Hiker Feed

Word spreads up the trail fast. “Hiker feed at Unicoi Gap! Pancakes tomorrow at Burningtown Road!” We always seemed to miss these traveling feasts until we laid up in Hot Springs. We heard whispers in the halls of Laughing Heart before the notice went up: “Potluck at community center, 6 PM.” And so we piled in the van in the rain for our first real hiker feed.

Local folks walked in with platters and bowls brimming with food, piling salads across the sideboard and desserts on the table. Hikers lined up for dollops of casseroles, spoons of lima beans and collard greens, and heaping helpings of chili. Families came in and shared the meal with their kids. We met Circuit Rider, a friend of a friend, for the first time. A jar was passed around for donations for the community garden.

It’s a thoughtful and kind thing, this hospitality extended to the hiker community out of kindness. I hope our fellow wanderers appreciated it as much as we loved the home-cooked goodness and bountiful plates of food.