For a thru-hiker there are three forces on the trail which make the hike that much more enjoyable.
Trail Towns typically house the Trail Angels that deliver Trail Magic.
"Trail Angels"
While out on the trail there are a few people who selflessly help thru-hikers and section hikers. The most common Trail Angel is the one that picks hikers up from the trail, or drops the hiker off at the trail. But some go beyond picking up the smelly hiker. Here are a few stories:
When "Rabbit" was having feet problems back in Warner Springs, A fellow hiker (Troy) and his Uncle drove him to the nearest Podiatrist. While in town one receptionist gave him her car keys so he could drive somewhere to get a lunch. Then the doctor drove him all the way back to Warner Springs, over 90 minutes out of his way.
Another couple of trail angels (Matt and Heather) met up with myself and several other hikers on the trail with beer, lots of water, m&ms, and fresh fruit.
Here in the town of Wrightwood there is host families which not only pick up and drop off hikers at the trail, but they provide a free place to stay. Some even do hikers laundry, feed them, and go out of their way to help the hiker out in ways that they can.
While at the Deep Creek Hot Springs, two guys offered up steak, beer, and a hot shower to us. Jean Luc and I took them up on that offer. A great time was had by all.
Our next stop will be in Agua Dulce where a family (The Saufley's) has the ultimate goal to house every thru-hiker and section hiker who comes through. They offer laundry services, free cars to drive into town with, and tips on the upcoming segments of the trail.
There are many tales of "Trail Angels" too many to describe, and far too great at times to put into words.
Currently there is someone following my journal online who has expressed interest in meeting Jon, Debi, and me up on the trail. We are going to try to set up a point to meet him where he can come up with a little trail magic for us. A little further down the trail my aunt has expressed interest in doing what she can to help us out, and further up the trail there is another person who has offered up some possible accomodations.
"Trail Magic"
Trail Magic happens on the trail. So far the most common Trail Magic we have seen is Water Caches. Through the hot dry stretches there are occassionally places where gallons and gallons of water are stored for hiker use. The Trail Ratz have worked at putting a few caches along the trail, among several other caches that have helped the hot thirsty hiker.
Other forms of Trail Magic include stashed coolers with food, drinks, water, and beer for the thru-hiker. Often times the hikers ahead of us have eaten or drank all that was there. The cooler then turns into a trash can on the trail, where we can empty our trash that weighs our pack down.
"Trail Towns"
When times get tough on the trail, we need only remind ourselves the next trail town is only a few days away. In the trail towns we can get rest, fresh food, drinks, and our minds prepared for the next leg of the trail.
While trail towns are necessary for resupply along the trail, they can be a danger. They can suck you in with their comforts (which generally also lighten the wallets).
Despite the cost of trail towns, generally the thru-hiker can be efficient. With host families the cost of the town drops. Also if a hotel room is rented, many thru-hikers will share the cost of the room. Generaly (so far) we will get around 7 or 8 people in a room. These rooms are a mess, with piles of gear airing out, dirty laundry being washed, and stinky feet, socks, shoes, and bodies. But at the end of the stay we effectively sort out our gear and food resupply. Packed up and ready to go, we slowly head out of town. Stretched out along the next leg of the trail, another cluster forms in the next trail town. As we become more accustomed to hiking and using town resources more effectively the stops become shorter and less expensive. We will plan to take "zero" days up on the trail.
Happy Trails, Inner Peace, & Harmony