Choosing Our Summit

The farewell to Trial Harbour's endless ocean horizons marked not an ending, but a transition into Tasmania's mountainous heart. Anthony Road, which had beckoned us days earlier, now welcomed us like an old friend promising new adventures. The whispers of Mount Murchison's reputation as one of Tasmania's finest short hikes pulled us forward, each kilometre bringing us closer to another chapter in our wilderness journey.

Life has a way of weaving unexpected threads into our tapestry of experiences, and so it was when we encountered a fellow wanderer, thumb extended in the universal gesture of the hiking community. His presence in our bus felt natural, another soul drawn to Tasmania's wild places, reminiscent of the kindred spirit we'd met at Frenchman's Cap. These brief intersections with fellow travellers always remind us of the beautiful community that exists among those who hear the mountains' call.

The trail's initial ascent spoke directly to our muscles, each step a conversation between body and mountain. But nature has a way of rewarding effort with wonder, and as we broke through the tree line, the heart of Tasmania's wilderness unveiled itself in a moment that stole our breath more effectively than any climb. The ocean views we'd left just an hour before felt like memories from another life as we stood surrounded by this new world of rocky peaks and endless horizons.

Our upward journey became a meditation in motion, each step revealing new perspectives of the wild landscape surrounding us. When we reached the rope ascent, three-quarters of the way to the summit, we found ourselves at a metaphorical crossroads as much as a physical one. Here, resting with water and trail snacks, we had one of those profound conversations that seem to flow more naturally in high places.

The decision not to push for the summit came from a place of deep contentment rather than limitation. We'd embarked on this journey seeking epic views and soul-stirring moments, not simply to tick boxes on some arbitrary list of achievements. The spectacular panorama already surrounding us had filled our spirits to overflowing, and sometimes wisdom lies in recognising when you've already received the gift you came seeking.

Our descent carried its own kind of joy, gentler on the legs but rich with reflection. Back at the bus, noting our fellow hiker had continued his own journey, we felt that familiar pull toward our next destination. Tullah's riverside camping ground may have been full on this busy Saturday, but in our nomadic life, such minor setbacks merely open doors to new possibilities.

The shores of Lake Pieman offered themselves as our sanctuary for the night, a perfect alternative to rushing for the Corinna ferry's last crossing. This is the beauty of our chosen life - the freedom to let go of arbitrary deadlines and embrace the serendipity of each moment. As we settled in beside the lake's mirrored surface, we were reminded once again that sometimes the most beautiful destinations are the ones we never planned to find.Read more