As we meet SOBO’s (those who are thru-hiking The Appalachian Trail southbound) and ask them about the upcoming terrain and water availability, they tell us about the upcoming “Trail Magic.”
What? Trail Magic in The Hundred Mile Wilderness? Really?
Yes! And all done IN MEMORY OF “YOGI BEAR” (The Trail Name of a former Thru-Hiker and man who enjoyed sharing Trail Magic with others).
It’s about 11:15 am and we have already broken camp and are hiking our way thru the Hundred Mile Wilderness when we come across a hand-made sign pointing us in the direction of some of the most heartfelt and dedicated “Trail Magic” that we have experienced while on the trail.
As we walk about 1/8 of a mile down a dirt road, we are met by Terry Adam’s (Father of James D. Adams… “Yogi Bear”) who is standing on the front porch of this family cabin (originally built in 1944) waving… smiling… and saying, “You’ve come to the right place! Come on up!”
This is a 2 week oasis for Hikers!
As we walk up onto the Front porch, Terry Adam’s (Trail Name: “Scout” ) and lifelong friend of the family, Dan, (Trail Name: “Lobster Boy”) welcome us with an invitation to ice cold drinks.
As we sit down to enjoy the beverages, Dan (“Lobster Boy”) immediately stands up to a grill and begins to prepare us each a hot dog and hamburger (with all the fixins’ available), chips and cookies.
We engage in conversation and are touched by the purpose that brings these two gentlemen deep into the Hundred Mile Wilderness for a couple of weeks each year.
Terry’s son and Dan’s dear friend: James D. Adams (Trail Name: “Yogi Bear”) died a few years ago and these men are here IN MEMORY OF YOGI BEAR.
James (“Yogi Bear”) was not only a Hiker, but he also enjoyed giving Trail Magic to the Hiking Community (something that his dad didn’t quite understand). When “Yogi Bear” died, his body was cremated and his ashes were taken by the family up to the Barren Ledges (the ledges of the mountain in view from the photo above) and spread IN MEMORY OF YOGI BEAR.
I can only begin to imagine the emotion felt by a father and friend as they make their way to this family cabin tucked back deep into the woods… for two weeks out of each year… in MEMORY OF YOGI BEAR.
We are blessed to be hiking thru the Hundred Mile Wilderness during this short window-of-time that they are here.
Our hearts are full (as well as our stomachs) at the dedication and desire of Terry and Dan as they continue the legacy of “Yogi Bear.” While this is the place and these are the people, where and whom you just care to hang-out with, other Hikers are seeing the sign and making their way up the dirt road to be welcomed with the same Trail Magic IN MEMORY OF YOGI BEAR.
Terry and Dan… you guys deserve more than just a “thumbs up!” Your generosity and your UNselfish expression of giving and sharing are much appreciated by the hiking community that “Yogi Bear” was a vital part of.
Tripper and Slipper have forever been impacted by your actions and attitude of servanthood that we are inspired and motivated to share “Trail Magic” when we return home from our thru-hike. This you can count on… your commitment to “Trail Magic” IN MEMORY OF YOGI BEAR will be imulated in the south by us. Thanks “Yogi Bear” for teaching us all the importance of giving.
