Trail Magic Recap #5: That Time We Broke Wendy’s

This is Trail Magic recap #5 and it’s glorious.

Before we dig in, as always, we must first give credit where credit is due by thanking our benevolent Trail Angels.  This round was funded entirely by a very generous donation from John Gallagher.  You may remember John from his heartfelt Badger Sponsorship video entry.  John sent this note along with his donation:

“Last week I had to step off the trail in Hiawassee. My spirit was willing, but my flesh was weak, as my knee is now blown-out and it hurts to walk, let alone hike up and down mountains with any amount of weight on my back. I will be seeing my V.A. doctor this week, and am planning my recovery. I already want to continue my A.T. hike next year.”

John, rest assured that when you return to the Trail next year, this wonderful hiker karma will boomerang your way with twice the velocity.  Also, you are a rockstar.

This trail magic was also supplemented with a keg donation from Asheville Brewing.  That’s how we roll.

Now let us get to…

Trail Magic #5 Recap: Standing Indian Gap

Each of our previous trail magic sessions shared one common thread: pizza.  In an effort to shake shit up a bit, I paid a visit to Wendy’s.

Because I was headed to the outskirts of Irwin, TN- and what I gathered to be the heart of the hiker bubble- a large crowd was expected.  With a little north of $100 left to spend, I wanted to make the money spread as far as possible. How does one get the best bang for their buck at Wendy’s?

You guessed it, the dollar menu.  

Needless to say, Wendy’s wasn’t ready for what I was bringing…

I didn’t even know Wendy’s made Macy’s sized-bags.  Here’s what the order looked like before the fries were added.

If you recall from Trail Magic #2-3, we waited hours before seeing our first hiker.  This is what awaited my arrival.  Shoutout to fellow Angel BT (Brother Thomas), who had already set up shop at the Gap with water, coffee, and a number of chairs.

The delicious Asheville Brewing brew. Pro-tip: In a pinch, a garbage bag doubles wonderfully as a keg bucket.  Again, everyone who enjoyed a drink was 21 years of age or older.

A HUGE thank you to all of our Trail Angels!  The consistent feedback from hikers at each of the outings: “this is the best trail magic yet“.  Give yourselves a pat on the wings.

Co-hosted by Appalachian Trials own Carlie and Carly.  Unfortunately, Carlee, Carley, Carli, and Carl couldn’t make it to this one.

Thru-hikers doing their thing.  (Pictured right) Carlie was instructed to give her best Matrix impression.  Nice work.

DSOH (Dry Sense of Humor) striking a pose.  In total we Angel’d more than 20 hikers including Hummingbird, SAYBAK, Chug, Mr. Toad, Penguin, Z, Gia, Class Act, Frisbee, Running Nose, Coffee, Kat, Jack, DSOH, Diane, Gandolf, 2Tall, Good Grip, Muttin Chops, Persistent, Refugee, and Solo Amigo.

This picture was in no way taken from the Trail Magic session, but no epic-series is complete without a sunset (and epic it was).  A massive, massive, massive thank you to all of the Angels, hikers, co-hosts, and junk food creators everywhere.  This was beyond fun.

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