Helpful Stores, Hiker Bonding, and Hairy Faces...

It is Wednesday, June 29th - 28 days into Ted's PCT adventure.  I have, along with many of our family and friends, had the great opportunity to speak with Teddy a lot over the past few days.  He is hiking in or near areas with cell service, or better yet, wonderful human service, that have allowed him to use their phones and facilities.  People and places are welcoming the PCT thruhikers all along the way.

Hiker friendly stores... 

Teddy said stores posted signs like the one at the left - what a sense of belonging and pride to be one of those hikers... these places have exactly what he needs to restock for the trail - things like granola, carnation breakfast drinks, poptarts, snickers, bagels with peanut butter, lipton dinners, ramen noodles, and gorp.  In case you weren't sure, that's hiker talk for trail mix. - I had to ask too.

TOG and Evil Goat

Along with the hiker friendly stores, Teddy found there were friendly hikers as well.  Let me reintroduce two you have already met in a previous blog entry.  To the right are TOG (we knew him as U.K. - his trail name is actually TOG, for The Old Guy) and Evil Goat.  These two guys hung out with several times along the way with Scarecrow.  TOG has even reached out and emailed me with his contact info, as well as his family back in the U.K. I have been in contact with him, as well as his partner Diana, who are both wonderful, amazing people sharing in the same exact experience as Ted and I.  The correspondence has been helpful as well, as we were able to transfer information back and forth that was helpful for Teddy.


Teddy shared a beautiful story with me, as did Diana via email,  about the same wonderful gesture. Below is an excerpt from the email from Diana, explaining Teddy's latest addition - a trekking pole.  Diana writes, "He (TOG) has been walking with two poles that belonged to his wife, Hazel, who died in 2008.  They used to do a lot of walking together in all sorts of wild and wonderful places and he was using them in her memory. While he was walking recently on the PCT he broke one of the poles. He met up with Scarecrow later on and offered the remaining pole to him to help him go through snow covered mountains.  Scarecrow now has it in his care which pleased TOG very much as he is not walking the PCT in quite the same way as Scarecrow so far as I can understand it."
I am proud of you Scarecrow - may that trekking pole bring you safety and comfort - from what Diana said, it has already traveled through those mountains with TOG and Hazel - may you have the same success as they did.  Thank you TOG for trusting Ted with some of your precious memories, and thank you Diana for passing along the beautiful story defining its significance.  I am sure Scarecrow appreciates your kindness.

15 pounds lighter

As you can see above, as Teddy arrives in Agua Dulce, which is 455 miles into his hike, he has lost 15 pounds.  He sends his pictures via text message on the cell phone.  He asks each time, "Shave or don't shave."  I always say, "Don't shave" - the grizzly look adds to the whole story, don't you think?

shave or don't shave?

His latest headshot, left, had the caption "would you climb into a tent with this man?" My answer, of course, is NO - I don't do tents Teddy - remember? But I do love you so much, and we continue to fill up with pride for your determination and strength, and appreciation for your character and love for others.  I hope you are enjoying this journey as much as we are enjoying hearing about it.  Happy Trails, my love.

The Thruhiker's Wife

Hey Boo-Boo... Yogi here...

Now 3 weeks into his hike, Teddy sounds strong, and feels great daily as he treks onward towards Canada.  He reached Cajon Pass (Interstate 15) for those of you following a map.  I guess that meal from McDonald's was enough fuel to move him right along.

As he left, about 5 miles in, he came across more trail magic, in the form of a water cache, and was able to fill up some of his water containers for the day.  Again, things like this are put on the trail by people who just want to help out the hikers, so thank you to them!!  Teddy said next to this water station was a couple of lounge chairs in the shade.  How nice!

While at the water cache, there was a register book for the hikers to sign in.  Teddy noticed there were two thruhikers just about 5 miles ahead of him - one going by the trail name "Evil Goat" and the other by U.K. (actually I learned later that his trail name is "TOG") but Teddy referenced him as U.K. so for now, we'll keep it as that.  And onward went Scarecrow, moving along as his rapid pace...

thruhiker Evil Goat

Around the 350 mile mark, Scarecrow finally caught up to Evil Goat.  He had his headphones on and was standing in the shade.  Teddy actually said that Evil Goat told him "shade should be used."  They chatted for a bit, and then Teddy moved along down the trail.  About 10 miles up, he caught up with U.K. - but not officially yet.  He said this guy was writing stuff in the sand as he went along - he had written 11:40 - that meant Ted was only 20 minutes behind him.  He walked ahead, and eventually caught up to him, in person, and started chatting.  He gathered info for me (as instructed)  - U.K. is from England (surprise, surprise), is a school teacher, and whose trail name is really Tog, not U.K.  Confused?? Me too. It's ok.

