[pct-l] , trail magic

[Jeffrey Olson]

In 2005 I hiked south from Canada and ran across a trail angel somewhere 
in southern Washington - a phenomenon I'd managed to miss in other 
section hikes.  I was deeply into hiking, my head, and so forth.  I had 
heard of trail angels but never thought they were relevant to my hiking.

I nodded and greeted the couple and started to walk by.  The man almost 
grabbed me and said he had beer and pop and I was welcome to one.  I 
thanked him and continued to move down the trail.  It was pretty funny 
in retrospect - I felt I'd hurt his feelings somehow that I didn't want 
a beer or coke.

I stopped and chugged a PBR or some sort of corporate beer, and chatted 
for a couple minutes before thanking them and moving on.

I appreciated the couple's wanting to affirm my hike, but was a bit 
bemused by the expectation that I stop and hang with them.

Since then I've wondered about the whole phenomenon of "trail magic" or 
"trail angels."  I still think the magic comes out of thin air when you 
need it - a hitchhike, a food bar, a bandage for a cut.  Water stashes 
and coolers and food at road crossings just don't seem like "magic."  
And for many of today's thrus, the magic seems to be expected.

Just some random thoughts on a Saturday morning...

Jeff
Laramie

On 3/10/2018 9:33 AM, Douglas Tow wrote:
> It's exciting to hear all the folks preparing for their adventure.
>
> To some, it might seem like preaching to the choir, but here goes:
>
> *Trail magic*
>
> When it's a lonely cooler or a water cache, remember that there might be 50
> people just that day passing that point.  When you finish your Coke, take
> the empty with you unless a trash container is provided.
>
> When there is a trail angel there, don't treat their generosity like a
> buffet.  Again, lots of folks are coming along, and supplies are limited.
> Though many trail angels do not accept donations, many cannot continue
> their work without them, so always offer.  For overnights, ask what is a
> proper donation, and try to give even more.
>
> Remember, *you* are the PCT.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Chipmunk
>