Best Stop Yet on the Pacific Crest Trail

A HUGE THANK YOU  goes out to the Jump and Rutkowski families for hosting Teddy for a few days while he rests, refuels, and gears up for the last part of the trail.  Teddy arrived Wednesday evening after being picked up by my Aunt Mary and Uncle Willie Rutkowski, who drove from Post Falls, Idaho (about 209 miles) to get him.

They greeted him at a pancake place right by the trail, where he had arrived just a bit earlier and ate a great meal while he waited.  He said he also went to the local gas station and bought them a car air freshener, in case the "hiker funk" was too much for them to bear.  They were so gracious - they did not open the air freshener.










The car ride to Redmond took about an hour I believe - it is 39 miles from the trail.  It probably felt so good to just be able to sit and have conversation with people at this point, let alone wonderful, loving family who were excited about his arrival.  As you all have heard, he made it safely and had a wonderful visit.  They feasted on homemade lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and lots of great conversation.  Teddy said he felt at home the second he walked in the door.  He continually said, "this is such a great family. They are good people."  Did he have any doubts?? I mean, come on... it's AUNT MARY and her family.  I just knew it would be exactly what he needed at this point in the journey. So, let me introduce these good people to you.

the Jump Trail Angels

Pictured at the right, is the Jump family.  From left to right, son Tyler, mom Beth, daughter Melanie, son James, and dad Dan.

Teddy had such a good time, bonding with family, and truly interacting with people for the first time in 5 months... He said even the idea of waking up in the morning and being able to say "good morning" to someone was a huge deal - he has been on his own, with the exception of a few weeks with Not Ryan, Tog, and Evil Goat earlier in the trail... this family time was by far, his favorite time on the trail.

the Rutkowski Trail Angels

Pictured left, are my Aunt Mary and Uncle Willie Rutkowski.  Beth's parents.  They have spent the last few days giving Teddy love, encouragement and support for his last 15 days out on the trail.  


While visiting, Teddy got to enjoy some kid time as well.  This is right up Teddy's alley - he is one big kid himself... He got to share some of his Snickers and Reese's while packing up his supply boxes.  I wonder what the kids thought about this hiker guy's eating habits - all they saw were piles of candy bars and trail mix piled up, separated into different days of food that he would mail up the trail - I imagine it would be any kid's dream...

And this little cutie, James, spent alot of time with Teddy.  He sat with him on his lap while we skyped, and Teddy said he would follow him around while Teddy was packing up, and say "can I help?" they even caught some reading time together, sitting by the fire place... thank you to the Jump children, for giving this daddy who misses his kids more than anything, some fun, loving kid time.  He loves you guys. <3

So, after several days of being pampered, warm, dry, and rested... Teddy is heading back out onto the Pacific Crest Trail.  My Uncle Willie is driving him back over to Snoqualmie Pass this morning, and he will hike on to the last part of this long journey.  I got to talk to Teddy this morning, and he said it is POURING.

But he is in high spirits - he said, "this is typical weather for here, and I am ready to go on."  He has his new rain jacket, and 15+ sleeping bag from REI to look forward to, both providing the best protection for him as he travels through the Northern Cascade Mountains, and into Canada.


I am sure this is bitter sweet for Teddy - he is

clipart via google images

sad to depart from this wonderful, loving family - but he is now headed to the end of the trail, and onward to HOME.  The kids and I have maintained a countdown from the day he left - there are only 17 days left until Teddy will get on a plane leaving from Portland, Oregon and fly home to us.  For all of you who have asked, his flight lands in MacArthur Airport in Islip, at 5:20 pm on the 15th of November.
Until Next Time,
~ The Thruhiker's Wife ~