Tips for Trail Magic

[@jeffborne205]

One of my favorite moments of being a Trail Angel - Hearing Dixie's voice coming down the trail for the first time. PCT 2017 Irish Taylor Road intersection in Oregon :)

[@JamesOfEarth]

Hey, Dixie! Perhaps a video on how hikers should engage Angels and townfolk they encounter. I think both you and I wouldn't need a friendly reminder to be...friendly, but we both have also encountered people who clearly need some reminding. I'm reminded of how annoyed KM Tom was when I arrived at his RV at Sunrise Trailhead in 2017 because three hikers in front of me had arrived with arms spread open asking, "What do you have for us?!", before even saying hello. He told them he had nothing and they immediately walked on. I sat over coffee with him and let him vent, after which he made me an amazing breakfast burrito. Maybe also discuss making donations, even if it's just a buck or few. Nothing really goes further to spreading the love than a friendly greeting and appreciation.

[@lethiapage4767]

This warms my heart so much. I used to hike a lot and I love ambush blessings where people don't expect to get anything. I wonder if you had a hot water setup and some tarps and toiletries would people appreciate a shower station? Waterproofing and repair stuff for peoples gear? Haircuts? Letter writing stuff and postcards to send home? Or even something social-spiritual like a singalong, devotional, or clipboard to leave your prayer requests. Little things....Band-Aids, snippets of paracord, baby wipes, condoms, tampons, bring your big bottle of Dr bronners to offer refills of people tiny bottles, moleskin, bootlaces.

[@wmlangton]

I had fun providing trail magic for several years in the Lake Tahoe area. I was a local Sheriff’s Sergeant and my wife was in the class of 2010! (Trail name “Pinball!”) I would load up a cooler with beer, sodas and fresh fruit and head to the Barker Pass Trailhead in my big 4X4 Sheriff’s patrol SUV. Thru’s would freak out a little when they saw me at the parking lot where the trail crossed, assuming I was checking permits or God knows what else. But, they quickly dropped their guard when they spotted the cooler! It was great fun - I got to meet a lot of wonderful people and they learned that law enforcement folks are regular people too! I retired a few years back and we now live in Ashland, Oregon. I endeavor to do the same locally one of these days. “Pinball” maintains her connection to the trail by managing “Mountain Provisions” - a great backpacking and gear store right on the plaza in downtown Ashland! Stop by and say hello, sign the register and deal with your gear repair, Darn Tough returns, expert pack fitting, the latest trail shoes, gear, etc!

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

Very cool. I lived in Carson City for 2 years and did some hiking around Tahoe (not quite so dry up by the lake) At that time, I had not caught the distance hiker bug, but maybe the seed was germinating already. (ik, mixed metaphor right?) Anyway, I'm now coming from Washington County OR. Everything in CA will probably seem dry now. I'll be going 1st SoBo from Walker Pass (mile 650), then NoBo from that same spot. Start in about three weeks actually. If all goes well, I wont be passing the Ashland area until real late (Oct). Cascade Locks to Castle Crags (Dunsmuir CA) SoBo will be my final portion. A lot can happen between now and then.

[@borealphoto]

Those doing hiker feeds are like bird watchers. They put out food to attract colorful animals on their migration.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

I love this comment

[@Balathustrius86]

It's very tempting to cater to the hiker bubble during hiking season. But if you want to be appreciated like CRAZY do it in the off season and try to hit the smaller bubbles of flip-floppers and SoBo folks. A good way to time that is to call the popular hostels and ask about the time frame they expect those folks. Then call back a week or two out and try to nail down a good day. In my experience the hostels had a pretty good hunch about what days they could expect to be busy. The AT main NoBo bubble is very thoroughly magicked, too. I sectioned the VA AT this year in the Autumn - trail magic was very rare and minor - but all the more appreciated for its rarity. Twice it was intentional magic - soda and water in a cache or on a dry stretch. Twice it was because there was another group (birdwatchers, church picnic) having an outing along the trail like they do every year, and they had learned from previous years that the hikers love a little fresh fruit and a way to dispose of trash.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

I've only stayed at hostels in Commonwealth countries. I'm not aware of many in the Western states. I know of one on the Oregon coast, but along the PCT? I'm still learning, but my time is getting short. I'll be on trail in SoCal in 3 weeks.

