From: Kym Coleman [mailto:kym-paul@REPLACED.pg]
Sent: Monday, 2 October 2006 9:09 AM
To: Nikki George
Subject: RE: Thankyou

HI Nik,

Hope you had a reasonably good walk as now I know how bloody hard they are.

I am amazed by you as a woman, you are an inspiration to all women. I am also glad that we had you as our guide, you are so patient, understanding, considerate and very diplomatic. I wish there were more people like you in the world. You have made a mark on my life as far at what I can achieve and as a friend. Don't ever change and don't let anyone call you sweetheart unless it's Rohan.

Hope you like the necklace, if ever you want more like I say I make them in my spare time in many different designs.

From: PGF [mailto:pgf@REPLACED.au]
Sent: Saturday, 7 October 2006 10:48 PM
To: nikki@daltron.com.pg
Subject: Life Starts at 40!!

Hi Nikki,

I am so sorry I have not been in touch before now. I think Hamish might have told you that I wasn't terrifically well for a few days after I got back - was picked up at Cairns international by the 'heat sensor' - what on earth is the world coming to!! Anyway, that meant I was a few days behind and I seem to have been playing catch up ever since.

Nikki, I have to say I loved every minute & every step of the way on the track and part of the reason for this was the contribution you made in so many ways - your organisation and unobtrusive leadership; amazing knowledge of the history which made things come alive for me; your care & concern for each person in the group; your ability to liaise with and work so closely with our group of porters and all the nationals we met on the track ( to see the way you were acknowledged & greeted by the nationals I believe reflected their respect and genuine affection for you); your humour, encouragement and willingness to share so much of your knowledge & yourself - I loved chatting with you about so many things and enjoyed, despite a bit of an age difference, that we had a lot of things in common.

I am very hopeful that Peter & I, and Hamish & Janet will return next year to climb Mt.Wilhelm and I do appreciate your sending all the information. It would of course be fantastic if you just happened to be our guide.

My other main reason for this email is to wish you the

MOST WONDERFUL 40TH BIRTHDAY TOMORROW

I wouldn't go as far as to say that 'life begins at 40" because I had some great times before that - but I can say that life has just got better and better since 40. I hope you have the opportunity to celebrate with your family and enjoy it to the full.

Take care and once again the very biggest thank you for helping to make my journey on the track one I will never forget.

I am still trying to contact Ron Barassi - do you have an email or phone no. for him. Here, of course, it is very difficult to try & contact him because his phone number is unlisted and people are very cautious about giving out contacts. A couple of the photos of Wayne ( and one of yourself with him) have come out quite well and I would love Ron to have a copy.

Cheers AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Clare

From: Darryl Kamen [mailto:darryl.kamen@REPLACED.com]
Sent: Tuesday, 8 August 2006 12:51 PM
To: Milliner, Robert; Nikki George; Info-Pngtrekking
Subject: RE: Kokoda trip - 30/7 - 6/8

Nikki, I agree with Robert that It was a great walk; something that I will never forget. I enjoyed the walk as well as felt the pains of it. It was a great adventure with great pain. Thanks once again.

Over the last two days I have been waking up at 5am, but this time without Nikki’s wake up call.

Congratulations to you all, we made it.

From: David Hill [mailto:davidhillmc@REPLACEDcom]
Sent: Thursday, 20 July 2006 10:30 PM
To: 'Nikki George'
Subject: RE: Kokoda ups & Downs

Thanks Nikki, yes it has been tough getting back into the routine of home life after such an exhilarating journey! It’s like we lived a year in a week!!

I was concerned re. Kevin when the stretcher passed me about 50 metres from Owers Corner – good to know he was able to walk out!! (but I knew he was in good hands too!)

You were spot on re. ½ hour from Goldie River to Owers Corner (though I pushed hard to do that!!) – but it was funny when I asked Clarenceson how far at Goldie River – he said 10 Minutes!!!!!!!!!!!! – now that would be something to see!!!!

I got to Owers Corner at midday and waited for approx. 45 minutes (tidied myself up as best I could) but took Rowans advice that I’d better hot tail it to the airport. I left my walking sticks at the monument for any photos?? Clarenceson accompanied me all the way to the check-in counter so I gave him an extra tip (I also left 50 kina with Rowan to give to Harry which was hopefully well appreciated).

Well, the plane ran 3 ½ hours late – left at about 6.30 pm so there was no rush after all – oh well, thems the breaks!! I saw a postcard of Bomana War Cemetery but hopefully the group got a better look than that! The person I sat next to on the plane clearly didn’t think I smelt (Dean was worried about this) as she was a real “chatterer” – not easy to listen to when you’ve had a big day and want to snooze!

The delay meant I missed my connecting flight from Brisbane to Melbourne so I spent the night in a motel in Brissy and flew home on Monday. But on the positive side when it became apparent that I would miss the connection I had no hesitation in declaring all my muddy stuff (boots/gators etc.) at customs and they washed it all for me!!!

The CD of photos would be great to see as my camera battery died on day 7 – I’ve got some great photos but I think yours will be better!

“May the views from the peaks always justify and reward your exertions to attain them!!”

From: Milliner, Robert
To: Nikki George
Subject: Kokoda trip - 30/7 - 6/8

Nikki just a short note on behalf of all of us to reiterate our many thanks for your great leadership and support during our trek - from the great stories ( your incredible knowledge of the Kokoda campaign ) and moving poems to your organization and attention to detail with an ever present smile and laugh; it made a big difference to not only our enjoyment of the trip but to our appreciation of the KT . Nothing was too much for you to do. We especially appreciated your special care and support for our colleague John. Hope you enjoy your time back with the family before your next trip. We look forward to the photos! Many thanks from the Tumbuna Trekkers! Best wishes Robert

From: Les Prescott [mailto:lprescott@REPLACED.com]
Sent: Wednesday, 10 May 2006 7:05 AM
To: nikki@REPLACED.pg

Subject: Kokoda

Hi

Hope everyone enjoyed the Kokoda adventure as much as Andy (Maggot) and I.

I would like to thank everyone for the true aussie mate ship given to us on the trip. Andy has nothing but the highest admiration for all the friends he made on the trek and he still gets choked up when he talks about you guys and the porters, in fact we can't shut him up.