When I worked in Cornwall Bridge I passed an Appalachian Trail crossing in Falls Village on my way to and from work every day. Whenever I saw someone with a loaded backpack I pulled over the car and offered a meal and showers. This was only “paying it forward,” returning the kindness that I received while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. To my knowledge, most long distance hikers “pay it forward.”
This explains the tremendous hospitality we received from Ken and Marcia Powers, beginning on just the fourth evening into our trip. I contacted many previous ADT thru-hikers before our journey started to get information. Ken and Marcia were not just previous ADT hikers, they were the first hikers to complete the Grand Slam of trails: Appalachian, Pacific Crest, Continental Divide and American Discovery. When I finished the ADT journey I became the third “Grand Slammer.” Ken and Marcia lived closed to the ADT route and hosted us for a few days as we slackpacked from Inspiration Point to Walnut Creek.
This was an opportune time for us to receive such great support from fellow long distance hikers. In truth, I bet they were a bit wary as to whether we would complete the journey. Our support person Ky developed an allergic reaction and returned to her sister’s for treatment. My left foot developed some pain and swelling, causing me to limp around their house. Besides benefiting from their hospitality they shared their invaluable knowledge of the ADT and some of the obstacles we might face ahead.
