Hiking in the Sierra

Clear water and coarse white sand,
was quite a sight for a young man.
Gurgling blue fresh, it was Sierra Nevada's best.
The smell of pine in summer air made the dusty trail easy to bear.
The canteen was not empty, and thirst quenched;
in this nature was a kind we would attest.
The tent pitched and fire burning,
and the coffee can was filled and boiling.
Meager rice and dehydrated soup,
without despair for a few brook trout
were destined for our fare.

Sleeping in our bags dream in wonder
of what the next would bring.
Shivering in the sack and greatly relived
from the crackling sound and and the smell of burning pine.
As I remember these were moments of my partner being kind.

Two coffee cans of water boil, for mountain coffee,
and Quaker instand oatmeal, maple and raisin
if my memory does serve, and a packet hot chocolate
for extra reserve.
Breaking camp, and packing packs, dutifully
the ashes were left cold.
With great anticipation and renewed energy
we struck out to see what adventure may unfold.

Twenty more miles of trail to walk twenty more mile of trail,
walk one down and kick it around nineteen more
miles of trail to walk.
With our cadence our miles quickly slipped under our feet.
In the cool morning air we take our break,
and check our sore and blistered feet.
We welcome a sweet peace of chocolate, and refresh
with the cool blue water of Sierra Nevada's best.

Soon we are charging up the trail,
With our cadence booming as young with out a clue,
knowing that lunch was long over due.
Smooth polished white granite slab set in such
a way to make perfect table and chair.
A perfect spot indeed with smell of Sugar Pine and
and manzanita apples for vitamin for extra "C".
Sardines and kippers, crackers too, and best not forget the the small box raisins we are due.
Meager ration one could say, but to satisfy the hunger,
it is a small price to pay.

With lunch over we begin our last charge.
In due time our new camp is sublime, and we catch a
few more trout and gather berries to fill our pouch.
We look once again to tomorrow, for things from nature to borrow.