[@richkearney1093]

Another well-prepared and helpful video! Im especially grateful that you took the time to remind folks to be tediously careful to LEAVE NO TRACE! It's hard to hate on any trail magic, but I'd rather someone not do magic if they're going to be leaving any trash behind, tearing up any ground or plant life, or feeding animals. Im sure you dont get tired of hearing this, so I'm happy to be another hiker to tell you that your videos have been inspiring, and have provided brilliant insights for any hike I've done, including an A.T. Thru-Hike last year! Thank you so much Miss Dixie! You're an excellent "teacher"!

[@francismoulds6732]

I found a box once that was well consumed by the time I arrived but it did have a few little plastic bags of some sort of snack food. I must have been hungry. I finished half a bag before realized it was some kind of dog food.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

I like to think that trail magic extends even beyond the trail. I went up for a day hike near Mt Hood OR yesterday. Two friends who were going to go also had to cancel, but I had already bought snacks for all (for the hours on rail/bus to get there) Anyway, by myself with extra food, I encountered a young woman who was so thirsty she asked if I had water which I shared and then I offered her some food. (Cheese sticks and cookies) she was seriously hungry. At that point, I think she would have eaten a half-cooked potato. In military training, I was once hungry enough to eat the ants crawling on me. I only ate less than a dozen bc they just werent big enough to satisfy. (They did stop crawling on me - go figure)

[@carlmic7]

Dixie, I don't know if this counts, but when I was a teen, I was on a bicycle tour through Washington state and we were rained on for 2 weeks, as it does there! And while in a supermarket buying supplies, a pickup and a van showed up and an older couple took our bikes and us to their home, they insisted that we camp there, use their laundry and get cleaned up before moving on. Truly Angels!

[@maxwanders]

Watching this gave me tear eye. Countless people helping other people just because they want to, really gives you hope for humanity. When you live in a big city of cut throats, experiencing trail magic for the first time is beyond epic and surreal. Thanks for sharing Dixie

[@fromflabtofourteener9596]

This past summer I provided Red Jeep trail magic on the CDT - there's a lovely spot where it crosses a jeep trail just coming out of the Collegiate Mountains. There's an old mining town nearby. First time, there was a stage 2 burn ban so no campfire cooking - sandwich fixin's, chips, homemade potato salad - that plus cookies and fruit was the menu. Second time was more fruits and snack stuff, and the homemade rice crispy treats were a huge hit! Bananas were the first to go. I'll do it again this summer, maybe that long stretch between Breck and Grand Lake. If anyone has ideas/locations, let me know. Don't mind going up a jeep trail, and this year I'll have a cookstove for smoked sausages!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

I'm so excited to hike the PCT starting in March 2019 and am already looking forward to any trail magic that others so thoughtfully offer. You have inspired me to do daily vlogs from the trail and documenting my journey - but you have set such a high standard, haha. Thanks for inspiring myself and so many others sweet Dixie! xoxo

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

A wise man said to compare yourself not to others, but to who you were yesterday. I'm confident you'll do just fine...so long as it comes from within you, shaped also by your personal experiences, of course. There will never be another journey exacty like yours - just a little thought to chew on.

[@007janerussell]

What a great video. I actually teared up when you suggested scouts take part. What a great idea ❤️🙌🏼

[@narrow_is_the_way6170]

Any time I go hiking on the PCT during hiker season I try to carry extra fruit in my pack to hand out.

