I have been hiking since My pack weighed more than me.
While on my first AT section hike (with my scout troop) when I was only 13 I experienced my first bit of trail magic. It consisted of 3 ice cold Pepsi in the spring near Standing Indian Mtn. I was so surprised. Untill that point I had never heard of “Trail Magic” I will never forget that Ice Cold Pepsi as long as I walk this earth. Last year My wife and I stumbled upon this website and were consumed by it. It is the way I start my morning and end my day. I love reading everyones journals for the entertainment and for the very informative information found here. I have always wanted to do a thru-hike and will one of these days. But dew to the fact that I have A new baby girl now isn’t the time for me. Because I just dont want to miss any of the new things she experiences on a daily basis. I have said all that to say this. Due to all of the fore mentioned facts, my wife and I started being trail angels last year. It is our way of being able to experience the trail through all of you who are out there living my dream. We on occassion have left little treats near the trail in Franklin N.C. But the past fall we decided to take our magic to the next level. We read and corresponded with TAPE WORM (Trevor Hain) as he made his way closer to us we invited him and his hiking partner I-Ching, to allow us to pick them up At Fontana Damn to take a couple of zero days to restock @ relax. Once the area outfitters and restaraunt were aware of the situation, they started donating items of need. Such as long underware, fuel, food, batteries, and even gift certificates to local restaraunts. My wife and I were so impressed that Tape Worm had decided to hike for the Alzeimers Assc. We felt we too would like to help so we found new shoes for Tape Worm, and I wanted to replace his Lekis since his were broken. They stayed in the little mountain cabin beside our house for the weekend. And during that weekend a friendship formed that we cherish. We keep in communication now on regular basis. And I hope to get to Hike with TAPE WORM some this spring.
I have bored you all with that info to say this. We will be watching the journals for all of the SOBO s headed in our direction. And we will be there with “trail Magic” So to all you SOBO s when you get down or discouraged just remember there is Southern Hospitality waiting on you in North Carolina. Let us know if we can help you on your way down the trail. We look foward to this new season of hikers. My God keep you safe on your adventure. Hope to see you soon.
Buckaroo