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