A brief note about a long hike for which I was something of an afterthought. But when offered the Walls of Jerusalem I didn’t think twice, despite or perhaps because of not having done much hiking in Tassie.
Boat booked, food organised, bags packed, weather looks good for a couple of days (out of six). Let’s go.
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Day 1: Wild Dog Creek Campsite
Starting with breakfast at the Raspberry Farm, followed by the expected but not overwhelming steep climb. Arrived at the campsite with just enough time to run up to Herods Gate and catch sunset through the ‘inner walls’. Then down to the business of food and sleep.
Day 2: Dixons Kingdom
Perfect Tassie weather, blue skies and sunshine. Many photo stops through to Dixons Kingdom campsite.
Then side trips up Solomons Throne (well made steps up what looks like impenetrable scree and boulder field) with amazing views across half of Tasmania including the instantly recognisable Frenchman’s Cap in the far distance. Throw in a run up The Temple for good measure.
Windy weather through the evening only added to the evidence the weather was changing. An early solo jog up The Temple for dramatic and memorable views and photos of the walls in rapidly changing light, making do with a compact camera, mini tripod and cold hands.
Day 3: Mount Jerusalem and Lake Adelaide
Back for breakfast, then as a group we headed up Mount Jerusalem, as the wind got stronger and the skies darker. And some raindrops ahead of schedule. Still clear views of Cradle Mountain, seeming not that far away made for a very rewarding morning. The afternoon hike to Lake Adelaide was wet but not unexpected, happily drying out before we got to camp.
Day 4: Lake Meston
Heading off the highways and down the overgrown side of Lake Adelaide. By our lunch we discovered the leeches had already been feasting, yuck!
Day 5: Lade Adelaide
Having ditched any plan to head further into uncharted leech territory, we woke to a bitterly cold wind of Lake Meston thinking that there was almost snow in the air. Genuine snow showers later confirmed the point. More rigorous clothing defences against the leeches were mostly effective too as we made our back to Lake Adelaide.
Day 6: Luxury in Launceston
A fine Italian meal in Launceston followed by a whole day’s rest, before a more punctual boat trip home and an early morning drive back to the office desk.
One of the longest non-snow hiking trips I’ve done. Walls of Jerusalem – loved it. If only its namesake was so peaceful.
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