Our Weekly Ride in the Country

For our ride this week, we headed east on US 2 to the small settlement of Index. This village sits on the shore of the Skykomish river nestled in a narrow valley. As you can see above, the river here is as clear as a swimming pool.



Although it was tolerably warm, there is still snow on the peaks around us.

the picture above and the one below are made from the same location, just looking down (above) or up (below) river. Even though both images are filled with trees that are not yet away from the winter slumber, I find the image below to have much more of a spring feeling to for some reason. Maybe it is the paucity of snow or the large green area covered by the conifers. In any case, the image above feels cold and winter-ish and the one below gives a feeling of hopefulness and spring-is-'a-comin'.

Looks like we are pasted the peak of the snow melt in this part of the river. It is flowing well, but not roaring.

The road that connects US 2 to Index turn-off is a dead end so there was almost no traffic on it. Near the terminus, there is a bridge permitting this smaller stream to join with the Skykomish. Were I more adventurous, I'm sure I could hike up stream and get more interesting photos. Perhaps one day after the apocalypse passes and it is warmer.

As you can see, this stream is quite clear and, I'll bet, pretty darned cold. But rock don't mind about the temperature. They hardly notice the water at all.

As the stream flows out to join the main river, the jumble of stones ends and the water seems to suddenly be at peace with the decision to flow this way.

After checking out the river and its tributary, we drove into Index to have a look about. It is a small, one or two street town with a general store, a firehouse, and a river rafting headquarters for a local company. Not even a gas station. Got to head out to one of the only slightly larger small towns on US 2 to find one of those.

But, oh my, these folks have got the best views ever when you look out the front door. The snow reminds us that it will still get cold here, especially at night, the blooming cherry by the river signals the arrival of spring, and the ever flowing river provides continuity for all the life in this part of the Cascades.

I'll end with a just a brief note to say thanks to all our friends who wished us happiness on our anniversary day before yesterday. We appreciate your warm wishes and do indeed look forward to the next 38 years. I especially enjoy reading your comments on the blog. So, just because there are no more special days in the near future, don't hesitate to send along your thoughts and impressions in the comments.

Take care.