What's The Best Trail Magic You've Experienced?

[Jaybird]

Greetings All - .........................What is the best Trail Magic you've PERSONALLY experienced? Where were you and what made it so special?Happy Hiking,turtlex

i've experienced the usual candy bars, little Debbie cakes & sodas or juice in the cooler or mountain stream....but, the best was....i wuz totally outta water & an elderly couple out for a day-hike....gave me 2 bottles of H2O....sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!

[hillsidedigger]

The week of Thanksgiving, 1977, I solo walked from western shores of Hood Canal up a gated road into Olympic National Park, reached an elevation of 3,000 some feet and a fresh snow depth of about 5', hung out a couple of days because I couldn't make it any further and on Wednesday night of all things an intense rain and wind storm struck, being camped under large trees between the avalanche chutes my tent was pummeled by all the snow falling out of the trees and everything got soaked. Not bad.

On Thursday morning, I headed out with what felt like a "200 pound" rain soaked pack. It was gently downhill across very swollen creeks that had been easy to cross going in.

Anyhow, by early afternoon, I reached the end of the gated road, still about 9 miles from my car. The end of the road was a summertime NP campground with a ranger's cabin with propane gas light and cooking.

Unbelievably, there were 2 guys and three young women there (park service temps the previous summer) with turkey, dressing, butternut squash and eggnog. Magic.

[mrc237]

On the PCT I walked into Walker Pass just as two ''horsepackers'' that I'd had known were being re-supplied by one of their many support groups. A cold one was offered upon arrival and an invitation for dinner. I humbly accepted both. Dinner included salad, inch thick steaks, potato and veggies with Bananas Foster for dessert. The beers continued into the night. Breakfast was also served the next AM. Stuff like that don't happen to guys from Brooklyn!

[LIhikers]

My wife and I are section hikers and our best trail magic happened in Barrington, MA. We needed a element for our water filter and walked about 3 miles to an outfitter. He was all out of the one we needed and told us the name of a store right in town that would probably have it. We set off and were almost to town when a car, driven by a young guy in his 20s, pulls up and asks if we need a place to stay for the night. I explained that what we really needed was a ride to the store and he said jump in . A short drive later we had the water filter and he explained that his parents would let hikers stay at their home and asked if we were interested. I said sure, figuring we could always wallk away if we didn't like the situation. It turns out that the family were great people. Not only did they let us shower and do laundry but they also had us join them at the dinner table that evening and fed us breakfast the next morning. Then, to top all of that off, they drove us back to the trail. We were one happy, clean, well fed, couple as we hiked that day.......Thanks Cathy, Jon and Matt!

[adh24]

Best trail magic for me would had to have been this past November in the Catskills. A buddy and me were hiking the Wittenburg, Cornell, Slide Mountain loop and after hiking all day we were dead tiered but just couldn't find a place to pitch our tents and crash. Then finally out of no where a camp site just appeared with a fire pit and two of the most perfect spots to just fit two tents.

Our knees were just about done and it was nice to have a fire after that long day to relax by. It turned out to be a chilly night. We sat and had a feast till almost midnight. Smoked some nice cigars and sipped some whisky.

[Tabasco]

Best trail mahic I ever got was a cool, clear stream of water pouring out of the mountain on my climb up to Cheoah from the NOC. Sept 2003, hotter than 9 shades of hell, water bottles running dry, bust a switchback corner and there it was. Cool, clear, unfiltered water. Best drink I have ever had I do believe.

THAT is trail magic.

[rafe]

Best trail mahic I ever got was a cool, clear stream of water pouring out of the mountain on my climb up to Cheoah from the NOC. Sept 2003, hotter than 9 shades of hell, water bottles running dry, bust a switchback corner and there it was. Cool, clear, unfiltered water. Best drink I have ever had I do believe.

In that vein... the best magic is having wandered for thirty-odd years in beautiful mountains and peaceful country lanes, in relative safety and comfort, in chosen solitude or in the company of good friends and kind strangers. Enough goodness to make me wanna kiss a white blaze once a day.

[Lone Wolf]

What is the best Trail Magic you've PERSONALLY experienced? Where were you and what made it so special?

none yet. in over 20 years i haven't seen one magician.

[Jack Tarlin]

Best trail magic?

