Courtesy of Callahan's...

 Lots of excitement for Teddy these days... a new state, a new backpack sent from our friend Ray at  "Just Roughin' It", http://www.justroughinit.com some goodies from the family, and Callahan's Lodge in Ashland, Oregon.  Listed on the PCT map at 1,730 miles, it was a definite gold mine for any thruhiker... while talking with Teddy while at work, my friend Laura Melfi and I got to hear the excitement in Teddy's voice as he boasted about the thruhiker deal he received while at the lodge... I found their website and copied the "package deal for thruhikers" that Teddy was so excited about.

You can check in with the front desk at the lodge and get directions to the hiker shower and laundry room.  Your amenities (sweet smelling spa quality shampoo, conditioner, lotion and oatmeal body soap) are presented with your experience.
You can do a load of laundry, take a hot shower, pitch your tent on any level spot you like, then have a seat on our dining deck or in the dining room.  Order a salad, bottomless plate of spaghetti served with our artisan baked bread.  Enjoy live music til 9 pm.
Then, unroll your sleeping bag on Callahan's huge grassy backyard.  You'll be lulled to sleep with the lovely sounds of the waterfall there.
When you awaken (after 8 am please) come to breakfast and dine on a dish of bacon, eggs, fresh fruit and all the pancakes you can eat.
All this is yours for just $40


I think Teddy will enjoy ALL of that, except for maybe the pancakes...
Hmm - I wonder if they offer that knowing most thruhikers just failed the pancake challenge in Seiad...

In trying to meet his own personal goal of being done with the Pacific Crest Trail and home by Halloween, Teddy has committed to hiking no less than 25 mile days... although he just told me he walked another 30 miles yesterday in order to reach this amazing lodge.  With mileage days like this, he will be through the state of Oregon in less than three weeks.  Crazy, but correct according to our calculations...

Teddy sent me this picture also - content and cheerful at Callahan's.  Rock on Scarecrow... You have officially completed 65% of the PCT thus far - still strong, focused and happy.  We are proud of you and look forward to the upcoming adventures you will have, bringing you closer to achieving your dreams, and closer to home...     Olive Juice.


~The Thruhiker's Wife~

Onward into Oregon!

So, Teddy called from Seiad, California - it is listed as 1,666.6 miles on the PCT map.  I thought the numbers were a little creepy until Teddy's sister Dawn looked up their significance in a numerology book.  According to the breakdown in the book, the 1 represents the message of "what you have focused on and prayed for has come into fruition" and the 666 signifies that he should "refocus from materialistic thoughts and wants to more spiritual ones"... (hmm... maybe like a safe and prompt finish to his journey...)
It was no easy task to arrive in Seiad when he did... Teddy ended up hiking a 41.8 mile day... yes, you read that correctly - over 40 miles in one day - it took him 18 hours.  I asked how he felt, and his response was "like I walked 41 miles... will probably never do that again."  He did say that the weather, terrain, and his strength was in alignment and decided to go for it.  I am all for whatever gets him closer to Canada...


While in Seiad, Teddy camped out in this park called Mid River RV.  This is a well-known place by thruhikers, as it is convenient and inexpensive.  While there, Teddy met up with a guy named Frankie who had his RV parked in the campground.  He got into talking and the guy was so interested in what Teddy was doing - he said, "Hold on - I am calling my sister to have her throw  an extra baked potato and some ribs on the grill - we're having a guest for dinner."  Teddy was "feeling the love", excited and grateful to say the least.

a scene from PeeWee Herman?

Hunger pains were definitely absent during this town stop.  Not only did he have a delicious BBQ with the Love family: Frankie, his sister Lori, and their dad Daryll at the RV park, but he attempted a pancake challenge that most thruhikers know about and look forward to upon arrival in Seiad. As you can see, he had his work cut out for him.  They serve you 5 one pound pancakes, and if you can finish them ALL, you get your photo taken and put on their "Wall of Fame" and get to skip out on the bill.
When Teddy called that afternoon, I asked, "How'd ya make out?"  He responded, "Not even close, and I will probably NEVER EAT PANCAKES EVER AGAIN."
He did get to pack up the rest of what was unfinished to take with him - as much as he will never want to eat them again, he did pay for those suckers and it was, after all, some trail food for the next few days.