Teddy left, and continued walking until he came across a couple picnicking about 13 miles later.  They had a blanket spread out right next to the trail, and were just hanging out with their dog.  They asked immediately if he was a thruhiker on the PCT.  They were amazed that they were sitting right next to the actual trail.  Teddy stopped, chatted, and happily accepted the gifts of water, cold root beer and a bottle of Fat Tire beer.  Yummy.  He explained to the couple about "Yogi-ing" - according to the urban dictionary, it is the art of politely gathering food from other hikers/campers by means of conversation without actually asking for it.  The couple got a kick out of the term, but were happy to help Teddy out.  And again, Scarecrow moved on.
Overall, Teddy has said all of these people he has run into have been helpful and generous to say the least.  Thank you to all for helping make Scarecrow's journey more enjoyable.

Teddy was aiming for Guffy Camp, but decided to continue on to the town 5 miles further to stay for the night.  He hiked into Blueridge campground, and planned a "zero day" to restock food, energy, and hopefully call home :) I guess he deserves a zero day by this point - he is, at this point, 367 miles into his trip.  Only 2,283 miles left.  Hope he perfects his "yogi" skills to score some treats along the way.

The Thruhiker's Wife

From No One to Just About Everyone...

In each of my phone conversations with Ted, he continues to tell me how he remains by himself, hiking along. He has mentioned missing the company of people, his family, fellow hikers, anyone... Well, he got his wish.  As he left Big Bear City, he had remembered that it was suggested that he go via highway 18, but he chose to hike along side VanDusen Canyon Road.  He didn't quite remember why that particular route was suggested until he set up camp that evening.  The traffic on the road he did choose was UNBELIEVABLE.  He could not believe how many people were traveling on this road, and it made for a very busy, loud evening.  He even saw a Jeep Club trek though... at first this was cool, simply for the fact that we have 2 of our own, but as they drove on through, Ted said not a single one was like ours... they were all decked out, dressed up, like one big Quadratec parade.  Of course, no pictures to post :(  So much for solitude.  


Saturday morning, Ted awoke to even more Jeeps passing by, and decided to get an early start, as he had 100 miles to go before reaching Wrightwood.  The excitement of people, cars, etc had him pumped, hoping to run into more people.  Well, he did just that.  

Along the trail, he came upon Mike and his horse Red.  From what Ted has said, I don't believe he is a thruhiker, but it was exciting Ted to now meet new, fellow hikers to share his stories with. He chatted for awhile, in the shade I am sure, and then moved on to continue his trek to Wrightwood.


Ted was able to hike a total of 20 miles on Saturday, and continued to meet up with fellow hikers.  Except this next group was Boy Scout Troop 127.  He said he felt so good talking with the boys and their leader about what he was trying to accomplish.  They ate together, shared some stories, and let the kids ask questions about his experiences so far.  The boys and their leader were so taken in with Ted, and the leader even started using Ted in his lessons and instructions for the troop.  They were going to prepare to do a 5 mile hike for the next day, and he went on to the boys about Ted was going to walk 5 miles before stopping for breakfast.  They were all very enthusiatic and interested in Scarecrow's adventures and even posed for a group picture before he set off to continue on.


Teddy began his day hiking on Sunday, June 19, with the goal in mind to reach the pavilion 5 miles away.  I guess he was going to treat himself for Father's day by using a privy (Noun: A toilet located in a small shed outside a house or other building; outhouse.) instead of his usual routine of just digging a hole.  Wow - some Father's Day gift, heh?? Well, in case you are at the edge of your seat, wondering if he made it... he did.  He sat comfortably in the privy, after hiking 5 miles, and all is well for Scarecrow.


So, by Sunday afternoon, Teddy has hiked 306 miles, and feeling strong.  He hiked into a place called Deep Creek Hot Springs. Wikipedia states: Located directly on the PCT, north of Big Bear City, California,  these natural hot springs are located in the San Bernardino National Forest. The pools were built by volunteers over a period of years and are largely maintained by volunteers in the pristine state you see them in today. The beautiful and unique landscape, the soothing hot spring waters mixing with the cool mountain stream, local custom and tradition make for a wonderful clothing-optional setting to be enjoyed by all. Since the time Native Americans inhabited the area, people from all over the world have come to the Springs to get away, soak, sunbathe, relax, and enjoy the natural environment all year long.  


