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An Angel flew over Kokoda today . . . | |
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We are saddened to learn of the untimely death of one of our beautiful young trekkers, Nicole Smith. Nicole joined us for our Anzac Trek last year. She was a legal secretary from Muswellbrook who wanted to learn about the Kokoda campaign. On her arrival in Port Moresby we were somewhat amazed that she had a backpack almost as big as she was - and calmly announced that she was going to carry it all the way. 'Yeah, sure!' - was the thought in everybody's mind. Not only did she carry it all the way - she became an inspiration to the rest of the group. As a result of her Kokoda experience, Nicole decided to join the army. She completed her recruit and corps training over the past six months and was enroute to her first posting in Darwin last Tuesday when the tyre on her car blew out. Niclole was tragically killed in the accident. Her untimely death has left her twin sister, her parents, family and friends shattered. I received the following tragic news from her twin sister, Natalie: 'Dear Charlie, 'It breaks my heart to inform you of the tragic news that Nicole passed away on Tuesday October 14. 'As you may have been aware Nicole joined the army in March this year. She had completed her training and was travelling to her post in Darwin when she lost control of her car after the tyre blew. It was a freak accident that has shocked us all so terribly. 'As we talk about her beautiful life we remember all the people she met and those who inspired her. 'We have been wanting to contact you and pass on the sad news but also to thank you for your influence. Nicole made such a huge personal achievement during her trek on the Kokoda track, an effort we were extremely proud of. It is our belief that Nicole made her final decision to join the Army during those days on the Kokoda track. Although she had only 6 months with the Army we noticed how happy and complete Nicole appeared. She had finally made her dream come true and she was enjoying every moment of it. 'Nicole spoke so fondly of those she met and spent time with on the Kokoda track. We take great pride in her accomplishments and feel so bless she lived her life so full, a life you all had been a part of. 'When we speak about her gorgeous life at her funeral (will be tues. 28th oct) we will certainly be including her kokoda track mates!! 'I am so sorry to have to give you such sad news. Thank you for making Nicole's life a memorable and special one. ''Sincerely, 'Natalie Smith (Nicole's twin sister)' We have contacted her Anzac trek group and asked them to share some of the memories of Nicole on her trek.  From Kam Sue (resting on the log with his brothers Keith and Kim): 'G'day Charlie, 'Thank you for letting us know. It goes without saying that this news is a terrible shock. Our thoughts are with Nicole's family and friends. 'I have spoken to Jamie and Keith about Nicole. Unfortunately Kim is on maneuvers in Germany and I can't contact him. I will be sure to let him know as soon as possible and pass on any thoughts he has. 'I remember Nicole drew a bit of attention when we first gathered at Port Moresby. Initially she caught our eye because she was attractive but we were soon thinking "she will never make it." This was confirmed (we thought) the next morning at the bag weigh-in when Nicole's bag was one of the heaviest and she admitted that she didn't have a personal porter. I'm pretty sure there were a few quiet sniggers when her bag went on the scales and I recall a few suggestions to "leave the hair drier at the hotel!" Any lack of confidence we had eased a bit as we were certain that at least we would make it further than Nicole. We were soon put in our place by Nicole! By the end of the first day she was comfortable, composed, happy and miles in front of us four wheezing, sweaty machos. She got the title "Pocket Rocket" early on in the trek and earned it more and more every day. 'Thank you for representing us at the funeral Charlie. Can you please pass on our thanks to any other trek members who attend and our apologies for not being there. 'Thanks again, 'Kam Sue'  From Susie Turner (pictured with the other trek angels in our 2007 Anzac trek group - Nicole is on the bottom right of the picture): 'Dear all, 'I was very upset to hear about Nicole. I remember the event that Joan speaks about. Jim and I were just behind her as she was walking up a very steep section .Looking upwards , her pack was so large that you couldn't see anything except her legs sticking out the bottom. I remember thinking-how could anyone so small carry a pack so large? - but she did. She tried to climb over a big log but the weight of her pack carried her straight backwards. There she was, looking completely like a turtle with her legs and arms waving in the air- just as Joan described. Once we found out she was ok we all laughed and from then on she was affectionately know as the Turtle. I remember her as being quiet but incredibly determined. She never intruded on anyone but just got the task done. She was the youngest girl and could have a good laugh.We were a small group of 7 women with 45 men but Nicole didn't let it faze her at all. 'I will send flowers to her Funeral on behalf of the Kokoda girls. 'Ed, please pass this on to everyone. 'Suzie Turner' From Joan Davey:  Hi All, I am at a loss for words Nicole was just a beautiful person, although I only met Nicole for a short while I will never forget her - this is such a waste of a young life. If I lived in Sydney I would definitely be at drinks, but I am doing a walk with my Bushwalking Club this weekend and ironically it has a couple of really steep sections that can be very muddy and slippery but with a fantastic view over the Brisbane Valley when you do get to the top, I will dedicate this walk to Nicole and think of her every step of the way. On Kokoda Nicole was often either just ahead of me or just behind me. There was one time when there were a couple of fallen trees we had to step over, Nicole stepped up with that heavy pack on - swayed a little - then fell backwards. My first thought was is she OK? Peter my porter rushed to her but she was fine - she was laughing - then we all joined in the laughter. There she was lying on her back with that heavy pack like a turtle upside down waving her little arms and legs about because she couldn't get back up. I will remember Nicole for her strength and determination Joan Davey From Ed Chapman: 'Thank you for letting us know, Charlie. It is indeed a tragic loss that is difficult to understand. 