After stuffing himself with pancakes, he headed out of Seiad, the last dot in California on the PCT map.  Yes - the LAST DOT.  This means, he will arrive in Ashland, Oregon by Wednesday the latest.  Let's recap just how amazing this is... he is FINALLY in a different state, 1,730 miles under his belt, and now under 1,000 miles left - YAY - we are in triple digits...


Teddy asked me to wait a few days for the pancake picture of him to be sent before posting on the blog - good thing I did.  A few more came my way as well.  He reached the Oregon state border Tuesday afternoon and was able to send his proud moment for us to see.

His backpack and walking stick have posed for a picture next to the sign I have been waiting for, for what seems like forever... we have conversations like "you ONLY have 460 miles of Oregon" or "the 500 miles of Washington will fly by."  After trekking 1,710 miles in one state, these other states will "seemlike nothing."
We all know they are not nothing, though... Scarecrow will be heading into the Cascade Mountains, with rougher terrain, and much lower temperatures.  He said it is already uncomfortably cold at night... good thing that grizzly beard is on his face... 


So tomorrow, Wednesday, September 28th, Scarecrow will pass through Ashland, pick up his goodies that are waiting for him, and hopefully be able to call me again with his next mail drop.  I will post it as soon as I know it.  Teddy did want me to thank everyone for their continued support through letters, well wishes, treats, helping out with Dakota and Jagger, Tina Vath keeping the fish fed, and patience with his wife as he continues onward into Oregon.




Until next time,
~The Thruhiker's Wife~

Scarecrow Meets the Mayor...

Friday morning, at 3:06 a.m., I received a text from Teddy that read: Hi. I love you. I'm in Castella. I got here around 9 last night. -Scarecrow

Awesome - Teddy is at the 1,510 mile mark.  He is standing by the sign for Castle Crags Camping grounds, where he will camp for the night for $3.00 -  can't beat that rate. 

The PCT passes through the Castle Crags Wilderness for a total of 14.5 miles. The trail gains just under 6,000 feet, climbing from about 2,900 feet to roughly 6,600 feet. This portion of the PCT is part of the longest roadless section of the trail in the Mount Shasta area. From the trailhead at Castle Crags State Park to Gumboot Saddle, the PCT travels 25 miles without crossing a road.

Once arriving at the campsite, he found a sign, posted by trail angels... this was gonna be a good one.  The paper plate read: PCT Thruhikers: Trail Magic at Ahdinam... .8 mi downhill on left to campground entrance - I will give rides back here ~ come by for some snacks and drinks ~ campsite #10  

Teddy followed the directions, and was able to enjoy some company, a few hot dogs, ears of corn, chips, beers, and a ride back to the trail, just as promised - and that's not all - a departure care package for later - homemade chocolate chip cookies, some trial size cookie treats, and a capri sun -  TRAIL ANGELS ROCK!

He was given a phone number by TOG of a trail angel named Sandy to call upon arrival in Castella that would be able to give him a ride from the trail into the town of Dunsmuir.  Teddy reached the woman, who works at the Burger Barn in town, but she was the only one working, so could not leave to get him.  He thankfully received a ride from another random stranger (a man getting gas) and was on his way to "get his chores done."

