Description
Sometimes, patience is everything. We'd set off towards the summit of Federation Peak in abysmal weather so typical of Tasmania's southwest. Climbing the summit was out, so we carried on across the Southern Traverse, somehow making it to the other side and the relative shelter of Hanging Lake, freezing cold but intact. There we would hole up for the next 24 hours, unless the heavy mist and constant drizzle gave way to clearing skies and warm sun. Two hours later we stood atop Australian mountaineering's most lauded mountain in perfect weather, the heart-shape water of Hanging Lake glistening back at us.