[@CampfireJubilee]

Yogurt and real coffee sounds like dream trail magic to me! :) In my short time on the AT I got to experience Trail Magic twice... fresh veggies and guacamole (and trash pick up!) the first time, and burgers and hot dogs the second. Both of those were heavenly but what I really loved and will always remember are the people who gave those things to us. Their caring gestures and kind way of relating to us was worth more than anything... one girl even cried because they gave her baby wipes. Incredibly special experiences. :)

[@sueb860]

We did our first trail magic last year at the NY/CT border and now plan to do it every year!!!! Having received, it's so cool to give back! Hikers were thankful for everything!!!! One girl got a double bee sting right before stopping at our setup and even having ice for her was greatly appreciated.

[@grob25]

I left money for you at the "bridge of the god's bar" Sadly, the fires kept you from that section. I often make it to the PCT trail where it crosses HWY 12 (white pass). Every time I make it over that pass, I stop at the store next to the trail. (1/2 mile away at worst). I always ask if there are any hikers in the store and I pay for their stuff. If no one is in the store, I have the lady charge me an extra $20 and tell her to treat the next hiker. My wife and I spend as much time on the trails as we can. The PCT has been fun to explore as a family and now we have two young grand kids. We cannot wait to take them out on the trail.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

I'm just kinda curious - I like the anonymous, yet direct method of giving, but on the reciever's end there are some hikers who can drop $600 on a tent, $300 for shoes, etc. like it's nothin'. Others will go week after week, month after month and never get a motel room even a single night bc it would price them out of long-distance hiking. Ironically, I don't think it's the second type who are the one's expecting stuff. I'll be on the trail in CA before the month is out, so maybe I will see a difference from the Northwest, idk. I don't even hike with the expectation of water every few hours (unless my map recon shows a reliable source) I just hope there is some way to prevent abuse of trail angels by those hiker types who pat themselves on the back too much already. The corolary is the hiker who struggles on a shoe-string budget while the glam-hikers ridicule anything they consider "out of date" Obviously, I don't think of the trail as an exclusive privilege only for some.

[@grob25]

@@ronaldmcdonald9147 I can see your point. I have put many miles on trails (albeit not major trails) and never saw help from anyone. I throw down for hikers because I live vicariously through them. I have to finish raising my kids and then I get to (maybe) consider a through hike. I do believe in the saying "hike your hike" I do not offer advice to anyone about their gear choice because I have had to make do with what I had many times. I want to be out there doing what this young lady has done. When I was her age, I was fighting overseas. We all make life choices. Some of us get to live long enough to make better choices.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

@@grob25 my youth was also devoted to selfless service in uniform. Much of my idealism is gone along with my prime earning years, but I have gained a priceless appreciation for life and freedom. More recently, I am re-appreciating the need to push out of my comfort zone in order to grow. Distance hiking is a great way to do that very thing, but not the only way. Unless it's in heaven, I'll never meet the man who gave us the following quote: "To those who fight for it, life has a special flavor the protected will never know" Said to have been found written on a piece of C-ration cardboard by an unknown US Marine.

[@brendametube]

@@grob25 if you haven’t gotten out there yet… I hope you have a solid plan by now. You deserve it and thank you so much for your service!❤

[@grob25]

@@brendametube Thank you. I have been Elk hunting the Willapa hills the last several years. It is a pretty good substitute for through hiking. My wife and I still want to do the AT at the very least.

[@theboatman360]

Great topic. Hats off to the trail magic folks.👍

[@kayveroutdoors5411]

This warms my heart! I had a goal to do the AT in 2020, but I'm having some bad pain that stops me after 5 or 6 miles. If I cant get a handle on it, I'll be doing section hikes and maybe some trail magic, if my schedule allows! Great video

[@corymccutchen9077]

I love your attitude of gratitude !

[@stevenstewart615]

Thank you Dixie. I just posted to a couple of overlanding groups in the PNW to see if anyone is interested in trail magic on the PCT this summer. Most all of our vehicles can get into the most remote and rugged terrain out there. I think it would be fun to add trail magic to a couple of these trips.

[@karenanddogs6645]

Exactly where can I find your posts?

