[pct-l] , trail magic

[Michael Donnay]

Jeff, I completely agree with your points.
If I want a beer or a coke or a meal or any supplies for that matter, I know where to find it... in town.  In the meantime, when I'm in the wilderness I want to enjoy peace, quiet, tranquility, and beautiful sights unmarred by marks of civilization like caches and picnic pop-up tents and the trash that often follows.  
I'm beginning to think that some people provide their fabricated version of "trail magic" to fulfill their own needs.  While many younger hikers now expect it.  It's so contrived and over-played that it's no longer magical.
Authentic trail magic, that as you said, "comes out of thin air" should be rare.  And only when it appears when you least expect it and need it most, will you discover its true magic.
Thanks for sharing.Mike

      From: Jeffrey Olson <jjolson58 at gmail.com>
 To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
 Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2018 12:51 AM
 Subject: Re: [pct-l] , trail magic
   
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
>

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