Friends

We've met a lot of really wonderful folks while we have been out here...

This is the group just before the Smokies (LAF, Giggles, Rhoderunner Breakfast Special, Slim, Captain, Chops, Hearsay, and Chuckles). We had made a big dinner in our cabin to celebrate our first zero day (rest day, zero miles).

LAF knew we weren't far behind on trail in the Smokies so he sat here and waited for us in his hobbit hole. 

Sometimes he sneaks around in his ninja gear before bed... But it makes us Chuckle and Giggle.

The Captain often enjoys gnawing on a block of cheese. It's pretty impressive. 

This is us with Slim. We've really enjoyed getting to know you, and we're going to miss you SO much!

Rhoderunner Breakfast Special was enjoying a break from trail clothes in these super trendy and functional scrubs. 

This is Bones. We met him somewhere around the Smokies and have been hiking with him ever since--can't get rid of him (but we don't mind)!

Other than these folks, we have met a lot of other wonderful people. Some of these  folks have been trail angels. Along the trail different people stop at intersections of the trail and a roadway and deliver trail magic; an incredibly generous treat. Trail magic has been anything from a pair of q-tips to freshly grilled burgers. These are a few examples  of trail magic:

On one of our longest days, we were lucky enough to have a quick energy boost from this trail magic left on the trail. 

On another occasion, a man named Penguin, who vacations in a cabin near the trail, hiked up to a shelter with a backpack full of treats and cold drinks. 

Our friends and the trail magic have made this trip so much fun thus far!