Hi, Everyone,
I have written a fun Christmas poem about Mt. Whitney that I want to share. I don't post much on here, due to being too busy with work and promoting a book I've written, but reading the info on this MB was very helpful to me before I summitted Mt. Whitney for the first time in August. I'm posting this poem as a thank you:
Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the Portal
Not a creature was stirring, not one mere mortal.
The store was all locked, for the winter it was ready.
The only thing inside was a sleeping mouse named Freddy.
The bears were all nestled snug in their rocky beds,
While visions of food-filled backpacks danced in their heads.
The marmots also remained in their dens so warm,
Snuggled together to await the first really big storm.
When out by Outpost Camp there arose such a clatter,
Mitch the Marmot awoke to see what was the matter.
Out into the cold and over a big rock,
Mitch finally saw that Santa's sleigh was docked.
The moon sparkled on the patches of snow
As Santa saw Mitch and said, "Well, Hello."
Mitch wondered if Santa might have some peanuts
He thought about asking but just didn't have the guts.
"I'm here for the Giant Pancakes," Santa said rubbing his tummy.
"The news has spread far and wide that they're quite yummy."
"But Santa," said Mitch, "Doug is gone for the season."
Santa nodded and said, "I know but that's not a good reason."
Santa scooped up Mitch and put him in front of the sleigh.
Loud protests emerged from Mitch, who said, "Hey!"
Santa said: "Doug's meeting me at the store, he should be there soon,
But my reindeer broke down with the rising of the moon."
"But Santa," Mitch said. "I don't know how to fly."
"I'll teach you," he said. "Then we can go bye-bye.
So go wake your cousins, your brothers and sisters
This will be easy and you won't even get blisters."
Mitch woke up his relatives and dragged them out in the snow
Santa hitched them all to the sleigh and said, "Let's go."
Santa gave the word and they all began to run
Until within moments they were flying and having fun.
They flew over Lone Pine Lake then over the trees
And soon they landed by the store amidst a big breeze.
The marmots smelled an aroma of human food so sweet
But Santa said, " I'm sending you on your own food-finding feat."
Inside Santa was finally happy to put on the brakes
And rest while eating his pancake.
He complimented Doug on the food then went back outside
He whistled to the marmots to give him a ride.
Once he hitched them all up and got in the sleigh
He waved to Doug and asked if he needed to pay.
Doug shook his head and said, "For you, it's free."
Santa nodded his thanks and got ready to flee.
Once the marmots took off Santa was soon air bound.
Almost like he'd never been around.
But Doug heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight,
"Merry Christmas, all you Whitney hikers, and to all a good-night!"
Happy Holidays everyone!