Anyone who knows Teddy, knows he did NOT exercise the clothing optional portion of the area.  He soaked in shorts, relaxing and relieving his achy muscles.  He did encounter others that were not so private... like the very elderly man, who when was done soaking, put back on what he thought were the essentials.  His sun hat, flip flops and his back pack... nope - nothing else.  Ted said it was quite a site. He did snap a picture for the scrapbook - cannot wait to see that one.
After his soak in the springs, he was able to bust out a 25 mile day, which brought him to a McDonald's about a quarter mile off the trail by about 10 pm for some dinner.  Well deserved Scarecrow.


As creepy as this sounds, Teddy pitched his tent in an empty lot behind the McDonald's as to be the first one in to get a big breakfast before the next days hike.  With another 25 mile day ahead of him, he was definitely looking forward to a yummy breakfast.  What does someone who is about to walk another 25 miles eat you ask?  Well, I now know - 2 sausage, egg, and cheese mcgriddles, 4 hash browns and a large coffee.  I guess when you are on your third 25 mile day in a row, calorie counting is not on your list.


Until next time,


The Thruhiker's Wife
   

Grizzly Bear meets Grizzly Boy...

We are all 17 days into Ted's adventure,  and doing great!!! We have heard from Teddy several times over the past few days, whenever he ducks into town to resupply food, he hopes for a cell signal to give us a call.  He has just left Big Bear City (also known as Highway 18) on the map.  For us, that means he is about 2 inches up from the starting point. For Teddy, that means he is 265 miles up from the starting point.  Crazy, right??

So, speaking of bears, Teddy had his first, and hopefully last, grizzly bear encounter yesterday.  He was walking along when he heard a loud roar - a sound like no other he has ever heard.  He knew immediately that it was a bear, and said he was pretty frightened.  He wasn't sure if the bear was attacking something, mating, or just roaring.  He grabbed a granola bar and his knife, leaving his backpack aside, and went to further investigate.  He eventually came up to where he could see the howling, growling bear, which was a grizzly, but it was in a cage.  And the cage was behind a fence.  He was thinking, what the hell is this?  He found out that there is a farm, where animals, such as grizzly bears, are brought and trained to be in movies.  Really?? Are they kidding?? And don't you think that should have been stated somewhere in some book so hikers don't have heart attacks on the spot?? Poor documentation on their part, but it certainly made for a good story for Ted to share.

His other creature encounters have been scarce.  One worth mentioning that would have freaked me out was while hiking on an incline up a mountain, as he was leaning forward, he said a coral snake slithered by his face, but no harm done there either.  I had hoped he would have snapped a picture, but I guess the little guy caught him a bit off guard.  Oh well.

So the best part of my day, and this blog entry, is the picture I received of grizzly boy, a.k.a. Scarecrow.  As you can see, he has thinned down a bit, and has finally grown some facial hair.

Hey, I wonder if grizzly boy is the reason the grizzly bear was roaring...


Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife

What's Another 5 miles...

via google images

Walking along the PCT (shown at left) through a town called Warner Springs, you can detour off and see the famous rock formation of an eagle.  Every journal, blog, and book has a photo of it, so of course, we needed one for Ted's photo memorabilia.

According to Google, traveling from the Pacific Crest Trail to Eagle Rock is a moderately easy, 5.5 mile hike in Cleveland National Forest that will take about 3 hours to complete.  I am glad Ted ventured over there to grab this photo - what's 5 miles out of your way when you are traveling 530 times that amount in total... you can just barely see his backpack above the random red strip that was sent with his photo.  Way to go Scarecrow :)


~~Thruhiker's Wife

I wish Dad was here!

Teddy called home today, sounding fantastic. He is 178 miles into his journey, on schedule, and absolutely loving the experience.  He continues to be alone on the trail, which isn't so great all of the time.  He encounters amazing things, and is taking it all in, but has no one to immediately appreciate it with.  He said he is catching up to a hiker who seems to be about 5 days ahead of him, so, good luck with that Teddy...

The kids and I are coping well. All seems to run smoothly until one of them is told no, or doesn't get their way with something, and then the "I wish Dad was here" comment gets thrown into the conversation/argument.  (They still don't realize that wouldn't have changed the outcome).  We take turns sharing our news and events with Ted when he calls - I try to catch him up on all that is going on with us, like the kids' school events, Thomas' health progress, or that I tried to put the air conditioner in Jagger's bedroom window and it plummeted from the second story window onto the deck. The kids usually spend their phone time telling on me for "not being fair", or that it is too hot because mom did not put the air conditioners in the windows.  I guess there is nothing wrong with throwing a little drama Ted's way - he has got nothing going on but walking and more walking, some ramen, and more walking.  The good thing is that Ted is checking in and we do get to keep in touch, and wish him love and success.