Chores consist of washing all of his clothes (all two outfits) resupplying food for 4-5 days, eating a huge meal, scoring some treats, and making it back to the trail before dark to set up camp.  It doesn't sound like too much to worry about, but sometimes, unplanned hiccups can occur to delay his schedule.  Like, if there is no one to give you a ride into town, you have to walk (hikers don't take kindly to "uncounted miles").  Thankfully, enter the random stranger getting gas, who took that stress away.  When Teddy arrived at the laundromat, there was not a soul in sight.  The door was wide open, but no change machine, no soap, no attendant... so he walked over to a bakery/corner store (more uncounted miles) and purchased a huge bottle of laundry detergent (for his 4 pieces of clothing) and some change from the cashier.  He ordered a huge spaghetti and meatball dinner and headed back to do his wash.  He will usually just do his laundry while in a towel or pair of bicycle shorts, to ensure as much gets washed as possible... today, he dined in bicycle shorts, alone while the dirt and smell of thruhiker was cleansed from his wardrobe for another 5 days...

via google images

A well-known stop for thruhikers in this town is Burger Barn.  This is where the trail angel Sandy works, and where Teddy decided to order his treat of soft butter pecan ice cream.  He made his cleaner, fuller self over there, had his treat and began to secure his ride back to the trail.  Teddy said the woman who works in there is so friendly - no wonder TOG passed along her number... she is a true trail angel.   Unfortunately, she was still the only one working at the restaurant at the time Teddy needed a ride back to the trail.  Instead of just wishing him well and sending him on his way, she calls the Mayor of Dunsmuir

  .

via google images

YES - the mayor of Dunsmuir, Mr. Nick Mitchell, drove down to the Burger Barn, picked Teddy up, and gave him a ride back to the trail in time for him to set up camp for the night.  WOW! We thank you, Dunsmuir, for friendly, caring people - trail angels, who helped Scarecrow continue on through his PCT journey.

Teddy is up and on his way, hiking no less than 25 mile days, feeling strong and excited as his days in California are almost over, and into Oregon he goes...
~The Thruhiker's Wife~

Some NEWS to share...

via google images

Teddy was able to call home several times over the weekend... each time further up the trail than the day before...he is averaging 25 mile days and is leaving Burney, CA as of Tuesday, September 13th.

He has reported he is back on his own now, after hiking for a few days with a NEW thruhiker named "Sticks".  Nothing to crazy to report, other than this guy is "cowboy camping" - what does that mean you ask?? He is thruhiking the PCT without a tent... he has slept on a mat, under the stars, rain or shine...

There is a NEW mail drop, for those who asked... Teddy will be there in about 5 days.  And it's in a NEW state... he will finally have completed the 1,710 miles of California and enter Oregon within the week.

via google images

Teddy "Scarecrow" Warren
General Delivery
Ashland, OR 97520




Unfortunately, there are no NEW pictures to share, other than the NEW and improved "I Love You" shot from last week... he decided to resend it, as the last one portrayed him as a jigsaw puzzle instead of a grizzly looking, determined, man on a mission...

via google images

 A hiker is walking up to the shelter when he sees another hiker with a rod and reel fishing in the privy. He walks over and asks “what in the world are you doing in there"? He says "I dropped my jacket in and I'm tryin to get it out". 

 The first hiker looks in at the jacket and says "You're not actually gonna wear that are you"? The second hiker shakes his head in disbelief at such a ridicules question and replies "Heck No! There is a Snickers in the pocket"!

Hang in there, Scarecrow - the kids sent you a NEW package of treats to enjoy... and you won't have to fish them out of the privy...  WE LOVE YOU...

~The Thruhiker's Wife~ 

Text From Teddy...

 I received this text this morning... he must not have reached the halfway point until today... but it fell on the 10 year anniversary of his completion of the Appalachian Trail...

Babe: Big day today. I hit the half way point and completed the A.T. 10 years ago today. I love you and thank you for your support. This would not be happening if it wasn't for you. SCARECROW

Teddy, I love you so much - dirty hands, grizzly beard and all... I cannot even describe the amount of pride and love I feel for you and your decision to embark on this journey.  We had an amazing conversation on the phone yesterday which has given me the strength to get through the other 1,325 miles that you will be gone.
Keep on trekking, don't lose sight of your vision, and know that your dream of thruhiking the PCT is within your reach.
Dakota, Jagger and I, along with so many friends and family are here, following your story, cheering you on, sending you positive energy, love and prayers for a safe, and wonderful trip.  The rest is up to you...

