Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne
We are feeling good at the start of day 2 so decide on the longer walk up to King David's Peak rather than to Mt Jerusalem as originally planned: we can do a shorter day to Mt Jerusalem tomorrow. However, the weather starts to set in at Solomon’s Thone on the way to King David's Peak, so we turn back early to camp. When the weather later clears we have time for Mt Jerusalem. We return to camp just as the weather sets in once more. Amazing views!
We walk about 8 km with two short climbs for 400m days elevation gain.
Howling winds blasting down through Jaffa Gate overnight pulled out a peg, requiring a quick and dirty fix.
Breakfast with a view into Dixon’s Kingdom and some early risers.
Dixon’s Kingdom Hut – people camped near here had trouble with possums but we are further away and have none. But we had also hung our rubbish bag and food bag in a tree.
We are backtracking towards Damascus Gate for the side trip to King David’s Peak, the Temple and Solomon’s Throne.
View south across the vale.
Solomon’s Throne and Hell’s buttress. The climb to the top seems daunting from below, but it’s very manageable. In the narrowest section of clear scree centre right, rocks are arranged into steps to reach the lowest point of sheer wall. The track then follows the edge of the wall to the left, before climbing through a chute to reach the top.
A comfortable climb through the scree.
The climb is not especially exposed but is still worth a try if you are daunted by exposure: the views are worthwhile even partway up.
The rock chute.
Atop Solomon’s Throne, with King David’s Peak and Lake Salomone. The weather is setting in and the wind is howling but it is breathtaking.
On Hell’s Buttress with a wonderful view of Lake Ball. We will be skirting the lake’s closest shore tomorrow. We have a snack in the lee of a rock, but we’re keen to descend before any rain wets the descent, so we skip the hike along the spine to King David’s Peak and head down instead.
Olearia sp.
Back at Damascus Gate, the weather seems to be clearing.
The King Billy Pines around Dixons are magical. Like many alpine species, these trees don’t survive fire, so to see so many ancient ones is an increasing rarity, with climate change causing more frequent and widespread bushfires in areas of the Tasmanian Alps that have seen no flame in centuries.
We have lunch at the tent and with the weather having cleared we decide to set off for Mt Jerusalem.
Many lovely tarns enroute. We spotted people carrying towels returning from these tarns the previous evening so, although they look pristine, you need to treat any drinking water collected from them, as well as around the campsite.
Glimpses of Lake Thor and Lake Tyre to the north of Mt Jerusalem.
Officer’s Marsh and Lake Thor.
R to L Lake Thor, Shepherd’s Pool and Lake Sidon.
View into the Walls, King David’s Peak and Lake Salome. Geoff is carrying my pack for me.
View to the south east.
If you can, schedule in plenty of time on the peak. The views are glorious - Lake Thor.
Weather seems to be coming in again but we stay for as long as we can.
Dixon’s Kingdom foreground (our tent just visible behind a pine lower left) with a mist-shrouded Solomon’s looming behind.
This black tiger slowly came closer as we stood very still watching her. When she got to this spot, we stepped quietly back to let her have the duckboard but we scared her and she disappeared underneath it. These snakes are not aggressive and have very short fangs. If you are wearing long pants and thick socks, you are safe!
Our last night in this lovely spot with Mt Jerusalem behind. You can see our rubbish bag and washing sponge hanging from the tree.
Dinner time - Yum!