Trail Angel Stories: Charlene

There is In a town called Burney, the Word of Life Church offers hikers a free place to stay. They provide laundry machines, a full kitchen for hikers to cook fresh food, showers, and gym space where we can sleep. an extensive hiker box where hikers can take or leave gear or food that they do not need. In the morning, they opened their coffee bar to serve free coffee to hikers. Charlene took our orders with a smile and asked us about our trek while she put together our iced lattes. 

I love these stays where communities open up their spaces to hikers. A member of the congregation, Mustache, a section hiker himself, spent time conversing with us the night prior. A couple showed up the same evening to drop off postage-stamped envelopes with a gentle reminder to write home to our loved ones. I really appreciate the personal interaction and care that complete strangers show us.

- Mantis