So, yes - we wish Dad were here, but until he is, we are surviving, and so is he.  178 miles down, and only 2,472 to go. Keep on trekking, Scarecrow.  We love you...

The Thruhiker's Wife

Scarecrow's Post #1

This was sent by Ted to my phone: ENJOY

~~ June 6 2011. Its about 8:10 pm and I just crawled into my sleeping bag. It was a good day today. The muscles don't hurt anymore. The town stop into Julian definitely rested my body. I was only going to go 13 miles today out of Scissors Crossing - when I hit that point, it was still mid afternoon, so I made my dinner and kept going 4 more miles. I'm at 95 miles. Looking forward to hitting 100 miles tomorrow. I'm going to go. I'll talk to you soon. I might not call you tomorrow, because I think I'm going to go past Warner Springs. Something really cool for tomorrow, I'm going to that eagle rock that I showed you in Yogi's book. That is at 106.6 miles. I'll take a picture with the phone and send it to you. I Love You and please tell the kids I love them and give them hugs and kisses. SCARECROW

Lady Bugs & Trail Magic :)

Teddy checked in on the evening of June 5, and has reported he is doing great.  He has been averaging 20 mile days, give or take a few, eating his ramen noodles and granola just as planned. Today, he was up by 6, and on the trail shortly after, trying to make up some extra miles to maybe run into civilization soon.  He had walked 24 miles and was out of water, and had decisions to make.  He had a choice of getting water out of the creek near by, and using his purifier drops, or he could hitch into a nearby town and stock up on water there.
As he was flipping through his trail guide book, he said a ladybug landed on the map of Julian (the town he was thinking of hitching in to).  He took this as a sign.  He explained to me - being that I love ladybugs (yes I carry a glass one in my pocket at all times), this ladybug made him think of me, and that he needed to go to town and call me to check in, and he could get water while he was there.  He proceeded to walk the trail towards Julian.  Along the route is a place called Scissors Crossing, where the trail meets up with a road that will take you to the town, which is still 14 miles away.  As Ted came through Scissors Crossing, he came upon cases and cases of water, labeled "For Thruhikers".  This is what hikers know as "Trail Magic" made possible by Trail Angels.  Trail Magic can take on many different forms - hidden supplies of water, people handing out candy bars, food, or other necessities to thruhikers along their trip.  What a pleasant surprise for Ted - he would not have to wait until getting into town before re hydrating himself.  He helped himself to the water, and then because of that ladybug, continued into town to check in with me.

As a side note, Teddy has been planning this trip with the help of a book we ordered titled "Yogi's PCT Handbook".  Yogi is a past thruhiker who wrote a book of helpful tips and hints to help future hikers on the trail.  Ted read this book, including the part about hitchhiking into towns for resupply purposes.  Well, never did she mention that some of the people who offer the rides would be as strange as the guy who picked Ted up.  As odd as he was, Ted was grateful for the lift into Julian where he got to call and talk to us, shower, eat, resupply food and water, get a comfy night's rest, eat a huge breakfast, and get a lift back to Scissors Crossing.  It is here, back at Scissors Crossing where he will continue on with the trail, the ladybugs, and hopefully some more Trail Magic.

The Thruhiker's Wife

Trail Angels, Rattlesnakes, Blisters, OH MY!!

Trail Angel
a generous individual or group of individuals that provide acts of kindness to participants of outdoor events, on hiking trails or various biking routes. Trail angels are closely associated with trail magic. "Trail Angels" are commonly referred to in online hiking journals as friends of hikers, relatives or others persons who will often provide food, transportation, etc. to hikers on the trail.

So, we send Ted, his backpack, and walking stick off on a flight to San Diego.  Now what.  How does he actually begin the Pacific Crest Trail? That's where Trail Angels come in.  Thanks to Trail Angels Scout and Frodo, Ted was picked up at the airport, brought to their home, fed, had a place to sleep, and was driven to the Southern Terminus of the PCT the next morning.  Who are these amazing, generous people you ask?  A wonderful couple who opened their home, shared their story and experience, and gave my husband that last bit of support he needed to begin his hike. I will forever be grateful for their part in Ted's journey.
You can actually read more about them if you are interested by going to:   www.trailjournals.com/mann

I spoke with Ted after they dropped him off at the starting point, sending him off after the traditional photo shoot next to the monument.  He was excited and ready to begin.  I asked how many people were there, beginning their own journey along side him.  Not a single other person has signed the log book in days.  Uh-oh.  He is truly beginning this trek ALONE.  Alone with himself, his walking stick, and his ramen noodles.

