Emma Pritchard

It was an epic journey which took 10 days and nine nights to complete.

During that time, they experienced hot, humid weather, and temperatures which dropped to single digits overnight.

They lived in wet clothes, encountered steep terrain, and mud so slippery their eyes were constantly focused downwards, carefully plotting their next steps.

But when Jenny and Lucy Ryder walked through the arches at the end of their 96km trek, the mother and daughter duo felt pure elation as they celebrated their achievement of completing one of the hardest expeditions in the world, the Kokoda Trail.

“It was mentally and emotionally challenging, but I was so proud of what we had accomplished,” Lucy recalled.

“It was a great experience, and I was so happy I was able to do it alongside my mum.”

Co-owner and manager of Anytime Fitness in South Grafton, both women spent months undertaking specialised strength and cardio exercises in the gym, including working out with their 7kg backpacks on, and spending countless hours on the ‘Stairmaster’ in preparation for the gruelling trek.

“The training really helped us to be prepared,” Jenny said.

“I’m a bit of a trekker, and the Kokoda Trail had been on my mind for quite some time.

“It was very challenging, especially because the terrain was so steep in places, and we were constantly navigating our way around tree roots and walking through mud which was so slippery we were constantly looking at our feet.

“We were so happy when we walked through the arches.

“We couldn’t believe we’d done it.”

During the trek, they also recalled the emotional experience of walking amongst 300 graves where the average age of the men buried beneath the ground was under 25.

“To have walked in their footsteps, and walk where the battles happened, and to learn about the history of the Kokoda Trail, we felt very privileged,” Jenny said.

The Ryders completed the Kokoda Trail on April 25, a fitting tribute for Anzac Day, and journeyed back to Australia the following day.

During their time in Papua New Guinea, they also donated a defibrillator to a local hospital prior to commencing their trek.

“I think that was definitely a memorable moment for us,” Jenny said.

 “That was an important part of our journey, to give something back to the community while we were there.”

Inspired by their journey along the Kokoda Trail, Lucy penned a poem titled ‘Eyes on Feet’, which she has kindly given the Clarence Valley Independent permission to publish.

To read ‘Eyes on Feet’, please visit our website www.clarencevalleynews.com.au and Facebook page.