I am jumping ahead a little bit in the timeline of my hike but this could not wait. Trail Magic is when former thru-hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, or just generally good-natured people bring snacks, supplies, and sometimes beer to points along the trail to share with thru-hikers. It most commonly occurs when the trail crosses a road and they set up a table with a spread of snacks but this group of students from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) completely transcended the very definition of trail magic.
They had a project to design and plan every facet of an experience and execute it to their target audience so they planned this trail magic. They designed and built custom packable tables and chairs that had an upscale dining feel, wore fancy waitstaff outfits complete with bow ties, and cooked gourmet meals consisting of salad, salmon, gnocchi, and desserts. They packed all of this out 9 miles from the nearest road to the famous Overmountain Shelter near mile 185 on the AT. This shelter is a old barn that was converted to host hikers and its classic rustic look added to the ambiance of the fine dining experience.
Overmountain Shelter
Thanks again to the SCAD crew!