On Wednesday, April 2, our small caravan left Kennesaw and headed north to the Appalachian Trail at Unicoi Gap where we were to meet up with Sue. As we arrived Sue was talking to 2 thru hikers, “Site” and “Downstairs Dave”.
The planning for Trail Magic 2008 started this year when Pat Tumlin suggested the crew was ready for another hiker feed. She needed help with the timing and location so with an email to Sue Buak things were off and running.
The day before we left, Marvin Crutchfield and Pat Tumlin got their walking done in Cosco buying the food. It was decided to keep our menu simple this year but even simple can get complicated when you factor in cooking food in the middle of nowhere.
On Wednesday, April 2, our small caravan left Kennesaw and headed north to the Appalachian Trail at
Unicoi Gap where we were to meet up with Sue. As we arrived Sue was talking to 2 thru hikers, “Site”
and “Downstairs Dave”.
After we reshuffled our people and supplies we carpooled with Sue in the lead back up the paved highway. We shortly headed down a dirt forest service road and through a stream crossing to reach an interior Appalachian Trail crossing in Indian Grave Gap.
Upon arrival, there were 2 hikers resting, unaware of the treat they were about to receive. They watched with interest as everyone bailed out of their cars hauling tables, coolers, pots, folding chairs, boxes and a small ancient Coleman stove. Mary Bergin and Charles Lincoln set up chairs and helped spread the tablecloth. Tom Hall buzzed around making sure everything and everyone needing help got it.
Between bites we learned that the gentleman was traveling under the trail name of “Bill Clinton”. You only had to hear his voice to notice the similarity to the former President. The second hiker, someone he met on the trail, not his wife, is named Laura. Laura hasn’t acquired a trail name at this time and was very reluctant to assume the name Bush.
Another hiker, “Just Bill” came through, but seemed in a hurry to move on, so only visited a short time. He left with fruit, M&Ms and peppermint patties stowed away for a treat later in the day.
As the day wore on, we had 4 more hikers, including the two Sue had met in Unicoi, to partake of our wilderness
banquet. All our northbound hikers were very appreciative and gracious. They seemed to enjoy getting tips
and hearing trail stories from Don Beavers and Sue, our seasoned AT hikers. (Of course neither Don nor Sue
talk much, they have to be encouraged.)
And need I say, we trail Angels fed ourselves.
Sue had brought her famous peppermint patties; I think her trail name should be "Peppermint Patty". Pat Tumlin brought a rum cake. Bill McMichen brought Helen, his wife.
Some of the Angels sat around and visited. Others of us walked a bit on the trail. We all just did our own thing. The weather was perfect! We were blessed with a glorious sunny day, just right temperature even though the forecast was rain.
After we said goodbye to our final hikers, “Bad Idea” and Ryan, we sat a little longer and enjoyed the glorious weather and fellowship. When we felt all the thru hikers had come through for the day, we packed up and reluctantly left, already thinking about next year.
. .What a GREAT day!
