Maralinga Primary School principal Peter Gray raised $6000 for Legacy on a gruelling walk along the Kokoda Trail. Mr Gray said that this spectacular shot of him on the trail was just “typical scenery”.By Shaun Inguanzo
EMOTIONS ran high as Peter Gray braved a gruelling trek through “boot-sucking porridge” and other treacherous landscapes.
Fortunately for the acting principal of Maralinga Primary School, his 10-day journey in July across Papua New Guinea’s Kokoda Trail was less dramatic than the star-studded group that walked just weeks before him.
“In that regard it was rather dull,” he said with a laugh. “I was there three weeks after Ron Barassi was up there.
“He took a group for his 70th birthday, including Simon Crean, Dipper and other footballers, and all sorts of things happened.
“They were on drips, being airlifted and so on, but we had nothing like that.”
Even without the drama the track was difficult enough, Mr Gray said.
He embarked on the journey in July and raised more than $6000 for Legacy. Now Mr Gray has shared his experience with Dandenong Primary School and his own Maralinga Primary School to thank them for raising funds for the cause.
He said the dry season meant there were few mosquitoes, reducing the risk of malaria. The main concern for the trekkers – all walking for Legacy – was to take care of their feet.
“We had to look after our feet because of the threat of dampness,” Mr Gray said. “Your boots get all damp, dirty and grotty and leave you prone to foot infections, which can lead to all sorts of bugs and what not.”
But it wasn’t just the physical side for which Mr Gray needed to gather strength.
The Kokoda Trail was used by Australian and Japanese forces in World War II in a lengthy encounter that saw battle-weary Australians lug anything from artillery to themselves along the muddy track.
The battle raged during heavy rain and under enemy fire, until the Australians turned the tide of combat and drove the Japanese forces back.
Mr Gray said visiting the sites along the trail that still bore evidence of the battle was an emotional experience.
“We were connecting with a vitally important part of Australia’s history,” he said. “I knew a few of the guys who had been there during World War II and I grew up hearing stories about what happened up there, so the walk meant it became more accessible.”