He would not be alone for long.  Ted said he was walking along and heard a rattlesnake.  He said it nearly scared the S#@T out of him.  We were warned by the post office the other day that they were out and ready to visit the hikers but it was startling none the less up close and personal.  No injuries or graphic stories to report thank God.

Unfortunately, Ted has not sent many photos yet, so I cannot post any but this one with this entry. They will be up as soon as I receive them.  He will have to get into a town shortly to resupply food and rest the blisters that are apparently forming on his left foot :( so I am sure we will receive them soon.
Until then,
The Thruhiker's Wife

1,814,400 seconds and counting...** old post**

Time is a crazy thing...

3 weeks left for us to finish up our "To-Do" list
21 days left for Ted to plan out the mail drops and specifics of his trip
504 hours left for Ted to get his pack and supplies together
30,240 minutes left for us to get excited over what Ted will experience but know we will miss him
1,814,400 seconds left until Ted begins this journey of a lifetime...

As we get closer to his departure, Ted and I want to thank everyone for their support, interest, and love during the preparation and planning of this next chapter of our lives. We are excited to share this trip with everyone who is following this blog - Ted will send photos, video, and stories home which I will put on this blog for all to enjoy.

Just so you know, I plan to create a book for Teddy using this blog with all of its posts and comments upon his completion. With that said, please feel free to post to him throughout his trip - words of encouragement, thoughts of his insanity, and anything else on your mind that he will enjoy reading when he gets home. This adventure is something very dear to his heart, and we are excited to share it with our family and friends, so I hope you enjoy his story as it unfolds.

Early August, Ted will be somewhere in Northern California, 1300 miles into his trek, halfway through the Pacific Crest Trail. This time will also mark 20 years that Teddy and I are together -1043 weeks, or 7304 days (I won't bore you with the rest of the breakdown - you get the idea). I am proud that we reached this milestone.

I am proud of his determination. I am proud that he has taken on such an amazing dream and made it his reality.
I want to say that now, more than ever before, I am proud to be the wife of a thruhiker.

Departure Day...

The day arrived.  A day of anticipation.  Of happiness.  Of uncertainty.  Of excitement.  Of controlled chaos.  Of sadness.  Of saying goodbye to family and friends and hello to a long awaited adventure.  Ted has now packed and repacked his bag many times, making sure of every last item needed, and adjusting to lessen the 35+ pounds he will now need to carry for this hike.

arriving at the airport

Ted and the kids arrived to pick me up from work around 11:30, so we could make our way to the airport.  It was a bittersweet ride - I am so very proud of him for taking on such a huge challenge and having the confidence and determination to follow his dreams.  I am so excited for this journey to unfold for him.  The other part of me was really beginning to realize that we will not see him for 5 months.  I knew it in my head, but was now feeling it in my heart.  In case anyone was curious, the send off for the PCT (round 2) was no easier than the send off for the AT (round 1) was 10 years ago.  Just as emotional, filled with just as much pride.

Andy, Cathy, Carole, Teddy, Jagger, Dakota & Kenn

My brother Kenn, Ted's mom and her friend Andy met us at the airport to see Ted off.  It was funny to see the reactions of the people who were slowly finding out what Ted was about to do.  Things like Ted having to explain to the TSA why there was a huge knife in his pack, and that his hiking stick was not just a souvenir, but a necessity for the next 5 months, sparked curiosity among some of the staff.  All were supportive and amused.

Everyone who knows me knows I cry over moments like this.  I personally thought I would have a mini breakdown right in the airport watching my children say goodbye to their father.  It was one of the most beautiful, proudest  moments I have ever felt for my family.  Their ability to express their love, support, excitement and sadness all rolled up into one huge hug and kiss amazed me




Yes, there were tears, but mostly happy ones.  Tears of we are sad you are leaving, but we support your dreams. Tears of we won't get to see you or hug you, but we will think about you and pray for you every day.  Tears of we are going to miss you, but we love you so very much. 

The kids were so brave to put on their happiest faces to send Ted off.  They bought him last minute Snickers bars, gave some last big hugs and somehow, we were able to hold it all together and send Scarecrow on his way.

 I appreciate everyone's well-wishes and support over the past few months, as we prepared for this journey.  All of the texts, phone calls, blog comments, visits, hugs, and encouragement is what will make this nothing but a spectacular, positive experience for my family!!






Until next time,

The Thruhiker's Wife