Probably it was the first time I met Bob Peoples. When we got to Dennis Cove in '97, there was this little sign at the crossroads, saying "Hiker Hostel" and an arrow. We didn't know anything about it, as Kincora wasn't in any of the books. (Bob didn't know if the place would be ready on time, and he didn't want to disappoint anyone, so he deliberately didn't tell anyone about the place ahead of time). We were kind of afraid the place would be really sketchy, and were definitely on "Deliverance Dude" alert. Turned out he'd only been open for a few days, so we ended up being some of the first people to stay at Kincora. It was a magical place ten years ago. Still is.

[Mags]

From my 1998 journal:

Mile Post 255.9 ~ Roaring Fork Shelter
March 22 ~ Today did not start off well for me. Normally I am an early riser, getting out of my bag at sun-up. Today was different, did not crawl out of my bag until 8:30, and did not get on the trail until 10:00, not at all like me. The cold weather and the gray skies just seem to take the spark out of me.

I was frustrated. When the hike was started I did not expect all
sunny days with an inspiring view every minute. On the other hand, I feel cheated. The days when there are views number in the single digits. Yes, depression was starting to set in. This trip was beginning to seem more like a chore. Get up in the morning. hike my miles, eat dinner, go to bed, repeat. I was missing my friends. I kept on thinking of how they were doing, missing watching some movie with them while having a few cold ones.

The snow was stinging in my face, and my mind kept on wandering. How much I hate this weather, that this does not seem like a hike, but an ordeal to put up with.

It was not a good day in AT land. But something happened. On Max Patch Bald the clouds lifted just long enough to show peaks in the distance. On the way down the bald, the sun came out, making skies that seem to be only that blue after a snowstorm. It is funny how such little things can lift the spirit.

Today reminded me of why I am hiking the AT: whatever setbacks I might face, and whatever good things happen, all will make up a journey I will not forget. Each day is a thread in the tapestry that is my hike.
The best trail magic came not from a cooler of soda or a hamburger on the trail (though I've enjoyed that instance of trail magic as well!), but from the trail itself.

I was disillussioned. 1998 was an El Nino year and the weather was often snowy, rainy and cold.

Then I received the view described above. I knew from that moment I'd reach Katahdin.

No matter what may happen on the trail, it will get better.

I was living a life few people really experience. Where everyday was my own.

Walking the AT really did change my life.

Walking the trail and the gifts it provided was the best, and most true, trail magic of all.

Views from that day:
http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.ph...g2_itemId=1986
http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.ph...g2_itemId=1988

[Sly]

Yup, gotta agree with Jack. What's ironic is that the guides and Mala told me all about Sutton and the Braemor Castle and how good it/he was. Well, a day or so before Hampton, I met Sutton on the trail and he told me about Bob and the new Kincora Hostel, how it had laundry, that Bob shuttled into town and that it was only $4 and that hikers would probably be better off staying there.

Sutton is a class act. I highly recommend shopping for some things at Brown's store in Hampton and spreading the wealth.

Best trail magic?

Probably it was the first time I met Bob Peoples. When we got to Dennis Cove in '97, there was this little sign at the crossroads, saying "Hiker Hostel" and an arrow. We didn't know anything about it, as Kincora wasn't in any of the books. (Bob didn't know if the place would be ready on time, and he didn't want to disappoint anyone, so he deliberately didn't tell anyone about the place ahead of time). We were kind of afraid the place would be really sketchy, and were definitely on "Deliverance Dude" alert. Turned out he'd only been open for a few days, so we ended up being some of the first people to stay at Kincora. It was a magical place ten years ago. Still is.

[Sly]

On the PCT I walked into Walker Pass just as two ''horsepackers'' that I'd had known were being re-supplied by one of their many support groups. A cold one was offered upon arrival and an invitation for dinner. I humbly accepted both. Dinner included salad, inch thick steaks, potato and veggies with Bananas Foster for dessert. The beers continued into the night. Breakfast was also served the next AM. Stuff like that don't happen to guys from Brooklyn!

What's with Walker Pass? There was no one at the campground the day I passed through, but upon crossing the road to hitch into Onyx, the very first car pulled over and picked us up. He brought us into Isabella to a super market where he bought ribs and beer, that he cooked for us that night and paid for the campsite at the BLM or FS campground right on the lake. The following day we took the $1 bus from Isabella to Onyx where we picked up our food drops (breaking up a 150 mile stretch) and bought a few things in the gas station store. Before we had tome to repacked, a lady offered a ride back to the trailhead. Prior to my half hitch, immediate ride both ways, it was said Walker Pass was a difficult hitch.

