Ghost Mountain Trek: The hike on the WWII Kapa Kapa Trail in Papua New Guinea doesn't go as planned

This is Episode Three 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 - including my grandfather - in World War II.
In this episode we leave the village of Gabagaba for the Kemp Welsh River where boats will take us up the river to the starting point of the hike. Once on the river, the water level is low and the boats are struggling to get upstream. In some places the water is so low we have to get out of the boats and walk.
It takes so long to get up the river that we may run out of daylight. We end up stopping sooner in a village that didn't know they'd be getting guests. But they welcome us anyway, showing off the celebrated hospitality of the people of Papua New Guinea.
It's supposed to be our first day of hiking, and we're already behind schedule. The next morning we set out up the Kemp Welsh River again, and reach the start of our hike. And our first mountain. And the point when I discover this hike is definitely out of my league. That first mountain was HARD. I mean, I knew it would be. I'd read about how hard it was for the WWII soldiers - how they started ditching gear as they struggled up the mountain - but it was so much harder than I expected.
My heart was racing and I struggled to catch my breath. Peter, the trek leader, was very patient, but I was scared. This was day one of hiking - how could I do this for 3 weeks?
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!
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!
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[@In-The-Trees]

Some people are born to climb mountains. You're one. ;)

[@DBecker-ed3rf]

Carrying the equipment and gear that was necessary (at least some weapons and ammo) this was an incredible test. This was their first experience in that environment too and so different from home. Add to that the tropical diseases most experienced at some point.
And at the other end there would be the enemy.