approach to successfully leading a group of trekkers is to be applauded" says Scott Young (Grandson of Staff Sergeant Phillip John Steeles, 2/55 LAD, NX 79886)

4 Farmer Circuit

Beaumont Hills NSW 2155

19th July 2010

Aidan Grimes

Our Spirit Pty Ltd

PO Box 879

Robina QLD 4226

RE: Kokoda Track Experience

Dear Aidan,

I wish to formally thank you for the recent Kokoda Track experience myself and the rest of our group were exposed to. From a personal perspective, this was by far one of the most challenging fortnights I’ve encountered in my life, from a physical, mental and emotional point of view.

I felt very fortunate to have been led by yourself with the invaluable assistance of Owen and the legends. It is difficult to explain in writing what I obtained from both of you, however your track expertise, war history and personal approach to successfully leading a group of trekkers is to be applauded.

Although I have now been back in my Sydney home for only 3 days, I feel I miss the track already. I thank you and the Our Spirit team immensely for providing a truly memorable experience, one that I will keep with me forever and will endeavour to create for my own children as we embark on a similar journey one day together across the Owen Stanley Ranges.

Kind Regards

Scott Young

(Grandson of Staff Sergeant Phillip John Steeles, 2/55 LAD, NX 79886)

Kokoda Trek - July 2009

Dirranbandi ladies relived the spirit of Kokoda... "it is a truly amazing event in Australian history that we should all be proud of and should never forget"

Kokoda Track Journey

Four Dirranbandi women recently relived the spirit ofKokoda during a nine day trek along the historic track.  Follow the news article from the Balonne Beacon covering their journey

Kokoda Trek - June 2009

I enjoyed not having to walk 'nose to tail' like other groups we passed. When you're all one after the other, you wouldn't be inclined to stop and 'smell the roses' as much, take photos etc. because you'd feel you were holding the group up

• "Meticulous planning on the part of Our Spirit and Pauk Charles at PNG Travel. Paul was a wealth of info as he had walked the Track with Our Spirit, a huge plus and selling point for me. He had also stayed and dived at Loloata Island.
• Our Spirit gave me contact details for other ladies who had trekked with them and these ladies were most helpful. First hand recommendation is most important to me (anyone can build a fantastic website) and the key reason I chose your company.

• Good and prompt communication on most occasions
• I enjoyed starting the journey up towards the beachheads, giving us a snapshot of more of the country ( and history) than just the track.
• The legends were all, without exception, friendly, helpful and caring.
• I enjoyed not having to walk ‘nose to tail’ like other groups we passed. When you’re all one after the other you wouldn’t be inclined to stop and ‘smell the roses’ as much, take photos etc because you’d feel you were holding the group up.
• Aidan’s motivational praise to keep us moving.
• I loved making camp each night with just ourselves.
• Carrying the medals and learning the story of an old digger made the trek that much more meaningful.
• Visiting Bomana cemetery at the end of the trek, rather than as you were setting out.
• Staying at a hotel that necessitated a drive through downtown Pt Moresby ( as opposed to airport hotels) – again another snapshot of the city we would not have seen if we’d been staying at say the Airways Hotel.
• The ration packs. Very filling and tasty."

Liz Murray, Trilby Station, NSW

Kokoda Trek - June 2009

What started our from a keen interest in and a strong empathy for all of our diggers who served our country, became an extreme personal journey into my own mental and physical strength and self worth.

Tracey Staines, QPS, Queensland