Retracing the track of Saidor Campaign

This tour was taken under the request of David Anderson and his son Dave, who wanted to visit some of the areas around Saidor in the Rai Coast area where David's father (also named David Anderson) who once took part in a military campaign during the World War 2. David's main intention was to understand better the terrain where his father once fought and campaigned against the Japanese invasion. His father was in the US 128th infantry and was engaged in January and February 1944.

Below are some of the photo highlights:

Dave trying out a beat of a kundu-drum with Maiyau (in traditional dress) and David Anderson clapping after a warm traditional welcome at the Yamai village - Photos by Theodore Baworo (Theo'...)

David, Komsen and Dave on a trek to Gabumi in-land

Dave taking a do off fishing on a dinghy with the locals at the coast of Yamai village

David and Dave relaxing in a PNG way at Yamai village after a couple of hard day's hiking 

A local at Gabumi village carefully shows us an unused bomb that was left behind after the war

David, entering Gabumi village

John Pong and his sister of Gabumi village show off their unused bomb left after the Saidor Military Campaign

Villagers at Gabumi showing an inactive unused grenade

David takes note from Joana in the far left and her husband Bob who is the community leader at Gabumi village

Locals at Gabumi village showing their fresh organic, Arabica coffee cherries

Locals showing us their coacoa fermentery with their dried coacoa beans

Dave tries out a dried coacoa bean and thinks it tastes better than a chocolate 

Dave and David takes a pause to take a glimpse over the top of the Mot River valley after a hike from Gabumi to Yamai

Dave visits a classroom at Pangpang School near Wiwai village

Meeting the teachers of Pangpang school

A rest house near the assembly area of the Pangpang school near Wiwai village

Another day out fishing- Dave makes a big battle with a reef fish as David and the skippers look on

Joe, our local fisherman and skipper for the day

Dave looks on for a best dive location with local paddling in with their canoe

Dave could not wait any longer but to make use of the warm sea of the Pacific Ocean

Well I guess I have to follow Dave with my diving glass on!

Another day out hiking from Galek to Sor and Paramusi

Theo'...meets with James Yali (former MP of the Rai Coast Open) after a cup of coffee at Yali's house near Sor

James Yali shows his fresh dried coffee beans after a welcome coffee...

Bob leads us into the great jungles of the Rai Coast area near Paramusi village

On arrival at Paramusi village as Waba Bona (in green T-shirt) and his people offer us some kulaus (fresh,green coconut juice).