I had the tremendous experience to hike the Kokoda Trail with Our Spirit. Our Spirit's leaders did an amazing job of bringing to life the key battles that happened along the way.
Kokoda Track - September 2008
The following email was sent to Stan Bisset upon returning from the Kokoda September trek:
"Stan,
I had the tremendous experience to hike the Kokoda Trail with Our Spirit, Our Spirit as I am sure you know did an amazing job of bringing to life the key battles that happened along the way.
It was truly an amazing experience and one that I will never forget, the terrain, the climate and the local people which I certainly feel in love with. I was deeply touched in Isuarva by the great sacrifice of the Australian troops and the courage and mate ship that was demonstrated to have them overcome such a terrible situation. I wanted to write and express my heartfelt appreciation for what you and your men did in this conflict, words cannot describe your courage and endurance and the great loss that you experienced through this battle.
In tribute to Butch, Our Spirit had the team sing “Oh Danny Boy”, the spirit that was felt by the group was amazing truly not a dry eye around. I felt that I would like to capture this for you and send you a link so that you could share in the moment. Unfortunately we are not world class singers but I am hoping the video will help you feel the moment.
The spirit of the ANZAC is still alive on the Kokoda Trek and the memory of the sacrifice and suffering has not been lost.
Thank you again for what you did to save Australia I feel very honored that I was able to experience just a little bit of what it must have been like.
Kind Regards
John Ball"
John Ball, Microsoft
I can't tell how much it meant to me to do the Blackcat and what a privilage it was to trek with you and the legends
Black Cat Trail - Sept. 08
"I can't tell how much it meant to me to do the Blackcat and what a privilage it was to trek with you and the legends, thankyou all for the experience and friendship. The trek has sparked a deeper interest in the whole picture of the campains in PNG especially the 2/7th commando's. They were at Mubo, Wau, Bena Bena, Ramu Valley, Nadzab, Kaiapit, Bulolo, Kesaway, Dove Bay, Shaggy Ridge, Dumpu, Wewak. Even if I was fit enough I couldn't cover that amount of territory in the time I have left on the planet. I am going to the 2/7th reunion at Port Maquarie in November I will be taking the video footage I took on our trek and photos to speak about my experience."
Rob L'Estrange, NSW