Kit (in the hat) our historian and myself at the end of the track
Day 7.
Ua-Ule to Ower's Corner - 5.5 hours (7:00am - 12.30pm)
Pain factor 10 (1 to 10 where 10 is the worst)
I did not sleep all that well, I just could not find a comfortable position as my right knee ached continually.
Up at 5:30AM, wet skins, wet shorts and wet shirt. However I saved dry socks for the last day. I put tape over my toes - just to be sure that I have no feet problems on the last day, as so far my feet have been good with no chaffing or blisters.
Thank goodness that this is the last day, as my knees are feeling it. We got away at 7AM, out of the campsite for a vertical climb, what a heart starter !
Some up and down sections, then the big steep climb up to Imita Ridge. I found this extremely difficult and I am having to keep concentrating on one step at a time. The last 100 metres or so so are the most difficult.
I am exhausted at the top and have taken some effort to get myself up and moving again. The downhill from Imita Ridge is very steep and it now feels like I have pokers in both knees and red hot embers for feet. Some relief and flat surface thru Uberi Village (now abandoned). Then further steep downhill into Goldie River.
This was excruciating.
Boots off and into the river to cross, water up to my thighs, this is so good on my feet and knees.
Once across, boots back on 10-15 minute rest, then up the last climb to Ower's Corner. This is steeper than the climb up to Imita Ridge but a shorter distance and seems to go straight vertical.
I am really struggling and relying on my porter, Henry, to assist. We have all had to stop a few times.
We all stopped as a group one last time before the last section of the climb, and the team let me move from the back to the front. What I didn't realise was that we only had about 50 metres to go to the top - the guys let me reach the end of the trek first !
Tears as I crossed, and tears as as we all congratulated and hugged one another.
I did it - we all did it
This would have to be one of the toughest things I have done, especially over several days. It is more mental than physical, as you will yourself on.
After a BBQ lunch and a couple of beers we jump (crawl) into the bus and head to the war cemetery. This is also very emotional - young Aussies 19, 22, 23 killed in their prime protecting Australia and our lifestyle.
What a journey !
What a great bunch to trek with !
What great porters !
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