My mama heart couldn't be happier than when Jeff and Gavin call me to tell me that somebody provided "Trail Magic". Don't you love it when people are kind to the people you love?
So, let me share a little bit about Jeff for a second. He works in Charlotte, NC and drives back and forth every day for about an hour or more depending on where we live. He works in the road construction industry and has for more than 20 years. Needless to say, he's a little hardened to the fact the people aren't kind in general. He would tell you in a minute that he's a person that doesn't see the good side in a situation. He sees the negative possibilities.
I'm generally the opposite. Sometimes it has backfired on me yes, but I'd rather see the good. I'd rather assume the best.
Gavin is 17 so he really hasn't been hardened to the world and mostly his perspective is positive but the last few months before the trail he was a little more pessimistic about things.
When you're researching and learning more about the Appalachian Trail there are two terms that stand out. That is "Trail Magic" and "Trail Angel". They kind of go hand in hand. Trail magic is simply a random gift that you've received, usually it's in the form of food. A trail angel is the person providing the magic.
Jeff has already told me many times about how surprised he is about the kindness of others. They have interacted with day hikers that have literally given them their food like tangerines and apples or crackers and candy bars. They've met hikers at hostels that have given them a day's supply of food for the trail. Most recently, we've had a couple that has been following their journey on Youtube and through the emails I send out, they've let us all stay at their home for the weekend--for free.
I believe that all of these instances of trail magic provided by trail angels are actually God showing Jeff and Gavin that kindness is still there. People can still be kind. It might be hard to see sometimes but it's there.