The Wonderful Couple from Blanton's..

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.  ~John Muir


In my last entry, I was happy to share a story about a wonderful couple who met Teddy in the market while he was wheeling around his backpack, shopping for supplies. Well, I received this amazing email from them this evening, along with some pictures they took of Teddy while together.

Hello there,
We met your wonderful husband at Blanton's supermarket in Packwood, WA over the weekend.  Being fellow hikers, we were very excited to hear he had made it this far on the PCT.  He seemed in high spirits and appeared healthy, happy, well rested and exceptionally clean (he said he had just done laundry - a luxury to any through hiker).  We chatted him up for quite awhile and were happy to hear we could help him back to the trail.

We've attached a few pictures for you.  Sorry about the quality. They were taken on a camera phone.  The first two are of him in the store and there's one of him rounding the bend back onto the PCT.  We've also included a picture of us (shortly after dropping him off at the trail) so you can see some of the faces he encounters on his way.
Please wish him our best!
Matt & Kim


I have to laugh - here they are apologizing for the quality of these amazing pictures.. they won't realize until they read this blog entry just how grateful and appreciative I am for these pictures, their message and the update on Teddy... they gave me a huge gift - to actually hear from people who spent time with my husband, letting me know about how he looks, feels, and sounds... two extraordinary trail angels who went out of their way, fueled by the kind and generous spirit within them, to reach out and provide care, support, conversation, transportation, nourishment and friendship to a fellow hiker.  Thank you doesn't quite encompass the appreciativeness and gratitude that is pouring out of me right now towards both of you.  Teddy (Scarecrow) has been away from his wife, children, family and friends for 147 days - so when trail angels like yourselves come into his path, it is a remarkable reminder of just how truly blessed we are.

And just by looking at Teddy in these photos, it brings such joy and love to my heart to see him looking so happy.  He is truly fulfilling a dream, traveling on this amazing journey that has allowed him to stretch the boundaries, experience what he loves, and absorb all that is good in this world...

 I have to say, the last time we saw Teddy, he was walking away from us, with his pack on, excited to begin this journey.  This picture reminds me of that departure day.  He was filled with excitement, and uncertainty of the long trail that lies ahead of him...  now as we see him as he walks away, I know he is filled with a different kind of excitement, and a strong certainty that this journey is almost complete and his family and friends are waiting to welcome him home...
To Matt and Kim, the most recent in a long list of trail angels that have touched our lives... my wishes and prayers are for you to have as much love, support and success in your lives as we do in ours... 

THANK YOU Matt & Kim

Happy Trails to you both and God Bless.
~The Thruhiker's Wife~