Hiking through history: In my grandfather's steps on the WWII Ghost Mountain Trail, Papua New Guinea

Join me on a profound journey as I retrace the steps of my grandfather and the soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Division along the challenging Kapa Kapa Trail in Papua New Guinea.
During WWII, the soldiers - known as the Ghost Mountain Boys - undertook a grueling trek through dense jungle and rugged terrain to confront enemy forces. As my grandfather neared the end of his life, I decided to follow this same path through the jungles of New Guinea. This trek was well beyond my skill and fitness levels, but I was determined to do it, pushing myself to my limits both physically and mentally.
This is Episode One of a series covering my hike on the World War II Kapa Kapa Trail in Papua New Guinea. I spent three weeks in the jungle, climbing over the Owen Stanley Mountains, crossing rivers and streams, and reliving the trek of the Ghost Mountain Boys and the U.S. 32nd Infantry Division in World War II.
This journey is more than a hike; it's a personal quest that tests my limits, connects me to my grandfather, and delves into the heart of history, struggle, and resilience - all set against the stunning backdrop of the jungles, mountains, and vibrant culture of Papua New Guinea.
Subscribe to my channel to join the adventure!
BOOKS:
*The Ghost Mountain Boys: amzn.to/3wLga9t
* The story of the American WWII soldiers who trekked through here on their way to Buna
* The Kapa Kapa: amzn.to/4adVLbw
* What you need to know to hike this trail today. Elevation profiles, information on the villages along the way, and more.
* Victory in Papua: amzn.to/4adVLbw
* Part of the official history of the U.S. Army in World War II series, chronicling the strategic efforts to defeat Japanese forces in Papua New Guinea.
* Our Jungle Road to Tokyo: amzn.to/43QsFND
* A memoir by General Eichelberger who commanded the troops in the Battle of Buna, detailing the challenges and strategic victories of Allied forces in the Pacific.
Note: Some links are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn't cost you anything and helps support the channel. Please consider purchasing from one of these links - thank you!
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[@jamesmacarthur6749]

Love the way you discribe this adventure and proud of your family history.

[@MrTgomah]

Can't wait for the next adventure.

[@ervinslens]

Beautiful storytelling my friend, what a wonderful adventure! 🔥🔥

[@peggytazelaar6350]

I subscribe and look forward to all your videos. You do such a great job explaining things and you know I call you Wonder Woman😁

[@Rigus208]

Donna what a awesome woman you are .. been following you on your journey’s can’t wait to be with you on this next one. You’ll do it, why? Because you can and you want to!!

[@cameronevans4635]

Congrats and well done! I did the Kokoda Trail in full kit in Oct 2022 and know how exactly you felt doing that trek

[@DBecker-ed3rf]

I look forward to watching these.
My father was in the 32nd as a replacement, arriving in New Guinea (Aitape) in the first half of 1944. He went on later to Leyte and Luzon (Villa Verde Trail) in the Philippines. Then Japan after the surrender.
He remembered New Guinea as the worst and most primitive conditions. They had every tropical disease and extremely hot and humid.
The Japanese there were also suffering in the terrible conditions and were very under-supplied due to their poor or optimistic planning.

[@SomeBoldAdventure]

It was definitely struggle - dealing with weather and illness along with war. And so few people realize what they went through.

[@In-The-Trees]

I served with the 32nd infantry, I have the goal of doing this trek feb of 2025. What agencie did you go threw in order to do it? I'll definitely be following your channel to see the rest of your series.

[@SomeBoldAdventure]

I went with Getaway Trekking in Australia - they're getting a shout-out in the next video! I think they're the only ones that do the Kapa Kapa, and it's not an every year kind of thing (from what I know they've done it twice). The logistics to pull off a trip like this are crazy - and it will be obvious in future videos that the best laid plans do go awry:)
I sent you an email with some additional information that may be useful for you.
I hope you do this - it's incredible in so many ways and a great way to connect with the history of the 32nd.