A Backpacker's Night Before Christmas

[Heather Legler]

I wrote this little poem based on A Night Before Christmas. Feel free to share it around the fire while sipping hot cocoa. Merry Christmas!!


A Backpacker’s Night Before Christmas
by Heather Legler, host of The First 40 Miles Podcast

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the camp
Each hiker had turned off their ultralight lamp

Their bellies were filled up with backpack cuisine
From instant potatoes to freeze dried ice cream

The hikers were nestled each one in their bivvy
(Except for a guy who snuck out for the privy)

The wool socks were hung on each tree branch with care
With hopes that they’d dry and be ready to wear

And ma in her wool buff, and I in my cap,
Had just checked and folded up our waterproof map,

When out by our campsite there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my down bag to see what was the matter.

I reached for my bear spray and felt for my knife
Then unzipped the tent and looked out in the night

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Made me glad that I packed clothes for 30 below

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh filled with backpacking gear,

With a little old driver so lively and fit,
I thought, “No, this can’t be the same pudgy St. Nick.”

More rapid than eagles his coursers they flew,
But he called different names than the ones that I knew:

“Now, Trekker! Now, Hiker! Now Alpine and Gypsy!
On Venture! On Nomad! On Pilgrim and Tipsy!

To the top of the mount! to the top of the trees!
Now dash away! Dash away, dash away, please!"

As I drew in my head, and I reached for my lamp,
The ground shook as St. Nicholas landed in camp.

He was dressed in merino with a goose down-filled puffy
And his beard wasn’t long--it was 3-day old scruffy!

He gave me a wink, and took off from his back
A huge red and white eighty-five liter pack.

His eyes shone like flames ‘neath an ultralight pot
His dimples were just like a well-tied square knot

His boots were scuffed up from the trails he’d explored
And his pants were held up with some green paracord;

He was healthy and trim, a right jolly old guy
From his gait I could tell he was limber and spry

He stoked our small fire and smiled, warming his hands,
Then he leaned in and whispered his Christmas eve plans.

“I’m starting my night with a ten-mile loop hike”
And I thought to myself “This guy’s easy to like”

We swapped hiking stories--most of them true
(Except for the one ’bout the goats he claimed flew)

He filled all our wool socks with gifts that were keen
Then he filtered some water and filled my Nalgene

And pointing his finger to a spot on the map
He loaded his gear up and tightened the strap

He sprang to his feet, to his team gave a cry
And off they all hiked as I waved them goodbye

But I heard him exclaim, ere he trekked out of sight—
“Happy Trails to all, and remember, pack light!”

TheFirst40Miles.com

[AAdamsPDX]

Oh, nicely done! This is wonderful. Thank you for posting!

[Zia]

I really enjoyed that. Thank you!

[Don Nelsen]

I loved it! Thanks for writing and posting this!

dn

[Lumpy]

I don't usually appreciate poetry, but I do enjoy parody!

Good job!

[Waffle Stomper]

Loved this. Perhaps I can share this on Facebook? With a link to your website of course.

[Aardvark]

love it!

[justpeachy]

Well done! Love it!

[roadtripmom]

Very nice !

[Heather Legler]

Thanks for all the PH love!

You're welcome to share this around next Christmas, just include attribution. You can find a printable copy at http://www.thefirst40miles.com/st-nick-on-the-trail/ .

Happy New Year!!