On a raw, dreary spring day, I waited out the rain until late afternoon, and with a 4:00 pm start was able to fashion a bushwhack loop over two favorite ledge viewpoints on the lower part of Acteon Ridge, the western spur ridge of Sandwich Dome. After an approach via the Old Waterville Road and Yellow Jacket Trail, it was time for some bare ground hardwood bushwhacking, steep in places.
My first destination was a series of ledges along a ramp-like ridgeline, with views across to the Campton Range.
Jennings Peak, Sandwich Dome and the upper Black Mountain seen through the gnarled red oaks that line the ramp.
Ascending the ramp, placing steps carefully to avoid trampling lichens.
View of the upper and lower Black Mountains, on the long SW ridge of Sandwich Dome.
Looking down from the top of the ramp.
Traversing a deep forest of hemlock and spruce en route to the south spur of Bald Knob.
Nice hardwood glade below the south spur.
The massive granite slab near the top of the south spur, looking south to the Campton Range and distant Mount Cardigan.
Relaxing for a few minutes before heading down. Not much time to linger this late in the day!
Neat rock passed on the bushwhack descent.
Peering down into the forest from the top of a wooded cliff.
Homeward bound, and not one speck of snow seen up to an elevation of 2000 ft.
