Longstride

The Nine Liters
(with apologies to J. R. R. Tolkien)

One liter for the day-walkers, exploring the trail
Two for the sectioners, and their packs from home
Three for the thru-hikers, with their noble goal

Nine for the sweaty Beast, on his sweaty throne
On the Appalachian Trail, where the Beast sweats

Nine liters to soak his clothes
Nine liters to drench him
Nine liters to soak his pack
and all his stuff-sacks inside

On the Appalachian Trail, where the Beast sweats.

(Also printed in the Pass Mountain Hut log)