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

What is an overlanding group? It sounds like a bunch of ex-sailors who are now landlocked. ⛵🌲

[@cudeb22]

Dixie! Closed captioning doesn’t take into account your southern drawl. It says section hacking and thru hacking....basically any kind of hacking. Totes adorbs.

[@G88ManNZ]

Hahaha, I thought she was actually saying 'Hackers' for the first few minutes! Oooo, those hackers!! Love the concept of Trail Magic though. I'll definitely try and do some of that here in New Zealand when I actually get out and do some hiking. Great videos Dixie, I'm learning lots.

[@amonshumate4957]

I know exactly what she is saying.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

One of my fav things to do might not qualify as conventional trail magic, but about once a day on trail, I come across a log or something that blocks the trail. Usually there are signs of a dozen or even many dozens of hikers going over or around such obstacles. What I do is to stop, drop pack and clear the obstacle from the trail, so my fellow hikers can hike on undeterred. I like the anonymity of it, and if there are lots of obstacles, I only do one with the hope that other hikers will do likewise.

[@mountainmonk5874]

I always remove the blow downs if I can.

[@kateburk3747]

Girl your videos are so good! Very informative and thorough! Keep it up!! I’ll watch every video you ever put out! I even watch the commercials to help out. Thanks again!!

[@hermeticxhaote4723]

I'll do this! I have no desire to be a thru hiker, but I do love to camp. I'll totally do this, I know I'm near the PCT!

[@seakayaker1470]

Wouldn’t it be nice if we hikers left a little something behind for the trail angel like a small note saying thank you with a card with your photo and first name, or anything you want to leave to just say thank you and warm their heart a little. One selfless act deserves another no matter how small. Or what about trail magic from hikers to other hikers like a plastic bag on the back of your pack with snacks/treats or a piece of gear to loan out like a solo charger or similar. Just thinking aloud...........

[@anner6342]

I am a trail angel for the PCT. Last year a hiker had me fill out a post card with my name and address. I totally forgot about it and then at the end of the season this card arrives in my mail and the hiker had written a wonderful note to me. I was touched. I still have the card. You hikers are magical for us too! Looking forward to the class of 2019!

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

This is why I hike with a short list of rules (kinda like military general orders). One rule is to be thankful (that's the short version) Yes, it sounds obvious, but a dog-tired body affects the mind and common courtesies can be easily overlooked. It's not so much intentional as biological. My rules help me immensely to remember critically important stuff even when sore and exhausted.

[@doneddy2204]

Love that you’re so thorough and cover such a broad spectrum of topics . 👍

[@claramullen]

Thanks Dixie great advice. While on the Florida trail on a long day of swamp walking I was offered a hot tea and a dry pair of socks it was toataly the best.

[@orriepowell3557]

Aarons editing skills or out of this world.

[@tinalalasworld6141]

This is so great, my scouts want to hike AT and I've recommended being trail angels first to talk to hikers

[@sesa2984]

I would love to do a taco truck for thru-hikers, and day hikers alike in the New Hampshire area because I’m a chef and I love to feed people and be in the mountains. Is there a place folks think that could work out? If not a full truck scenario I have a setup to do tamales/empanadas in a portable fridge that can be quickly reheated. My wife and I are all about food safety as she’s a dietician. I was just thinking there’s never a time I don’t want to eat that stuff so maybe it would be a welcome surprise on the trail. We do a Banh Mi station too with cold noodle salads and fresh veggie spring rolls.

[@trailmagic8724]

I thought these tips were just for me from the name of the title!!! lol. Great video Dixie!!! As always you have great info!!!

[@KimberlyGreen]

Lol!!! Well then, what are the tips for "Trail Magic"?

[@trailmagic8724]

Everything Dixie said!!!

[@kevincoulter2239]

Agreed! Great video, ideas and suggestions! Thanks Dixie!

