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~