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Dogwood Half-Hundred | ||
| The Dogwood hike is finally done. It was a walk, and sometimes run. The 34 long miles are past And now I can relax at last. The ten weeks' training served me well. The stairs I climbed I'm proud to tell. One hundred twenty flights I scaled Without a pause nor courage failed. In 48 swift minutes' time I did the long gray stairways climb. The practice hikes were short or long. They made my legs and heart grow strong. Four hundred twenty-five the miles Of practice hikes that gave me smiles. With God's good help I knew I could Complete the course and still feel good. At last the big day did appear. The weather, sadly, was not clear. The sun had hid its warming face. 'Twas cold and cloudy at this place. A bowl of oatmeal sweet and hot! It really cheered and hit the spot. I saw some friendly faces there, Some that were round and others square. Soon after seven Lee said "go." One hundred forty souls did show. Before our feet had gone a mile We formed a line to cross a stile. The redbud trees were pink with bloom To pierce the hazy morning gloom. The cows and horses stopped to see The hikers moving rapidly. The roads gave way to forest trail And up the mountain we did sail. I took my glasses from my eye For they were misted, hardly dry. At Fetzer's Gap was checkpoint one. The first ascent of three was done. My Jean was there with kiss for me, Bananas, oranges, juice, and tea. And then I sped to checkpoint two Across wide Cedar Creek!no view. I'm feeling great, no need to wait. My pace is cause to celebrate. The Great North Mountain beckons me To climb and see what I can see. Atop the peak my footsteps stray For briefly I did lose my way. This leg was thus a trifle long, But I still sang a happy song. At checkpoint three I found a chair And for five minutes did repair. I then began a long descent, With care where every footstep went. I crossed Pond Run eight times in all And never took a bath or fall I took the Psalmist at his word That God's protection sure endured. By swift Waite's Run was checkpoint four. The hike was more than halfway o'er. More Gator-aid and fruit for me So I could climb my mountain three. With legs in pain I did arrive Through mist at shelter number five. The shelter had a cheery fire That did a welcome rest inspire. I took a 15-minute pause To stretch my legs with ample cause. The liniment I spread with care, So glad that I had made it there. The clothes I wore were damp and cold. My hat and gloves were good as gold. I swiftly went to checkpoint six, Where Gator-aid gave me a fix. From there the hill ahead was hard. I had to strain for every yard. 'Twas not so very rough or steep, But my tired legs could barely creep. At last I crossed the crest above And gave my legs a little shove. I jogged downhill until the end, So sure that legs would truly mend. My Jean was there to welcome me With cheery smile and cup of tea. She took my picture, so we thought, But film alas was not wound taut. My finish place was three-score twelve. I felt quite proud of my tired self For twenty more were yet to come, And forty more had quit, by gum. I drank some ale and ate hot stew, And donned dry clothes 'cause I was through. I'm glad the Dogwood hike is done. Despite the pain it was great fun. | ||
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