By Chappy Jack
Mile: 274.6
Location: Hot Springs, NC
Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for so by doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
In the world that we live in today, it is difficult to trust people, especially strangers.
On the trail, I continuously ask myself where this high level of trust in the Hiker community comes from. How could people that are so different have such a trusting bond?
A similar aspect of the trail is Trail Angels that provide Trail Magic. I received my first trail magic in the form of a free shuttle to start my hike at Springer Mountain in Georgia. The 2017 AT Chaplain, Matt “Trigger” Hall, had made a friend on his 2017 thru hike. This same friend is the Trail Angel who gave me the free shuttle.
Only a half mile into my hike, the Stay Young group of Ellijay, Georgia gave me trail magic in the form of a granola bar. It is amazing and uplifting to come to a trailhead and to find a Trail Angel grilling hot dogs and hamburgers and to sit with other hikers and just enjoy.
Have I ever entertained an angel without knowing it? I hope so! If I haven’t, I hope that through the trail that I will become more trusting of people. Maybe, just maybe, one of those people will be an angel.
Lord Jesus, help me to trust people more, but especially to trust you more!
Atop Max Patch. The summit was cleared for cattle and is maintained as a bald. I removed my hat to prove that you really don’t have to do a lot to maintain baldness.
More beautiful and wise thoughts…Thanks…MFT
It was a pleasure hiking part of the trail with Chappy Jack. You are an inspiration to us all.
Our admiration and respect for your beautiful thoughts and because very few people can have that desire of while exploring nature be explored internally and do it. Have a very blessed journey and continue sharing your wisdom, adventures and beautiful pictures .