The term “trail magic” was coined by thru-hikers to describe small, unexpected, remarkable events that lifted a hiker’s spirits and inspired awe or gratitude. “Trail magic” came in two forms: The magic created by nature, and the magic created by the kindness of strangers. Nature might offer magic in the glimpse of a black bear and her cubs or a hail storm that held off until the safety of a shelter was reached. Acts of kindness by strangers might include a family in a state park offering to share its picnic with a passing hiker, or a trail neighbor handing out cookies to hikers on a roadwalk.
Meet "Bear" (Trail name). A Friar for the Chatholic Church. He isn't a thru-hiker but once he finished, Bear will have covered well over 100 miles in one stretch.
Two friends of mine and I took a small break on the AT. Shortly after stopping, Bear walked down the trail and asked if there was a water source around. There wasn't any listed on the map. After talking to him for a bit, he had no water, low on food and the next hut was 13miles away. Without a thought, I insisted he take my food and water since we only had a few miles left. To make a long story short, he refered to us as Trail Angels (my first) and couldn't believe how Trail Magic always popped up when he needed it the most.
As always - many thanks for the comments and votes!
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