[Pennsylvania Rose]

1990 was sitting on the wall at Newfound Gap when a retired magian from Wisconsin saw me rolling a cig and ask me if I would like a real cig. I said yes. He ask me if I was hiking the whole trail. I said yes. He handed me a carton of Kool cigs and told me to keep it. Then he ask me if I liked whiskey. I said yes. He poured me a FULL tumbler of Jack with ice and toasted my trip. His wife made me a sandwich and we talked about the trail while he kept filling my glass. When it was time to go he wished me luck and pushed a full bottle of Jack into my pack and waved goodbye. I litterally staggered up to Icewater Shelter where my thru hiking buddies were out of cigs. We ate supper and drank Jack and smoked cigs and totally enjoyed the sunset!.
geek

geek -
As I remember we were at the Fontana Hilton at the same time, and we were probably less than a day apart at Newfound Gap. All I got offered there was a bologna sandwich - and I was a vegetarian at the time!!! I was hungry and ate it.

[Pennsylvania Rose]

Carol Moore, aka Lagunatic, performed countless acts of random kindness for the class of '90. Too many to recount... rides, beers, phone calls made on my behalf... I'm so happy to have the memories of her selfless, cheerful support on so many occasions. And I was just one of many.

I'll never forget her mini gormet cheeses and pop in Georgia, and the rides in the back of her truck, crammed in with as many hikers as could fit.

[Tipper]

I arrived in Rangeley, ME to resupply fuel and a bit of food. I really wanted to stay, but was unsure where. At the store where I got my fuel, I was asking the clerk about possible overnight options. A patron overheard me and offered a room in her and her husband's brand-new cabin time-share on the outskirts of town. They fed me dinner and breakfast and got me out to the trail the next day. Wonderful and trusting folks. Best trail magic of the entire trip!

[rafe]

I'm surely not the only one to have visited the home of the mayor of Unioinville, NY? Quick shower, laundry, chat, and a couple of smokes... back on the trail in time to make HighPoint shelter by dusk. Thank you, Richard!

[skeeterfeeder]

It is really hard to say just what was the best trail magic I experienced.
Not counting folks like Winton (?) at Neel's Gap taking us to his B-Day party, or Miss Janet in Erwin who would take you anywhere you needed, or the owner of the Hike-Inn in Franklin who would pick you up on the trail and take you back and haul you around to resupply, or the steak dinner cooked for us by the college students at one shelter, or the breakfast provided by the church in PA, or Bob Bird at the Birdhouse opening up his house for free, or Bob Peebles' wife who hauled us 15 miles into town to resupply, or Trailangel Mary who cooked a huge ham dinner for fifteen starving souls in Duncannon, and on... and on... and on...

But the one time I really needed a little magic was just before I started up McAfee Knob, which is noted for being some of the best views (and photo ops) on the trail, and since I was in the process of taking many of the 3,000 photos that I finished with, I discovered that my camera batteries were dying and I didn't have any backups. I didn't want to go on without my camera, so I started to hitch up to a little store about a mile down the road.
A trail maintainer with the trail name Left Field picked me up and took me to the store, but since they didn't have the batteries I needed, he drove me 20 miles to the nearest town and to three different stores until I found them. He then drove me back to the trail head and refused to take any payment.

I'm sorry that some haven't experienced trail magic on the trail. I must have gotten yours and my share.

[iafte]

Hiking the North Country trail, had finished the woods part of the hike, still had 17 miles of road to walk to get back to our car. There was a bar near the campsite we were at and decided to go get a good meal and have a few, ok, lots of drinks. Few hours into the night, I ask the waitress if they sold cigaretts. She stated "Nope, but there is a store 2 miles up the road" Took 3 steps, turned around and said "That's right, you don't have a car. Mine is outback, the keys are in it. You are more than welcome to take it." Yes, my friend went to the store. She also told us to come up to the store in the morning and she would have a ride waiting for us. She did enough for us that night and hitched back to our truck. An elderly couple picked us up, drove us out of thier way, waited for the truck to start, and wouldn't take any money. 2 times in 2 days.

