After being inspired by reading about thru-hikers, I wonder if there is a way for me to somehow send trail magic this year to certain areas for anyone to use? I don't live near the trail, but would like to help in some way. Instructions on how to do so would be good and just what everyone might like.
_Horselady_How can I help - Appalachian Trail
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#1
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#3
You could ask somebody with a journal about where they're picking up mail drops and send them something.
Also, maybe you could call up a hostel and give them your cc/mail a check and tell them to give the first 1-2-3-however many thru-hikers a nights stay on you (provided the hostel isn’t shady and just takes your money, but i doubt that would be the case.)
_Goober_
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#4
I've sent a few boxes to thru hikers with choco junk as well as some healthy trail bars (also choco). Instant foods of any kind like oatmeal packets or soups are a hit.
I advertised on this site like you just did & sent one to a couple on the CDt (because the angels & shops are fewer & farther between than on the other crown trails)… I also sent one to a thru I knew at Windy Gap that just arrived the same day as she did because I sent it parcel post… Priority is more convienient because it gets there faster & can be forwarded with a call or a note; but costs twice as much at long distance, so is best if you are close to trail or sending yourself one a couple hundred miles up the track !
_gingerbreadman_
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#5
Thank you for your kindness. However, let hikers buy their own oatmeal, because you know after the first week or so, that stuff is getting tossed in hiker boxes. Hikers still like PopTarts, Cereal bars, and Protein bars for breakfast. The same goes for peanut butter, after awhile, it's just too much of the same thing. I liked cereal (Cheerios) with whole dried milk on the side(Nido brand) not Carnation. Real beef jerky is good food, too. Good Luck! One other thing, I met a young hiker who ate nothing but Ramen and cheap food and by New England he was having issues with poor nutrition. Maybe through the trail network, you could find someone like that and sponsor them with food. Again, your kindness is wonderful.
_Dances with Wolfie_
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#6
It might be an idea to read some journals, see who you like and could use the support. As for sending mail drops, I would go for something not readily available in small towns and/or something a bit more luxurious. Pop tarts can be bought anywhere but a healthy good tasting energy bar (like Odwalla or something) isn't always available. I like the idea of a free hostel night as well, especially up north when people are starting to run out of money.
_Apple Pie_