The latest AT Jouney's magazine has a great article on Wade Chandler AKA Catfish.
The article starts out by defining Trail magic. I'm quoting here- Trail Magic-- it's an unexpected ride to town, an encouraging word from a fellow hiker, an awe-inspiring sunrise the morning after you've decided to quit. Coined by distance hikers, Trail magic is any event that lifts a hiker's spirits. Little things make a big differences on the Trail: free lemonade, water, or ice cream can be all it takes to convince a thru-hiker to keep going.....
I also believe that trail magic can start before a thru-hiker ever steps his/her foot on the trail. I'm really proud of all the "boys and girls" on this site that freely give of themselves with their time, knowledge and encouraging words to members on this site. "Trail magic spreads like fire. It can burn inside a person who spreads it to others--perhaps, without even knowing so. Kudos to all the members that freely give trail magic often on White Blaze.