__________________________________________________ _________

Last trip I blew my knee out going down a short steep hill, both feet came out from underneath me and I heard that dreaded POP. I rest it for a few while waiting for my friends to catch up, then fill my water and make the last 1/2 mile trek to the road that cuts across the loop. While we are sitting there 2 locals come out of the woods, decked out in fishing gear. So, being a fisherman myself, I strike up a conversation with them that lasted about 45 minutes until my friends states we need to go if we plan on getting to the car by dark. I start to put the pack on and they say, drop the pack, get your keys. They wouldn't take any money for the ride and said that the group ahead of us didn't even nod or wave hi, that us just spending the time to talk to them was worth the time of the drive.


Then there was that time the bartender kept the bar open on a sunday about 3 hours because we were still drinking.

[DMA, 2000]

For me it happened one day around Ceres, VA. 8 of us were trying to hitch, which is pointless, except that an Econoline van stopped with a woman and her teenage son. In we pile, on to Dairy Queen, where the ATM didn't work. Those of us with cash stayed there, those without headed elsewhere in the van for one that did. First one they came too was also out of order, and the woman asked, "How much money do y'all need?" Money was strenuously refused, so she drove to the next town which had a working ATM.

Back to the DQ, and then on to a grocery store. As everyone was piling into a van, I said I'd find another ride as I had some calls to make. After confirming that I had a calling card, the woman suggested I could make them from her place (while waiting for the others @ DQ, I hadn't realized that they had received an invitation to dinner). 3 of us were driven back to the trail, the remainder to her place. This woman lived on a small farm with a gorgeous big log house, all sorts of animals running around, and 8 children. 3 were hers and her husbands, the others were adoptees/foster kids of various ages. After phone calls and showers all around, and some time enjoying the afternoon on their balcony, we had a great dinner. I sat next to a young Russian girl who had had some horrible background. She was telling me how when she got to the house, she (like all the children) had been taken to the barn and told to choose a horse to be her own. She named her "Fancy." It was odd, because it wasn't a windy day or anything, and the house was clean, but all of a sudden there seemed to be a lot of pollen and dust in the air. Can't quite explain it.

As dinner was winding up, her husband got up to go to work...he was an ER doctor at the local hospital. I asked, almost embarrassed to ask for more, if he could take a look at a little problem I was having. For a few days, some sort of bite or pimple on my leg had started to get pretty infected...to the point that laying face down or walking was getting pretty painful. He confirmed my diagnosis and started writing something on a piece of paper. He handed it to me and I saw that it was a prescription for some sort of antibiotic.

The other members of my little crew had, again unbeknownst to me, negotiated a ride to Pearisburg. Two had to meet a friend, the other two were serious yellow-blazers. Knowing that I'd better get to a pharmacy to deal with my leg, I also took the ride to the big city instead of to the trail. There I was able to hit the WalMart to start working on my leg, and was able to spend 5 lovely days convalescing at the Catholic Church hostel. By the time I left town, my leg was starting to seem almost normal, so I was glad I didn't wait for the infection to get worse.

[moxie]

One day north of Harpers Ferry was a good day and a very bad day, I was hiking with my good friend Pat From Maine and when we were on the canal path a young man on a bike came upon us and asked if we had seen Snow White and Grumpy. He worked for the outfitter and was trying to reach them with an importent message. They were about an hour ahead of us and had left the path and were on the trail and a bike couldn't reach them. As Pat and I hiked we met a dayhiker with a beautiful dog and we made friends with the dog, When we got to The War Correspondents Memorial the dayhiker and his friend were there. We found out that a Ranger had met Snow White and Grumpy, she called home, started screaming, broke down. A family having a picnic saw her situation, found their son had died in a tragic accident, stopped what they were doing, folded up their lunch and blanket, and put Snow White and Grumpy in their car and got them to the Washington Airport. The family called ahead and when Snow White and Grumpy got to the airport they had a flight home to Ct. in 15 minutes. That family preformed a very different but amazing traail magic. It was a good day for magic because the man with the dog was waiting for Pat and I when we emerged from the woods an hour later. He knew we were thru hikers and asked us if we would like to come to his house for dinner. We went with him. We did our laundry, showered, his wife prepared a wonderful dinner, and we slept in clean beds. He let us use his phone to call home and wouldn't even let us use our phone cards to pay for the calls. In the morning we had breakfast and he took us on a tour of where "The Blair Witch Project" was filmed, woods and town. He then gave us a ride back to the trail, gave us snacks and wished us a great hike. Between the family that came to Snow White and Grumpy's aid and the family that took Pat and I in, very few days of trail magic can rival that day.