[@sharedhumanityexperience7806]

I am looking to dedicate myself to AT trail angel for a complete season next year. This was helpful

[@RickStoneTravels]

Yayyy after this freezing day in Central Illinois (-55° wind chill) so happy to see this video. Thanks Dixie

[@nathanrieck2112]

Top of forester pass would be a nice spot for a cold one. Please and thank you 🙏

[@karenanddogs6645]

lol

[@gravijta936]

Oh so *that's* what trail magic is... *sigh* (Hangs up cape and puts the bunny back in the top hat then sulks in the corner)

[@JeremiahStringer]

Great topic for a video Dixie! Can’t wait to go my first thru hikes this year. Maybe I’ll get a taste of some trail magic!

[@michaelb1761]

An ice cold beverage was my favorite trail magic, though, ice cold watermelon mght have been even better.

[@exploringfloridatrails1834]

Looking so pretty and healthy and happy, living a great life definitely shines through 🌞 leaving no trace behind is so so important, thanks for the information dear. You inspired me to get better at my video production and as soon as spring starts I will be doing alot more Florida trails especially long 4-14 day trips so keep an eye out 👍✌🇺🇸🕛♲🌞🌻🍎🍓🍄

[@CalvinHikes]

I did not know this existed. Great subject.

[@jeffkennedy8219]

I've given a lift to a few hikers trying to get back to a trail head, but I never really thought about hiking in with extra water, etc. It sounds like a way to continue enjoying sections, without committing to more than a couple days at a time

[@jeffkennedy8219]

P.S. Thanks for the info on "Trail Magic". This is the first time I got an explanation of the term.

[@luciam6098]

This is awesome. Let us know when you plan on doing the Arizona trail and we'll leave some trail magic for you between Phoenix and Tucson

[@cgriggsiv]

I will be watching this later on after work right now thumbs up

[@johnalden5821]

Dixie, if we are trying to gauge a weekend, say, when we can set up a station on the AT, is there a date range when the "bubble" would be passing through a given area? In my case, when would a majority of through hikers hit the mid-Atlantic region? I imagine this would be roughly May through July, but not sure. Also, in terms of etiquette, is it OK to indicate, in a subtle way, that you are there for long-distance hikers, not day-hikers? A couple of youth groups or Scout troops might otherwise clean you out on a Saturday. . .

[@stepfunny226]

That’s a really great idea to get scouts involved!

[@lagatitabruja]

Im always so inspired by your videos to do a thru hike. I would LOVE to do trail magic for some stinky hikers! I just need to look up where to do it! I have no idea where the trails are or where the most strenuous spots are.

[@DisneyUpBoilerUp]

I was just watching an old episode on "Moonshiners". The would go out at leave jars of moonshine along the AT as trail magic. Made me giggle, lol.

[@richardmarion7192]

Dixie next time your hiking on the at and you come through New Jersey and get to high point think it would pretty cool to meet ya love your videos

[@dovahkiinsadventures7632]

Thanks for the ideas. Was actually thinking of doing this on the AT this year!

[@Bigal3031]

Was on a long canoe trip think like day 11 of 25 or so . We had like zero luck catching fish that day and we had just made land after a crazy storm. We where fixing to make Mac n Chess . Some folks from a fishing loge for tourists fishing, came out to see how we where doing. Long story short. They cooked up an absolute ton of fish and rice and stuff. They said they never seen anyone eat Mac n Cheese on that stretch of river and weren’t about to let us be the 1st. That was definitely a good day.

[@HannahIrene719]

You should do the pacific northwest trail! It's the newest national scenic trail as far as I can tell (2009). It could be quite a challenge!

[@GrinsInc]

thanks for posting

[@johneason6540]

Love it! Volunteered to serve with PCTA last weekend, trail magic and trail maintenance. I just feel I owe it back. Were are you at, it looks comfortably warm!!!

[@Cheezyquackers2]

Just what I was looking for! Did you say gut hook???

[@rnb8328]

It looks so warm there 🏝️

[@bdickinson6751]

Great tips for those willing to help out with trail magic.

