The first day of a 99% snow-free spring hiking trifecta with glorious weather. I bushwhacked up the west side of the big hardwood bowl between Welch and Dickey Mountains, and went on to a second summit of Dickey within a week's time.
There is a remarkable assortment of boulders in this basin.
The larger boulders are well-known to local climbers. This behemoth is known as the Wander Boulder.
More boulders farther up the slope.
Great spring hardwood whacking.
Chaga tree.
The openness of the woods has been enhanced here by unknown parties.
Welch Mountain looms above.
Headwater stream.
Woodpecker multi-level.
Interesting terrain on the headwall.
Caterpillar moss.
Steep slope of Dickey through the trees.
Climbing through conifers towards the trail, staying to the left of the big headwall slabs.
A wild, mossy gully.
A 15-minute rain shower hit just as I reached the trail high up on Dickey. I waited it out under my umbrella, then continued up the ledges (mostly still grippy when wet, but caution recommended). The showers were clearing away to the south.
View northwest, near the summit. Higher peaks socked in.
From the summit, looking north to the spur ridges of Mt. Tecumseh.
Welch Mountain, and Sandwich Notch beyond.
Sandwich Dome emerging from the clouds.
Tripyramids and Sleepers, in silhouette.
On the way down I made a bushwhack loop out on the western flank of Dickey, seeking a cave Cath Goodwin and I stumbled upon during a snowshoe bushwhack in 2013. With a little searching I was able to find it.
Come on in!
VFTC - view from the cave.
An impressive rock wall.
Cool crevice.
Stepping inside.
A wide-spreading white pine on an off-trail ledge.
You never know what you'll find out in the woods.
Back on trail, heading down the big Dickey slab.
Evening light on Dickey and Welch.
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