15-year-old girl tames Ghost Mountain

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By MALUM NALU
A 15-year-old American girl has made history by being the youngest person to walk the rugged Ghost Mountain Trail from Central to Northern.
Rachael Campbell, daughter of author James Campbell, was among a group of eight expatriate trekkers who set out on July 24 to tackle the gruelling trail.
The 17-day trek covered more than 200km through some of the most rugged terrain in the country, and is sometimes referred to by Kokoda Trail veterans as “Kokoda on steroids”.
Campbell is the author of Ghost Mountain Boys, which tells the story of this little-known trail which was used by American troops during World War II, and which he walked in 2006.
The group finished the trek earlier this month, with most returning home, while Rachael and her father spent a few more days in the country.
“It was extremely gruelling but the people, the village welcomes, were absolutely wonderful,” Rachael told The National on Friday.
“They were extremely generous and extremely warm and kind.
“I had opportunities to play with the kids, talk to the women, they’re wonderful people.
“Unfortunately, they don’t have much access to things: Services like medicines, education, a bunch of things.
“Hopefully, through this trail, we can get more attention to get them access to these things.”