"You've got enough socks; your shoes aren't too worn?"
"Yes, everything's fine," she replied with a smile.
"My shoes are like new, only 70 miles."
Oh, they're grueling and sharp, those Penn state rocks.
They'll rattle your knees and give feet some bad knocks.
"They're just rocks in the dirt; how bad can they be?
I'll trudge on them, step on them, and we'll just see."
The first few miles were as easy as pie.
The dirt was like silk; the rocks let her by.
Then Wolf Rocks reared up; she was worn down and weary.
The keen jagged points made her feel a bit leery.
The tall spikes were rugged - no way around.
"You mean I walk on the points, far above ground?"
She was slow and unsure, and then took a fall!
On top of Wolf Rocks she left blood, gore and gall.
But in a trail hiker's life one never can stop.
The knee dripped and dried, a bloody crust on top.
That starry night's camp was peaceful, serene.
Then stormy clouds burst to keep things green.
Lightning flashed; thunder roared; rain poured down in sheets.
The little tent did its job: all dry with no leaks.
After a storm hikers walk through wet grass.
Shoes and socks quickly soaked, squished as she passed.
 |
| Mrs. Tenderfeet at Fitzgerald Falls. What she doesn't know will hurt her. The trail goes UP the side of the waterfall! |
Miles of rocks and wet grass, her feet became sore -
Shriveled white appendages, not her feet anymore.
Next morning she gasped at the sight when she rose.
Her feet red and swollen, little sausages for toes.
"What shall I do?" she winced on each step.
"Guess I'll hobble on. I'm not quitting yet."
As she hiked the sun shone on beauty all around:
Flowers and trees, caterpillars on the ground.
With distractions like this, who cares about feet?
She staggered on, relishing nature's beat.
Sure enough, by day's end, she was so glad to see
Her feet back to normal. Her soul filled with glee.
Never fear rocks and wet, tough miles or strife
Recall as you walk: how great is a hiker's life!
Hmmmm.Peg
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