'I was always inspired by Nicole during the trek, right from that first day when we were weighing our bags alongside the truck. At the time, I thought 'she can't carry that much weight'. And yes, I was proven wrong. Although a slight person in stature, her determination to 'push forward' was unending. I can't say that I ever heard her complain or talk about any difficulty during that time. 'I will always remember Nicole for her wonderful smile, which, as you can see from these photos, was always present. 'Any loss of a person is difficult to fathom, but when a young and promising person such as Nicole, is taken from us 'early', it hurts even more and my thoughts are and always will be with her family and friends. They should be proud of what she achieved. 'Lest we Forget 'Ed Chapman'  From Annett Thompson: Dear Charlie, I'm not even sure how to start this note to you. Suffice to say that I'm deeply saddened to hear of Nicole's passing. She was way too young. I have very fond memories of the time I shared with Nicole on the track. Nicole was a sweet, generous and determined woman. I was astonished at how much weight she managed to lug up and down that bloody track... never once complaining. Nicole was quite a vision. Always up ahead of me. That huge pack on her little back was nothing short of amazing. I teased her with great admiration by calling her "The Turtle" with those tiny little legs seeming to poke out from a huge shell. Please pass on my condolences to Nicole's family. Regards, Annette From Lucie Byrnes: 'I can't think of anything to say that doesn't sound inadequate - I just wanted to acknowledge and thank you for the good things that you do. 'It is an odd thing that the Kokoda trek is such a personal challenge at the time and yet on reflection it is so much more about the 'mateship' and camaraderie of the shared experience - both in walking the track and in the respect and acknowledgement that connects us with the soldiers who lived and died it. 'I didn't know Nicole - but I think of her as a kindred kokoda mate - and I am sad for her passing. 'Lucie Byrnes' Words cannot express our feelings over Nicole's untimely death. She will have a special place in the memory of everybody she touched - she really was a beautiful, inspiring angel. The philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson, could have been thinking of Nicole when he penned his thoughts on the meaning of success: To laugh often and much.  To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children. To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty. To find good in people. To leave the world a better place, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition. To know that one person breathed easier, because you lived. This is to have succeeded. Rest in peace Nicole - you will be forever young and beautiful to us - and we were privileged to share a special part of your journey in this life. We pray that your second journey over Kokoda was as fulfilling as the trek we enjoyed so much with you. Lest we forget. Nicole's funeral will be held at St Albans Church, Muswellbrook at 11.00 AM on Tuesday, 28 November, 2008. Condolences Condolences may be sent to Nicole's twin sister, Natalie Smith, at smithies108@bigpond.com |
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The Nicole Smith Memorial Bursary . . . | |
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We plan to honour the memory of Nicole by establishing a memorial bursary at the Port Moresby Grammar School. The 'Nicole Smith Memorial Bursary' will educate one young female student entering the Port Moresby Grammar School at the beginning of the 2009 school year and will continue until she graduates. Some of Nicole's trek group have already pledged donations towards the bursary. Adventure Kokoda will donate a trek each year for auction at our annual reunion dinner towards the bursary as well. We will contact Port Moresby Grammar School and advise more details later. Charlie Lynn Adventure Kokoda PO Box 303 Camden NSW 2570 0439 303 303 charlie@kokodatreks.com.au |
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Kokoda Reunion Dinner & Flag Re-Enactment | |
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You can click here to book online for our 2008 Kokoda Reunion Dinner and flag raising re-enactment. 2008 Kokoda Reunion Dinner: Friday, 7th November 2008 6.30 pm to 11.00 pm Strangers Dining Room Parliament House Macquarie Street Sydney Re-enactment of the 66th Anniversary of the raising of the Australian Flag at Kokoda: Saturday, 8th November 2008 10.00 AM to 12 noon Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Rhodes Park Concord Click here for the Wotif guide to hotels in the Sydney CBD. Those that I have stayed in which seem good value for money include: . Mantra at 2 Bond Street . Travelodge, Phillip Street . Bayview Boulevard, William Street |
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Caroline Pemberton on Getaway . . . | |
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Former Miss World Australia, Caroline Pemberton, trekked across Kokoda with us during the  Anzacperiod this year.Caroline's next adventure was a visit to East Timor where she hosted a program for Getaway. You can check it out by clicking here. Caroline is quite a remarkable young Australian. She is an accomplished hang glider and spends many weekends canyoning. She accompanied her brother Rex to Base Camp in the Himalayas in support of his bid to become the young Australian to conquer Everest. Caroline is also one of Sydney's leading models - you can check her website out by clicking here. We hope to see more of her on Getaway. Well done Caroline. Lukim yu nekstime Niusleta  Charlie Adventure Kokoda PO Box 303 Camden NSW 2570 Australia 0439 303 303 charlie@kokodatreks.com.au www.kokodatreks.com |
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