70-year-old Lawrie Horder takes on Kokoda
Lawrie Horder will celebrate his 70th birthday in an unusual fashion: he will set off to conquer the Kokoda Track.
Lawrie, of Ballina, will fly to Papua New Guinea on May 29 with son Adam and three other men, who will begin their Track trek on May 30, the day Lawrie turns 70.
Adam, a local fireman who also owns Ballina’s Intershape gym, says his father will have no problems completing the trek, despite his years.
“He’s a lifelong fitness man,” he said.
Lawrie is ex-army, making two tours of Vietnam during a 21-year military career.
He spent time in PNG as a training instructor, but never got the chance to do the Kokoda Track.
Adam also is ex-military and did a training exercise there in the 1990s, but also never got the chance to do Kokoda.
Joining the Horders will be locals Steve Gassiner and Andrew Smith, and Stuart O’Keefe, of Sydney.
“We’re all good mates,” Adam said.
Although the five are extremely fit – for example, Andrew is a former Australian triathlon representative – they will be in no rush on the track.
Lawrie will use local porters to carry his gear and will be part of a tour group with Adam, Steve, Stuart and Andrew carrying all their own kit including food, tents, packs and each other if required. That is their main challenge.
“We’re going to take it slowly and enjoy it,” Adam said.
PICTURE: Team Kokoda (from left) Lawrie Horder, Adam Horder, Stevie Gassiner, Andrew Smith and Stuart O’Keefe.
