ANZAC Kokoda Trek -
"In reading the previous pages, the group have already expressed my feelings - in far more eloquent words than I ever could. Thank you for your sacrifices"
"Dear Aidan,
Well I guess this is goodbye!! Try not to celebrate that fact too much :) In reading the previous pages, the group have already expressed my feelings - in far more eloquent words than I ever could. Thank you for your sacrifices and for those of your family in lending you to us and to PNG. We will remember you. I came back a second time to find courage. I'm not sure I have or if I have lost the last of it, but I do know that the spirits on those mountains are breathtaking.
Take care of yourself you crazy, crazy man!!
Annette
(Oh, and I also know to salute with my.... right hand??)"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"I learnt so much about myself and my dad on this trip... I believe you gave... and everyone on this trek the confidence to believe in themselves."
"To Dear Aidan,
I just wanted to express my gratitude and thanks for sharing our history with us. Through a greater understanding of where I came from and the sacrifices strangers took to protect our freedom has given me a greater understanding of myself.
I learnt so much about myself and my dad on this trip and I believe you gave the Police Officers and everyone on this trek the confidence to believe in themselves.
I will be eternally grateful for all you have done and do for others, a true hero in my eyes.
May God bless you and your family
Thank you
Laura RANGA"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"This was one of the best experiences of my life not just a tick on the bucket list, but so much more."
"Aidan,
Thanks so much for everything you have done for us. For sharing your knowledge and positivity and showing us the real meaning of courage, mateship, sacrifice and endurance.
This was one of the best experiences of my life not just a tick on the bucket list, but so much more. Who knows, maybe I'll join you again sometime!
All the best and enjoy the celebrations of your 100th trek later this year!
Best wishes,
Catrina
P.S. Queen will now remind me of this trip!"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"You do amazing things for the PNG Community and keep the track as the raw, historical experience it should be"
"Dear Aidan,
When I first applied to become part of this Kokoda trip, I never knew it would have such an impact on my life. I'd like to thank you for this incredible opportunity and for sharing your knowledge, experience and passion for the Kokoda campaign. Whilst as a [reference whilheld] we may have experienced some hardship, I am so grateful that it has led me to be a part of such amazing experiences and friendships along the way.
You do amazing things for the PNG Community and keep the track as the raw, historical experience it should be and hopefully I can walk through those footsteps with you again.
Thanks you again,
Talara Calavassy"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"You have given me the chance to grow as a man and as a human being. I have learnt so much about myself, my father and my country"
Dear Aidan,
I was always proud to be an Australian and I thought I knew what that meant. But you have shown me what it really means to be a part of the Australian culture. I want to thank you for teaching me the history of the track and the sacrifice of the Diggers and the Papuans. You have given me the chance to grow as a man and as a human being. I have learnt so much about myself, my father and my country. That is because of you and I can never thank you enough. I have the utmost respect for you and look up to you as the type of man of integrity, loyalty and honour I hope to become.
Thank you!
Mitch Marshall"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"It was by far the most physically challenging and second most mentally challenging experience I have ever been through."
"Dear Aidan
Aidan...
Aidan...
Thank you for taking us on a life changing journey. It was by far the most physically challenging and second most mentally challenging experience I have ever been through. I found it astonishing the knowledge you have of the track and everything which took place on it.
I will forever know what you taught me about Australian culture and will certainly spread that back home.
Thank you again,
James Woods"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"This trip has been extremely close to my heart, to be here representing my grandfather, to pay respect to his fallen mates"
"Dear Aidan,
I must admit I was a bit worried when I found out an Irishman was leading me through the jungles of PNG with a bunch of coppers :-) But, I wouldn't of had it any other way, you're an amazing leader, the way you bring out the best in everybody is admirable.
This trip has been extremely close to my heart, to be here representing my grandfather, to pay respect to his fallen mates, to again a respect for what those young men went through, what they sacrificed all for our country has been very humbling.
On behalf of myself, in particular my mother and no doubt my grandfather. Thankyou mate. May we never forget. They gave their tomorrows so we could have today.
All the best
Shannon Dixon
FRNSW"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"Honestly, probably one of the best public speakers I have heard and made every speech interesting, take you to the moment and made you have a real hard think about yourself"
"Aidan,
Just want to thank you for one of the best experiences in life. Yourself along with the rest of the group and the legatees have taught me so much about myself and also about life.
Honestly, probably one of the best public speakers I have heard and made every speech interesting, take you to the moment and made you have a real hard think about yourself.
