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Re: [at-l] To the Class of '98
This is a great poem, Solar Bear. I envy your talent!
Highlander
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> From: TOKTAADN@aol.com
> To: at-l@backcountry.net
> Subject: [at-l] To the Class of '98
> Date: Thursday, September 24, 1998 11:07 PM
>
> A modest little tribute to the folks that had the great fortune to be
> thruhikers this year. Special thanks for an inspiring journal to
Magaroni
> who's a helluva thruhiker in my book. And a most heartfelt wish for Earl
> Shaffer's successful completion of his 50th anniversary hike. And no
slight
> intended to the inspiring section hikers, especially my buddies Bogey and
Slim
> who concluded their ten year section hike with a rainbow at Katahdin!
Now
> that's finishing up in grand style!
>
> Just yesterday it seems
> We bade them all farewell.
> Now they're coming back
> With incredible tales to tell.
>
> A fond farewell at Springer
> A hike of 5 million steps
> Every thru-hiker's goal
> To reach Katahdin with no regrets.
>
> Where did the time go?
> They left just yesterday
> Braving harsh winter weather
> that just wouldn't go away.
>
> They missed the dog and pony show,
> Lewinsky, Clinton and Starr.
> For this they should be thankful
> That they traveled the AT so far.
>
> Earl Shaffer is in Maine,
> Still aiming at his goal.
> More inspiring than 65 homers,
> Touching every hiker's soul.
>
> Thousands tried the hike,
> and thousands came up short.
> A few hundred topped Katahdin
> And filed their ATC report.
>
> Even if you didn't make it,
> You still had a grand trek.
> Thruhiking knows no losers.
> Only aces in this deck!
>
> You learned a new way of life,
> Your rhythms in tune with nature,
> Your needs so simplified,
> Just another forest creature.
>
> Some of us will follow you
> Down the path we call the AT
> We hope you'll share your wisdom
> For you've been where we will be!
>
> It's not a hero's welcome
> I hope a poem will do.
> We know you've changed a lot
> Now that you've achieved your thru.
>
> Now you're back in the real world
> So complex it makes you blue.
> But remember all your friends,
> Who can do real world Trail Magic too!
>
> Happy trails,
>
> Solar Bear
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> * From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List | http://www.backcountry.net *
* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List | http://www.backcountry.net *
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