[@RedStickLouisiana]

I wouldn't take any medication that wasn't individually wrapped; nothing from a bottle of pills. Dixie, I love your videos and they are always interesting and inspiring. Hearing a beautiful Southern accent coming from an intelligent woman is wonderful.

[@DavidIrthum]

Wow, I was just thinking I miss your excellent videos. Firstly you are looking great. I am going to look into the trails in my area to see if they allow trail magic.

[@aaalllen]

Oooh... Thanks! I remember suggesting this on that FB group post and here it is :)

[@mikebeatstsb7030]

After the choc chip pancakes for breakfast. . You say spaghetti, chilli.. but what is on the screen looks like ridge cut crisps(potato chips as u say across the water) in a bowl of soup..? Is this a thing.? Or am I way off.? What gwan here please. ?

[@sagehiker]

Great reminder on finding good remote sites via getting the GUTHOOKS app for area you are considering. And finding out what the rules are for local agencies. So I am looking on the CDT at the area south of I-80 (Rawlins WY) and the Colorado state line. So that would be Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and Rawlins Field Office - Bureau of Land Management (BLM) And I have been talking with thru-hikers from 2018 like Dixie, Baskets and Fenway on their impressions and when to expect the surge of NOBOs. The road crews that Dixie encountered in that area won't be there in 2019, according to WYDOT. talking about this on the Wanderlust FB page connected me with two others in my area capable and interested in helping with water caches and goodies.

[@lauraelisee]

are you on vacation right now?! It’s soooo cold in PA right now. Looks lovely being outside with a short sleeved shirt on and the sun ☀️

[@heidigibbons1207]

Are there any dry patches outside Phoenix Arizona, or even Tucson, or Sonoita ? And when? Obviously it’s mostly dry and hot, but stretches where there is not water accessible? I’d like to at least leave water, Gatorade, bandaids ect

[@chelseadanielle1464]

Also if leaving something out in the woods for unmanned trail magic, be sure to pick everything up, including any trash left behind, when you refill the cooler or cache. Although I have every faith in my hiking community, there could be some people who don't pick up after themselves, or maybe unwrap something to eat then not wanting to take the trash with them, leave the wrapper behind. Even though it would suck to have to pick up unsolicited trash, practice Leave No Trace principles in all aspects, even if you're just leaving a cooler out. That way a more conscientious thru-hiker who's tired and walking thousands of miles doesn't have to do it and carry the extra trash if there is any!

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Great video, Dixie...👍

[@rontressler647]

Dixie, 2 questions. What dates, and where should I set up to give trail magic on the CDT around highway 50 near Gunnison?

[@NicholasDMarshall]

Where would YOU reccommend angels set up on the AT?

[@MikeRyan207]

Always cool to pay it forward in the backpacking world. Great video. Thanks for sharing! [I am now making it a point to leave a cache of anti-diarrhea medicine somewhere in my travels]

[@NRichardson86]

I am in NW Montana. Other than Hwy 2 in East Glacier, where would be a good place to set up trail magic? As you know, road access in Glacier park is nonexistent besides Going to the Sun Road.

[@toddwchandler]

I'm in Georgia and would like to set up a little trail magic for the folks passing through. I'm guessing this is the right time of year to make it happen in north Georgia, correct?

[@mettoedward3058]

Nice presentation dear

[@flaskehrlenmeyer4349]

oh, man. i live near a crossing of the long trail. i always pick up hitchhikers into town. i don't ever go up onto a trail where i'll meet thru hikers without bringing extra food. i always take trash. i'd like to do more, but i just can't afford to feed people like that.

[@acentialreiki]

I wish there was more trial magic on the AZT

[@bike-n-hikecascomaine5052]

Great video Dixie.

[@edmaymortem525]

Great idea for scouts!!!