I loved the adventure and hope to join you on one of your walks in Australia. Stoked to be apart of this walk and will always remember last 10 days.
Has definately been a life changing experience.
Cheers, Michael Jordan"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
The scenery is picturesque, the people are one of a kind and the story is an inspiring tale of mateship, courage, endurance and sacrifice... There's a good chance I'll be back for more!"
"Aidan!
Words cannot express how grateful I am to have had the honor of experiencing the Kokoda Track under your leadership. You gave us a deep insight into the trials faced by our Diggers whilst adding a personal touch to it.
I can see why you have walked the track 94 times! The scenery is picturesque, the people are one of a kind and the story is an inspiring tale of mateship, courage, endurance and sacrifice which makes me overwhelmingly proud to be an Aussie!
It is obvious that you are extremely passionate about the ANZACs and I just wanted to thank you again for sharing that with me.
There's a good chance I'll be back for more!
Jonelle Thomson"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"We had a great time. We look forward to hearing from you about My Great Uncle. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of history"
"Thanks Aidan,
We had a great time. We look forward to hearing from you about My Great Uncle. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of history.
From Matt & De"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"This has been an amazing journey in more ways than one...This has been mentally personally and physically challenging. We SMASHED IT"
"Aidan
This has been an amazing journey in more ways than one. As you say, you can't judge a book by it's cover. This has been mentally personally and physically challenging. We SMASHED IT
Michelle & Renee"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
Thank you for sharing you "backyard" with us. For inspiring us to dig deeper and sharing your passion and knowledge of Kokoda. I will be returning with my son one day...
"Aidan
Thank you for sharing you "backyard" with us. For inspiring us to dig deeper and sharing your passion and knowledge of Kokoda. I will be returning with my son one day...
Vanessa"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"You have believed in me every step of the way through Kokoda and Shaggy Ridge, and I am very thankful for that!! You have inspired me so much by sharing your passion and story with me"
"Aidan
Thank you so much for everything you have done for me! You have believed in me every step of the way through Kokoda and Shaggy Ridge, and I am very thankful for that!! You have inspired me so much by sharing your passion and story with me. I will never forget the times that we have had together. I know that we will meet up again and hike around PNG or even around the world together. I can't wait to see you again for our next big hike. Overall, thank you for believing in me and inspiring me. See you soon. Thank you.
Zoe Bishop"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"Thanks for this wonderful adventure. Your leadership and friendship was second to none"
"Aidan,
Thanks for this wonderful adventure. Your leadership and friendship was second to none.
All the Best,
Bob Mey"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"Every time you take a group on the track you are being brave and inspiring people to do things which are fantastsic and unbelievable"
"Dear Aidan,
You probably didn't believe that a pair of Blundstones would get this dwarf 96kms. Quite possibly (judging from my blisters) I could have used an updated pair of shoes. But they did get me all the way due to your leadership, courage and bravery.
I stand by the words I said when I was so fortunate to be able to hand over the Bravery Medal to Talara. An individual act can be brave but a person that can give courage to others to do the same act and fo beyond what they thought they were capable of is also brave.
Every time you take a group on the track you are being brave and inspiring people to do things which are fantastsic and unbelievable.
Thank you for the experience and more importantly thank you for the lessons. They have ensured that "I will never forget"
Thank you,
Kristina O'Hagan."
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"...I've had an absolute ball. There have been challenges, but I really enjoyed your knowledge and passion about the Kokoda campaign"
"Hi Aidan,
Well, what a trip! Part of this challenge is to be able to read my handwriting, however I've had an absolute ball. There have been challenges but I really enjoyed your knowledge and passion about the Kokoda campaign. It was great to cross the gate with Simon and Tangles, but I'm glad you won't come walking up behind me whistling away and pushing me over. I wish you and your family well.
All the best
D.K.
Darren Kelly"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"I can not describe the amazing experience that I have been priveledged to be a part of over the last 10 days"
"Aidan,
I can not describe the amazing experience that I have been priveledged to be a part of over the last 10 days. Your knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the history and integrity of the Kokoda campaign is simply astonishing.
The last 10 days will go down as one of the most memorable experiences of my life and you are mostly responsible for that.
Receiving the Kingsbury VC to carry was the most humbling experience I have ever had. I was so proud and it was such an honour.
You have kept the Kokoda history alive and I have no doubt Stan Bisett would be very proud!
Thanks agin!
Mitch Thompson"