The Kindness of Strangers

For those of you unfamiliar with the Appalachian Trail, there is a phenomenon out here called Trail Magic. It can come in many different forms, but the general idea is that the trail and the people on/around it somehow always end up providing everything you might need just at the right time.

My general history with the human race has been rather sordid, so I tend to expect nothing but the worst from everyone I meet. In spite of my cynical outlook, I have been pleasantly surprised by the amazing kindness, generosity, and general goodwill I have encountered throughout my hike.

Thank you from Monika and Roxy! We wouldn't be here without you!

Due to my rather negative outlook toward other human beings, I am hesitant to ask for any favors or assistance. No matter how bad things get, I stubbornly push on and am determined to make things work alone rather than reaching out to anyone else. Amazingly on the Appalachian Trail all sorts of people have selflessly volunteered assistance, supplies, and even funds without any prompting on my part. I've even had unexpected readers of my blog send me care packages! It really has blown me away how absolutely amazing and supportive everyone I interact with these days has been.

Maybe I have made a habit of surrounding myself with negative people in the past, so now that I am interacting with kind, decent human beings on a regular basis, I am very moved by how outstanding people really can be. During the past month I have received food, water, hiking gear, emotional support, and even money from complete strangers. I am not the type of person who accepts gifts easily, so the outpouring of support from people I barely know is completely overwhelming in a very good way. Slowly I am learning to accept support in times of need without feeling guilty. To everyone who has helped make this journey a success, I would like to extend a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, is sincerely appreciated.

Although Roxy and I are out here hiking on our own, we couldn't do this alone. Although I have tried to send personal thank yous to everyone who has helped us out, there have been many people who have supported us out here whose names I never even learned. So I just want everyone to know, that I truly and deeply appreciate how absolutely amazing you all are. I hope in the future I can repay all the favors I have received.