Q'n'A:
What made you decide to participate in the Harcourts Foundation Kokoda Challenge?
I want to see and experience some aspects of Papua New Guinea. I have also started to read Peter Fitzsimons book “Kokoda” and this fleshes out history of which I was quite ignorant.
What do you hope to get out of the Trek?
As a Teenager I saw a documentary called “Heaven above and Mud below” about an expedition crossing West Papua and somehow this always resonated with me and now I have a chance to do something similar.
What do you think you will miss the most?
I don’t miss anything when I am travelling. At times I am uncomfortable and wish I was somewhere else, but getting out of one’s comfort zone is part of the attraction of a journey
How will you mentally prepare for this experience?
As Confucius (and not Nike) said: Just do it – and the philosophy will follow.
What are you mainly looking forward to?
Everything
What are you most afraid of?
I am excited, not afraid. I am not the type to worry about what is ahead, that doesn’t mean I am not afraid if I am in danger.
How will you overcome this fear?
I’ll worry about that when the time comes.
What sort of training are you doing to help prepare yourself for the journey?
I am riding my bike as per usual, I am doing some of the exercises suggested by Adventure Professionals and I am doing the trails on Mt Cootha. The dog is getting pretty fit too!
If you could take one luxury from home, what would it be?
Nothing, travel light and enjoy it.
What will be your primary motivating force to keep going?
To put one foot in front of the other and keep going.
