I did not think Cindy would remember their names; she struggled to remember names of the people we met during our American Discovery Trail hike even during the journey. Yet as we drove to the home of Carlos and Mariana de la Fuente and I mentioned their names she responded enthusiastically. We spotted a peacock as we pulled into their place and with obvious pleasure Cindy said: “I remember this!”
Carlos and Mariana provide a perfect example of the original meaning of trail angels. Trail angels deliver trail magic; trail magic is, or at least was, unexpected kindness. When they encountered us hiking along Folsom Lake and invited us to their home that was unexpected kindness. Because of common interests we became friends and remained in touch. We planned to reconnect when we were in the neighborhood on this hike, but they were not home at the time. They encouraged us to stay at their house anyways to do laundry and other rest day chores. Their door was open to us. Mi casa, su casa; another example of unexpected kindness delivered by our two trail angels.
When I hiked the PCT in 1977 our small group ran into quite a few trail angels delivering unexpected kindness. Most notable was the four days I spent at Doc Thompson’s ranch after he stitched me up (long story, I fell off a cliff), giving me the run of the place and his truck (“don’t get gas, I have my own tank here on the ranch”). All long distance travelers experience unexpected kindness, particularly if they are doing something novel in the eyes of the people they meet.
As the beneficiary of much unexpected kindness, I’ve paid it forward with my own trail magic. Between work and home I drove by the Appalachian Trail. I would hail surprised thru-hikers from my car window offering a shower, laundry and hot meals. Our kids came to think it normal for me to bring yet another scruffy, smelly thru-hiker home. I sometimes offered to slack pack them as well.
Once a trail becomes well-traveled, such as is the case now with the PCT, you get additional types of kindness. You still get trail magic, unexpected kindness, such as when Chipmunk provided hot food at 6:30 am for thru-hikers at Ebbetts Pass. Yet as trails become popular there forms a market for guidebooks alerting thru-hikers to where they can find kindness, turning the unexpected into the expected. When volumes of people show up for expected kindness, it’s only fair to want or even need compensation for the kindness being provided.
In one particular guidebook for the PCT wherever the author mentions trail angels she adds the admonishment: “Leave a monetary donation. You know it’s the right thing to do.” She even states what that “donation” should be. Back in the earlier days of thru-hiking we used to associate compensated kindness with hostels. To tell the truth, I would have been embarrassed if people were being chastised to compensate me for the unexpected kindness I provided AT hikers, but I did not help the volumes that publicized “trail angels” have to accommodate.
Don’t get me wrong, these kind folks now accommodating volumes of thru-hikers deserve compensation for what they do, thanks in no small part to guidebooks broadcasting their services. I know you can’t go back; the meaning of “trail angel” has forever expanded to go beyond trail magic. Perhaps a new term is needed for folks like Chipmunk, Doc Thompson, Carlos and Mariana. How about Trail Angel Supreme?
Thinking of you today on the date of our once scheduled meeting. There was still snow in the higher areas we could drive to in Manning Park ten days ago, so your decision to head for sunny California was a wise one. It’s enjoyable following your travels via the internet, much as I did during your ADT hike. I hope we can connect at the end of this trail, in Canada, like we did at the end of the last one, which ended in Norfolk!
As always – – “May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
And, of course, — “Far from you be the evil thing,
and may the bad spirit not take you for a brother.”
Wishing you hopeful traveling – every day a new adventure.
Bill
That was beautiful, Bill. Thanks.
Wow! I have been reading your blog for the last few weeks and read through all of your ADT posts. You’re an inspiration! I hope that this new endeavor works out well for you and that you both get to complete your bucket lists! Safe Journey onwards, I will definately be checking in again as you continue on the PCT.
I live in Europe, but I hope I get to go on an adventure like yours one day.
Best wishes!
Thanks Sara!