[pct-l] Trail magic skeptics

[Herb Stroh]

I am deeply appreciative of the magic that has come my way over the years of sectioning the PCT. Piper's mom, who picked me up from the bus stop and drove me to the trailhead; an angel who posted his name and number at the trail head offering rides; the hiker way station outside of Burney Falls with sodas, chips and cookies; free coffee, a place to hang out with other hikers, and trail angel rides to and from the trail head at Trout Lake; the little church in Sierra City that lets hikers camp for free right in the middle of town; I could go on and on. In a time of divisive politics and tribalism, that someone would offer such generosity and kindness to a stranger can be more restorative to the soul than a long walk in a silent forest.

But even more than the rides and "goodies" trail angels provide, magic so often affords the opportunity to further connect with trail community and add to the experience. My first taste of trail magic was, in fact, with Chipmunk, who provide me a fine breakfast and comfortable place to sit and rest. We chatted some and emailed a bit back and forth after that. Years later I sectioned southbound White Pass to Timberline Lodge. While enjoying the breakfast buffet who did I see but Chipmunk. We greeted each other as long-lost friends, all because of a connection brought about by magic.

To me, trail magic adds to the richness of my hiking adventure. Thanks to all who have offered help and respite to me and other fellow hikers, and know that you are part of the wonderful memories I treasure of my life on trial.

Herb

-----Original Message-----
From: Pct-L <pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net> On Behalf Of Douglas Tow
Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2018 4:34 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Trail magic skeptics

I have read posts that sound disparaging toward trail magic and those that provide it.

I certainly respect that any person might not enjoy or partake in trail magic or other help along the trail, and that they would never consider taking any time or resources of their own to help a hiker that they didn't know.

1.  If you have intended to pass by trail magic, and felt pressured to stop and have a beer, and actually stopped and had that beer, that's on you.
2.  Did you walk into South Lake Tahoe, or Ashland, or Truckee?  Or maybe you hitched, which meant someone helped you out, and that's just flat out trail magic.
3.  Did you stop at the Saufley's, or Dinsmore's?  Do you know about Scout and Frodo?  How about Coppertone?  If yes, and you disparage trail magic, you might be a hypocrite.  These saints have given their hearts and pocketbooks to help thousands of hikers.

So, fellow pct-l posters, give me a hand.  Just post a short experience that you had with some kindness you received from a non-hiker.  Or, post that you were annoyed by someone at a road crossing who was just helping hikers to make himself or herself feel better about themselves.  Hmmm...

Cheers,

Chipmunk
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