Hiking through 2,650 miles of wilderness sounds like a test of self-reliance. Hikers on the PCT do, however, get to experience the kindness of strangers every now and again. Imagine: You started hiking months ago, and by this point you are over making small talk with your hiking buddy. Since the PCT is less populated than the Appalachian Trail (some reports show about 180 completing the PCT and over 500 completing the AT annually), you haven't seen another soul in days. You're low on water, sick of the food you thought you'd want when you packed it months ago, and desperately desiring a warm, dry bed. Enter the TRAIL ANGEL!
Kind souls living near established trails like the PCT have dedicated large portions of their lives to making the thru-hiking experience more enjoyable to hikers. Some advertise services like free transportation, meals, or lodging on the PCT website. Others go for the more anonymous route of leaving water caches or other similar surprises at various points along the trail. Whatever their gifts, trail angels' hospitality is always appreciated. However, following the saying of not looking gift horses in the mouth (what does that mean, anyway?), depending too heavily on this hospitality is not recommended, and hikers should always be prepared to survive on their own for any given stretch of the trail.
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