[@charlenedealmeida859]

One idea that came to my mind watching your video and then going through the comments was to organize for school kids - or scouts as Dixie mentioned herself - to make some self made postcards and offer hikers on the trail the possibility to send one of these postcards back home. That way, you get an opportunity for children to discover what hiking is, get creative for an affordable amount of money and hikers and their family can treasure this memory for a little longer than a hot meal/cold beer :-)

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Great ideas Dixie. Thanks.

[@KJ4RMZ]

Any ideas for best times for the GA section of the AT to assist with snacks or rides?

[@johndolby3472]

On a cold day, nothing better than hot soup. On a hot day, nothing better than cold beer.

[@sarahestrada8530]

Thanks for the video, I've been considering doing trail magic because I live fairly close to the PCT and can't start my thru hike until 2021. I was thinking where it crosses I-80, but it seems Sierra City is in higher demand for some supplies, whatcha think? Maybe bring Supernarket food since I hear it's poor resupply there?

[@johnstroud1264]

Dixie when you do the TA there is little or no trial magic , most trail angels just give accomodation in our houses

[@timholahan4816]

Hey Dixie where would be a good place too set up in Ga I am close too neels gap etc thanks

[@thomascronin1040]

Dix...Snake magic in the cooler 2:13??

[@craigcoates9153]

Bring a pen and notebook so you know who was there and how much they love you for that can of soda!

[@erictaylor6611]

What's the best way to find out when the best time (when the most people would be coming through) to do trail magic at a certain section? Would hate to do a big trail magic set up and only 1 or 2 thru hiker come through

[@fromflabtofourteener9596]

Check out the Facebook groups, like "pct class of 2018" or 19...

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

Or maybe just start small.

[@bearanoia673]

When you were on PCT, where, before or after Tehachapi, could you have really used trail magic? I give rides but have thought about doing cool drinks & treats.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

idk if it qualifies as trail magic, but knowledge is invaluable out on the trail. 2,500+ miles, dozens of resupply locations and methods to plan, etc. Two things in particular I am finding challenging in my planning - tranportation into town and post office info. Tahachapi will be my #1 major resupply town as I am starting from Walker Pass going SoBo. Sometimes it seems like I could walk from the trail to town in the time it takes to research enough about the buses (if any). Where the stores are, etc. My official start date is 22nd of Feb...pretty soon.

[@matthewclarke7741]

Dixie, Where are the best spots in Virginia to do Trail Magic?

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

Wherever you shot this video im jealous, its 16* here in Tennessee.

[@justbrint]

I'm guessing you're in Florida. Being there's palms behind you. Are you doing or did the Florida trail?

[@bigsky2703]

Are dog allowed on the PCT? Do many people take them if they are allowed?

[@BethWood01]

Big Sky there are no dogs allowed in any of the National forests or parks sections

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

@@BethWood01 I came across lots of dogs around Mt Hood, OR. idk what the specific laws were tbh. As a hiker, the poo problem is the serious issue. Human, dog, bear, coyote, critter scat, in that order. Dog owners who don't clean up only help create a dislike for dogs on trail, but in many places there's room for all with proper respect.

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

Homemade Wanderlust - Good stuff, Dixie, and good to know. On another topic: fire closures and fires in general. You've had to go around a number of them, and watching your videos, I can't help but wonder why so many fires seem break out in areas on or near the established trails. Despite the BLM and USFS line that people cause most wild land fires, the truth is that far more are caused by lightning: one thunderstorm cell can start dozens of fires as it moves across an area. Do you have any sense or suspicion that hikers may have caused some or any of the fires along the trail routes? I have to wonder because in almost any part of our government-regulated lives, there are restrictions on certain activities, whether those be in the form of speed limits, littering, or campfire restrictions, there are always some who, for whatever reason, think the rules and regulations don't apply to them. I have to believe that such folks sometimes take to the trails and may start campfires where they're prohibited, or leave a campfire to burn itself out when they break camp, either or which could result in a wildfire. Any thoughts on this?