All my love, forever and always,
~The Thruhiker's Wife~

Let it Grow, Let it Grow, Let it Grow...

 

 

A Bit Out of Order...

Teddy finally received a signal today and was able to send two pictures... one was pretty clear, and the other?  well, not so clear :(

Yay!! As you can see by the sign, this was when Ted made it into Sierra City back at 1,201 miles.  He is pictured here with Not Ryan all the way to the left, and another thruhiker named Condor, who Ted describes as a "gentle giant"...

This picture had the subtitle "Olive Juice" and he is holding up the sign for I love you... unfortunately the picture came through scrambled... although the message was still received :)

As the last post stated, he has reached the half way point, hiking 30 mile days, back to back for the past four days...  he is feeling strong and is "on a mission"...  He has said he has lost 25 pounds which brings him down to 190 pounds... HOLY STRING BEAN Batman...

Keep ongoing, Scarecrow - I love you...

~The Thruhiker's Wife~

Halfway Hoorahs!!!

Teddy called last night - he made it to Belden, CA which is posted at 1296 miles... which means TODAY, he will walk past the halfway mark of the whole trail... 1,325 miles.  He said he has already purchased his Reese's candy pack to make his sign on and send to me for posting.

Way to go, Scarecrow!! Keep on trekking... we are so proud of you !!

Sending Stuff to Scarecrow!

Teddy finally called me back with his next mail drop, so I figured I would share it here, as many of our family and friends have asked about it.  Please note: posting this address was established because people were asking - this is not to be viewed as Teddy or I requesting anyone to write/send anything!! He does appreciate the notes and treats that have been sent thus far!!!

via google images

Teddy "Scarecrow" Warren
General Delivery
Dunsmuir, California  96025



Teddy will be at this location in about 12 days from today.

Until next time,
~The Thruhiker's Wife~

Injury, Ingenuity, and Itineraries...

Now that Teddy is out of the High Sierras, he gets to call more often and hear lots of stuff... he gets to hear about how Dakota is on crutches for the next 3 weeks after a bad sprain during soccer tryouts.  She was sad in telling her dad about not being able to run in the upcoming 5K - don't worry, Dakota - Daddy is still so proud of you.


He gets to hear how Jagger is becoming an expert in multi-tasking the X-box and phone, never skipping a beat with conversation or gun fighting in Black Ops.  He was excited in telling his dad about being able to run in the upcoming 5K - and was very appreciative for the advice given by his marathon Dad.  Thanks Daddy.

But just when it looks like all hell's broke loose in the Warren home, we get to tell Teddy that all is well, the kids and I are 3 days away from beginning school, and are anxious to have him home.  We have kept a countdown for the estimated arrival home (Halloween) and have a mere 59 days left to wait... not bad when it started as 153...  We look calm, rested, and harmonized, right?? (I wish)

photo by Darien Maginn

Teddy checked in while visiting Sierra City, which is 1,201 miles into the PCT.  Happy to be over the 1,000 mile marker, he is anxious to hit the 1,325 mile point - half way of his total journey.  He is confident he will reach this milestone within the next 5 days.  WOO-HOO... He says he is back doing 25 to 30 mile days now that he is not up in the mountains.  He is still with Not Ryan, traveling along with the vision of Canada growing brighter every day. 


He has not given me his next mail drop address :( - the Snickers bars for him and Not Ryan are stacking up :) - I will post for all who asked when I receive the information.  I want to again, thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts, support, and positive energy directed our way... Teddy, the kids and I receive it openly and gratefully.  This would not have been as complete without all of you...


Until next time,
~The Thruhiker's Wife~