Conquering the Kokoda Track
Not many people can say that they have conquered the Kokoda Track, but two locals, Robyn and Daniel Head now can.
Robyn said both her and her son decided to tackle the 10-day trek out of respect to the soldiers that died on the track.
“The Kokoda Track is a really important campaign for Australia and I don’t think it seems to be recognised enough,” she said.
“If it wasn’t for those ‘ragged, bloody heroes’ that held the hill, the Japanese would have taken over Darwin and the rest of Australia.”
Robyn and Daniel trained for six months before heading over.
And although training five-six hours a day, trekking all over the Pilbara, nothing could prepare them for what was in store.
“The terrain was harder than expected,” Robyn said.
“It was hard for us, but imagine the soldiers, that would have been horrific.
“They had to deal with sickness, mud, rain, carry supplies, stay focused and fight at the same time.
“It was both physically and mentally exhausting, although it was more mentally demanding.”
With little supplies, Robyn said it was different setting up camp and they had to sleep on a thin mattress.
“Towards the end, a couple of people started getting sick but we had to keep on going,” she said.
“The people that helped us along the trek, the ones who do it all the time, they work really hard and are amazing.
“Without them it would have been very difficult, I actually had one guy who had to pull me up as I was at the brink of tears.”
The highlight of the trek for Robyn was acknowledging the history.
“We would stop at different points along the way and when we stopped at the Isurava Memorial, where there was a seven day battle, I ended up in tears,” she said.
“I am speechless, it was both amazing and sad to be able to stand where people had fought for our country.
“The sacrifice the soldiers went through, they were sent in undertrained and their supplies didn’t turn up on time.
“I am proud to say that I am an Aussie.”
Completing the Kokoda Track is something that Robyn had always wanted to do, but never thought would happen.
“It is a big achievement, but next I think I will go on a nice relaxing holiday,” she laughed.
“I believe we should all take a minute to recognise the soldiers who fought at the Kokoda Track.
“They are not recognised enough, especially when you think of everything that they went through.
“Going on the trek, I learnt a lot more, especially first-hand experience.”
Tags: Daniel Head, Echo, Karratha, Kokoda track, News, Pilbara, pilbaranews, Robyn Head