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

Great question - deserves a dedicated KZbin imo. When I was researching, my sensors went off when I noticed that every site on the topic of campfire hazards had the same sentences and phrases - pretty much word for word, cut and paste. So I researched the topic; I couldn't find specific cases. Then I narrowed my search to just Oregon (my state) and I finally found a case (one or at least the most recent based on my efforts) This 'recent' case was 2015 and the culperit was not a hiker, but a private land owner who had a campfire on his own land and it got out of control. Skepticism isn't always a bad thing. Distance hikers are pretty responsible folks. I do wish that the younger one's had more bushcraft appreciation, but I think they are capable. The marathon runners possibly fear risking their all-synthetic kits (except for the $13 titanium sporks of course). There is also a time factor for them. I do very much enjoy my carefully made and extinguished campfires. Where a real concern does bear extra watchfulness imo is day hikers who use combustible tobacco. Bad addictions and bad habits often go hand-in-hand. One little flick by someone who gets away with it in daily life could start one of those fires. I'll leave it to someone else to research that one.

[@harderkeresa]

Where did u record this Dixie? Festive background

[@thuthiehiker]

Great video.

[@karinahilton2330]

Speaking of, how do you deal with diarrhoea and other illnesses out on the trail?

[@TainoXtreme]

Hi Dixie. Just out of curiosity. Do you check your blood for cholesterol, three glycerides, liver status, pancreas status and other health conditions after a true hike? I am trying to accumulate some statistics data. I am very curious to know if, after A long hike and so much sugar, caffeine, sodium, bad cholesterol, and other chemicals what the health condition of a true hiker truly is. I enjoyed all your videos. God bless you.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

Here's one for you - I experienced near hypothermia this last Fall on the trail - this was over four out of five nights (not much better on the days either). I thought this affected my kidney function at the time, but I simultaneously lost my critical gut biology. I pulled off trail to recover on my own (camping out still, but close to a town). It was waaay hard for me to discover my true issue and remedy, and some remains a mystery to me, but my 'elixer' that finally got me well again was none other than unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar. It put my gut right and everything else began improving after that. I did learn some good tidbits with my research however. As you may know, PCT statistics are kinda fuzzy, but I believe what I read about injuries and illness topping the list of reasons why hikers have to bail out and leave the trail. A few medicinals could be much more valuable than that bear spray.

[@russride]

@@ronaldmcdonald9147 How much of the cider vinegar did you take at a time? And for how long? Why exactly do you think the vinegar was beneficial? Did it do something for your gut bacteria, for example? Is regular apple cider any good?

[@TainoXtreme]

Thank you so much for your information, this is very valuable. I hope you’re doing much better. It’s good to know that somebody out there, other than me, believes in natural remedies. It all takes but a spoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water once or twice a day to do the healing. It should be, though, the Apple cider vinegar that is not filtered and is organic. Like the name brand Braggs. Some people have cured their cancer with this. But you also have to add organic everything and reduce the animal product to the minimum or zero. There are many other natural remedies out there for almost every health condition out there. You can find them in KZbin and other social networks. The most common one should be Google. I will be praying for your health. God bless you.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

@@russride tainoextreme answered better than I could. I'm still learning, but I'm a full believer in ACV now. tbh I'm a seriously picky eater (according to friends) I cannot stand any fermented/probiotic foods - pickles, sourkraut, kimchee, yogurt, etc., so ACV is my goto now. It also works for those on a low budget.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

@@TainoXtreme ty for your excellent answer. 👊

[@kayak736]

Would you consider riding a bike across the American Discovery Trail? That would make for some good KZbin!

[@markburrell2778]

Wow !😍

[@driftlessjoinery5059]

When I was young we used to camp near a hwy along the ABA trans am trail and would see cyclists all the time. My grandparents would invite cyclists camping near us to their campfire and a hot meal. When I'm traveling and see backpackers or cyclists I'll pick up their check anonamoisly. I've had it happen to me several times. Always feels good,to have given more than you've got.

[@jerryguild7012]

Dixie Your The Best!!!

[@ghostofreagan3181]

You're looking very healthy, Dixie. All that hiking.