Ryan Gibson (students choice Trail Magic)

Trail magic is when people not hiking a pilgrimage decide to help out hikers by providing them with food, water, company, and other services that will help them out. In some instances, Trail magic is crucial to helping hikers finish their hike. The extra help from these altruistic people provides the extra motivation to continue ones hike. Many of these people providing trail magic take hikers into their homes providing such hospitality that one beings to rethink their ideals on humanity. Personally from my two week hike, I experienced trail magic twice, both times were unexpected and greatly appreciated making the experience all the better. The first was while on a hike, two coolers were left full of sodas and snacks. This form of trail magic was especially memorable because the providers of this not only didn't ask for anything in return but trusted the hikers to take what they need and leave the rest for others. The second form of trail magic occurred right before the ascent to up the Grayson highlands. Once I made it through a clearing I noticed many hikers stopped eating apples and drinking. After not having fruit for about a week and a half those apples were looking great. These people, who actually ended up begin from Newport News, had met at this spot for a couple of day providing food and coffee to weary hikers. They said they do it because of the great conversations they have with hikers and how grateful the hikers seem to be. Trail magic is one of the most beautiful things about pilgrimages truly changing the way hikers view humanity.