Mike 421. Hiker hunger.

Hiker Hunger.   It’s a thing.

I read about it and appreciate the increased caloric need to fuel the daily mileage.   This makes complete sense.

What I don’t get is the insatiable need to voraciously consume anything and everything edible in sight.   At hostels, I see hikers vacuum up Little Debbie snack cakes, Cheetos, and Hot Pockets by the dozen.   No talking.   Just shovel, swallow, and repeat with the occasional burp. 

Well.

I didn’t get it.   Until now.

Now I am one of those shovel, swallow, and repeat people.   

Just two days ago, at 2:00, I polished off a quarter-pound cheeseburger with a side of Ruffles potato chips like a boss.  At 6:00 - just four hours later - the hunger pains hit so strongly, it felt as if I hadn’t eaten anything in a week.

This morning, I have two breakfasts.   Breakfast number one is a substantial protein bar with a bag of Doritos.   Breakfast number two is GoodToGo dehydrated Cuban black beans and rice, Fritos, and Starbucks Via hot coffee to wash it down.    I find a flat rock in the middle of a waterfall - it is the perfect place for a picnic.

Of course, this still is not enough.   Like clockwork, my stomach starts to growl just a few hours later.   The freeze dried edamame that I am snacking on - while high in protein and fiber - just is not doing the trick.   My mood and legs droop; the scenery is dull and lifeless.

And then, out of nowhere, trail angels appear.    

Two Texan families pass me on the trail.   They are hiking South, leaving Laurel Fork Gorge while I am entering it.

“Are you hiking the whole Appalachian Trail?” they ask.   

“Yes, I am,”  I replied exhaustedly.   “I’m headed to Maine.  I’m on mile 420 so far.”   I must look as bad as I feel.

“Can we give you some trail magic?   We’re headed to our cars and have some leftover snacks.  Would you like them?”

“Oh hell yes.”   I now have a strict policy to accept any and all food from strangers.  Leave no snack behind.

Right there on the trail, four pairs of hands reach out to me with offerings of hand-made jerky, Welch's fruit chews, a peanut butter protein bar, two meat sticks and - booyah! - chocolate-covered blueberries!

With neither pride nor decorum, I dive into my new stash on the spot.   Shovel, swallow, repeat.  

Thank you, strangers.  Thank you, Trail!    This is exactly the pick-me-up I need.