Mount Index -

When I need to getaway, away from life, get lost and not found, to be with nature, just my dog and myself,
I drive towards the foothills mountains, on hwy 2 eastbound, just past the lateral moraine, Cascade shelf,
I usually turn right onto the gravel Mount Index River Road, and park at the new discovery pass gravel lot,
However, if you are a iron oxide, rusty hiker like me, you know the way up and around, to the other parking spot.

If not so, park and hike, suck air in as you trek, up the old road, a mile or so, up to the Bridal Veils sign of Falls,
Stop there, if you know the old trail to the right of 4 falls, with Honeymoon Mine, take this route as whispers calls,
Exploring the mines branching shafts, into its tunnel maze of amazement, flashlight faces do adventourously show,
The old copper mine branches multiple time, left and right, even goes up with ropes, with a trecherous 30' cavern below.

Then hike up the old trail of many boots, climb up the old vines, take a break at any of the 4 falls, along the misty way,
The falls are all beautifully dangerous, so find a safe viewing spot, upon the glacial granite rocks, with splashing spray,
Take pictures, make memories, but also take time to look out at the valleys horizon, to find the truth inside yourself,
Then look up, when you get to Lake Serene, at Mount Index's towering peaks, recaculating your theories of wealth.

A blue tarp I have hidden, for my tent if it downpours, where mice and hawks only now go, as rockslides show,
The forest service, closed off that side of the lake, where winter glaciers and summer rockslides, always will flow,
I had many tent nights, at that little west side, mountain side, rodent infested, rockslide treed, Lake Serene, oasis,
I will hike up and go there again, whatever the rules, as it gives peace to my spirit and mind, nothing else ever replaces.

D.M. Beebe