So, we are 62 days away from Ted's send off... He is actively planning out his journey, supplies, and when he will stop off and replenish his gourmet meals (dry packed tuna and ramen noodles - YUMMY) He has described how he will trek though the Mojave Desert and through many National parks, and climb several mountain ranges, including the highest mountain in the lower 48 states - Mt. Whitney.
He then throws into the coversation that he will need an ice axe. An ice axe. I just got done imagining the torture of walking through the desert, and he throws in an ice axe. So I visited my new best friend named Wikipedia and decided to dive in and really investigate just what the hell is going on here.
A cool fact that I am excited to share: Ted will hike to the top of a 14,505 foot mountain. If it even remotely sounds exhausting, just wait til you see this video I found via google video.
A not so cool fact I am not excited to share: this is what came up when I asked if an ice axe was necessary on the PCT:
"Be prepared. Take your time. Plan for less miles and more calories in the snow.
Beware of sun exposure, hypo/hyperthermia, dehydration, snow blindness, and sunburn."
The more I research this journey my husband is about to embark on, the fun and excitement levels of "this sounds great, amazing and enjoyable" are creeping downward, and the exhausting and challenging thoughts of "he is out of his mind and crazy for wanting to take on this trek" are creeping upward. But through it all, my pride and admiration is growing at an exponential rate for my husband. I don't believe there are too many people that I know, or will ever meet in my lifetime that will consider this something fun to do.
But Teddy does. Teddy thinks that this is fun, exciting, great, amazing, and everything in between. I am truly happy for him. Really. And I am truly happy for me too.
After all, it isn't me that needs an ice axe.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Why or Why Not??
So, of course, now that Teddy's plan is in motion to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, we are excited about it, and talk often about the adventure that is about to unfold. We have even hung a map of the trail in our dining room, so we can easily track him while he is away. I am trying to figure out how to attach a GPS chip to him, so I know he is not really in Fiji lounging with a Corona... LOL
Over the weekend, I was talking to a friend while I was getting my hair cut, and said, "Yeah, Teddy is leaving to walk from Mexico to Canada." A complete stranger whips her head around and blurts, "Why?" I explained to her that he likes to hike and this is a goal of his, so now is his time. She looked just as confused as she did when I first announced it, so I just let it go and went back to chatting with my friend.
Later that day, I began to think of all the reasons why this was a good idea for Ted. He likes to hike. He is fulfilling a dream. He has the support of his family and friends.
I then began to think of all the reasons why this was a good idea for me and the kids. He likes to hike. He is fulfilling a dream. He has the support of his family and friends. What better way to teach my children about reaching their goals, and fulfilling their dreams, then to lead by example.
My children will see the excitement and determination in their father as he accomplishes this amazing feat. They will see the support, love and respect in their mother for walking beside their father (not literally thank god!) as he accomplishes this amazing feat. They will experience the trust, confidence, and pride as they see their father complete this journey, knowing they were a part of his success. They will then be able to draw from that when they set out to achieve their own goals and dreams.
Instead of asking WHY, I would ask WHY NOT?
I love you Scarecrow
Over the weekend, I was talking to a friend while I was getting my hair cut, and said, "Yeah, Teddy is leaving to walk from Mexico to Canada." A complete stranger whips her head around and blurts, "Why?" I explained to her that he likes to hike and this is a goal of his, so now is his time. She looked just as confused as she did when I first announced it, so I just let it go and went back to chatting with my friend.
Later that day, I began to think of all the reasons why this was a good idea for Ted. He likes to hike. He is fulfilling a dream. He has the support of his family and friends.
I then began to think of all the reasons why this was a good idea for me and the kids. He likes to hike. He is fulfilling a dream. He has the support of his family and friends. What better way to teach my children about reaching their goals, and fulfilling their dreams, then to lead by example.
My children will see the excitement and determination in their father as he accomplishes this amazing feat. They will see the support, love and respect in their mother for walking beside their father (not literally thank god!) as he accomplishes this amazing feat. They will experience the trust, confidence, and pride as they see their father complete this journey, knowing they were a part of his success. They will then be able to draw from that when they set out to achieve their own goals and dreams.
Instead of asking WHY, I would ask WHY NOT?
I love you Scarecrow
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
About the Pacific Crest Trail...
Thank you to all who have read our announcement and offered your support. So many have questions (and comments) which are welcomed and appreciated. I thought I might offer a map of this amazing journey so you can really see just how crazy this all sounds...
Teddy will begin at the southern most part of this map which is in Mexico, and walk up the red line which marks the trail, walking through the entire state of California, Oregon, Washington and will finish in Canada. Sounds like loads and loads of fun, right?? Anyone who knows me can just hear the sarcasm pouring out of me!! But all joking aside, I am so proud of Ted's decision to take on this amazing challenge! He has assured me he will take lots of pictures so I can post them for everyone to see as well. Until next time...
Carole
Thank you to all who have read our announcement and offered your support. So many have questions (and comments) which are welcomed and appreciated. I thought I might offer a map of this amazing journey so you can really see just how crazy this all sounds...
 |
| Pacific Crest Trail via google images |
Carole
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Beginning...
Hello to our family and friends...
As we all know, as one door closes, another one opens... Well, as most of you know, a door for Teddy has closed recently, so in the spirit of positive thinking, we knew the door that was about to open would be an exciting, worth writing about one... and we were indeed correct!!
In 79 days, Teddy is going to leave on yet another hiking journey that will take him from Mexico to Canada... no, I am not joking... He is going to walk 2,650 miles, through the mountains, the desert, and everywhere between... I will keep you posted on his location, mileage, and all of the stories he shares with us along the way.
The kids and I are excited about this adventure he is about to begin... we hope you enjoy our story...
Carole
As we all know, as one door closes, another one opens... Well, as most of you know, a door for Teddy has closed recently, so in the spirit of positive thinking, we knew the door that was about to open would be an exciting, worth writing about one... and we were indeed correct!!
In 79 days, Teddy is going to leave on yet another hiking journey that will take him from Mexico to Canada... no, I am not joking... He is going to walk 2,650 miles, through the mountains, the desert, and everywhere between... I will keep you posted on his location, mileage, and all of the stories he shares with us along the way.
The kids and I are excited about this adventure he is about to begin... we hope you enjoy our story...
Carole
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