[at-l] A tutu primer

[TOKTAADN@aol.com (TOKTAADN@aol.com)]

The tutu goes back to Gathering '98.  As you might suspect, I wrote a poem to 
commemorate the event.  The poem tells part of the story, but there will be 
more, I promise -- or is that threaten?

The Tutu Poem:

I heard about a little Gathering
The hiker babes would all be there
Well that's where I must go then
So I called Delta and went by air.

Got picked up at the airport
By that 2000 thruhiker duo
The at-l's Redhead and Patty 
Off to Pipestem we did go. 

On the way we stopped at Shoney's
Lunch with new friends was nice
We made it a habit on Sunday
Because we stopped there twice.

We got to Pipestem finally
And missed the sign that said one way
So Patty had to turn around
Before we could find a place to stay.

Then we got to register
And met the Bleeder Guy
Saw the 50th Anniversary T-shirt
Just something I had to buy.

Then off to find a campsite
The listers were nearby
Got to find those hiker babes
Or else I will just die!

Wow! It's like a dream
Babes are everywhere
Oh yeah, some guys too
Like I'm supposed to care!

The first hug went to Kahley
Who didn't bring her dog
Then off to hug more babes
Sandpiper and Leapfrog.

Sandpiper is a cherub
Too sweet to grace this crowd
But when she unveiled that tutu
Everyone started getting loud.

The cameras were all ready
It was my moment of truth
I'd have to make a fool of myself
Anything else would be uncouth.

Did it have to be pink
With roses on the waistband?
You did a great job, Amy
For this you deserve a hand.

It's lucky I don't drink
For I think I'd need a stiff one
But finally I decided to do it
Couldn't deprive the crowd its fun.

They say everyone gets
Their fifteen minutes of fame
This was mine and if you missed it
It is a crying shame!

But pictures captured the moment
And soon they'll be posted for all to see
The most ridiculous hiker ever
A pink tutued lil' ol' me!

The funny thing is I was married at the time.  Two weeks after I brought home 
and showed my wife the tutu, she kicked me out after 24 years of marriage.  I 
never could figure her taste in fashion!  :-)

Happy trails,

Solar Bear