Ailments Alter their Arrangements :(

It is 9:00 pm on Sunday ~ this officially marks the end of Scarecrow and Dakota's hiking trip.  Yes, you are reading this correctly.  Let me catch you up on the happenings of the last 24 hours. Actually, let's start further back, so you can see some of their adventure as it happened.

Back on day 1, they walked along a wooden foot bridge through a meadow of cows.  Of course, the cows could not care less that there were people around.  This picture was taken right after lunch, with still about 6 more miles to walk before setting up camp.

 The cows were contained by barbed wire, so in order to get out of the meadow, a little bridge was constructed to get hikers out.  They would climb up these stairs and over a set of railroad tracks to continue on with the trail.

So away they went, onward to the second half of their hiking day.  Way to go guys. Scarecrow had to teach Dakota what a "cow patty" was here during their stroll through the meadow.  Dakota saw one and thought it was gross, of course.  An important, but gross lesson, I guess, as you have to be aware of your water supply being contaminated by these said cow patties.  I am sure they were both happy to move along.


A new addition to the trail since Teddy's thruhike was this wooden path footbridge that allowed you to hike through marshland without sinking in.

11 years ago, there were just random planks like seen in the cow meadow - I am sure they were thankful for the hard work of the volunteers who created this.



Not much explanation is needed for the next picture ~ a father and daughter about to rap up their first successful day of hiking on the Appalachian Trail.

9 miles in and still smiling... LIFE IS GOOD

Around 6:00 pm, Scarecrow and Dakota arrived at the shelter where they would set up camp for the night.  They had hiked 12 miles on day 1. Very impressive. They met up with other hikers there, and Dakota tried beef jerky for the first and last time (she said it tasted like wet cardboard that was dried, salted, and rolled in dirt).  They slept in the shelter, and like I mentioned previously, they froze through the night.  I am sure they could not wait to get up and start the next day.

Here is another picture of Dakota catching a nap, day 2, during their lunch break at Jim Murray's Secret Shelter.  I think this is when her cold started to take its toll.  She developed a head cold, and a stuffy nose.  She HAD to be exhausted to have been able to find comfort on a wooden step with no blanket and her pack as a pillow.

Off we go after a restful lunch...

After lunch, Scarecrow and Dakota continued on, hoping to get another 12 miles in and actually hiked 14.1 miles.  They were picked up by our Trail Angels and brought back to the house for resupply, rest, and relaxation.  Teddy and Dakota had a wonderful time visiting with Ronnie, Liz, Brittany and Zachary.  After a restless night sleep, battling a stuffy nose, cough and cold, they woke up this morning to an Easter Egg hunt  and a yummy egg and hash brown breakfast, and were back on the trail in High Point by 9:00 am.  Dakota had been battling a head cold for a few days, and today it decided to rear its ugly head and knock her down.  She developed such a painful ear ache and sinus infection that she could not even continue walking.  I received a call at 11:00 am that they had made the decision to step off the trail and end their trip.  Fortunately they did not hike too far into the trail (2 miles) so they turned around and walked back to the recreation center in High Point and were going to wait there for me to come and collect them.  Extremely disappointed does not even cover their feelings of not being able to continue.  Teddy and I talked it over and decided she was in need of antibiotics and rest more than being able to continue her trek.

Once they settled at the rec center, Dakota was able to get some rest, while waiting for me to arrive.  So, in record time, 2 hours and 45 minutes, I made it from home to High Point, New Jersey and gathered my family.  The picture to the right is how I found her when I drove up.  Poor Bubba.  We packed up their stuff into the back of the jeep, posed for their last picture of this adventure, and were back on the road on our way home by 3:30 pm.  We drove straight to Brookhaven Hospital, here on the island, Dakota received treatment, and is now home resting on the couch.

 This trip did not include their anticipated finish line, but did include some awesome pictures and wonderful memories.  This story is not over, it is "to be continued..."

Until Next time,
~The Thruhiker's Wife

Day Two Check In ~ Trail Angel Alert!!

As I was settling in for bed last night, looking at the fullest, brightest moon, I said a prayer for my hikers ~ I prayed they were having a wonderful time, that they would stay warm through the night, that no furry visitors would visit their tents and freak Dakota out, and that she would really embrace this experience with  Teddy by her side.  So, I actually didn't hear from my adventuring family until almost 9:00 pm this evening.  So much for staying in touch.  I am happy to report that MOST of my prayers were answered.  All but the one about them staying warm through the night.  Dakota said she froze during the night, so Teddy gave her his good subzero sleeping bag and took the liners from both bags, plus every single piece of clothing he had with him and tried to stay warm.  He ended up not sleeping a wink through the night because of how cold he was, but thankfully Dakota warmed up, as he heard her finally doze off and begin snoring :)  Their goal for the day was to hike 12 miles, and they did just that.  We are so proud of both of you.

lunch time / nap time

As you can see, Dakota needed to catch up on some much needed rest by lunch time ~ when they arrived at Jim Murray's Secret Shelter, Dakota caught a nap before and after lunch.


They set out to complete at least another 12 miles today, and actually went beyond that and logged 14.1 for today ~ unbelievable.  Their destination was High Point, New Jersey ~ an exciting piece of trail for them, as this was where we all took a day hike a few weeks back with the whole family.

High Point, NJ

They arrived there around 7:00 pm and were picked up by Teddy's brother and sister-in-law, our latest trail angels, who gave them a lift to the store to resupply their food, brought them back to the house, fed them a delicious steak and potato dinner, they got to take hot showers and get a good night's rest.  When speaking to Ronnie, I was expressing my gratitude and thanks for all that his family was doing for Teddy and Dakota, and he said "It's what we do for our family."  Family is wonderful, but "Family Trail Angels" are extraordinarily wonderful.  The actions and deeds you provided that you thought were no big deal mean so much to us, especially the cold, hungry tired hikers.  We appreciate every single thing that you did.  THANK YOU.

Dakota with her Trail Angels Aunt Liz & Uncle Ronnie

So, two successful days down, 27.1 miles under their belts, and still in great spirits.  Only one more thing would have made this a perfect update ~ if Dakota had decided on a trail name.  Oh well, maybe tomorrow.

Sweet, restful dreams Scarecrow and Dakota.


Happy Trails to both of you...
Love Always,

The Thruhiker's Wife

First Check In!!

WOW! After a smooth start to a freezing morning, I received a text at 7:54 am with this picture attached.  It read: Wawayanda Shelter ~ stopped in for R and R  She is still smiling... that is a good sign LOL

Teddy knew they would come up to this shelter quickly, but wanted Dakota to see it because if they are lucky, there will be another like it further up the trail that they can sleep in for the night instead of on the ground.
Keep going, Babe ~ we are proud of you and Daddy.  Miss you already.

The Thruhiker's Wife

Morning Madness...

Alarm clocks went off way to early this morning as far as I am concerned.  However, today is the big day ~ Teddy and Dakota are off on their hiking adventure! Bags are packed, last minute preparations at 4:30 a.m. and everyone ready to go.  We took some last minute pictures of our hikers all geared up.  Each backpack holding their own sleeping bag, therma-rest, tent, spare set of clothes, food, and supplies looked like so much for Dakota to carry, but she said it wasn't bad at all.  I hope she feels the same way after a 12+ mile day.

all laced up and ready to go...

I had to capture Dakota's brand spanking new hiking boots, next to Teddy's, that have been walked in for hundreds of miles... She has tried breaking them in over the past few weeks in hopes of smooth walking and not a blistering mess.  My fingers are crossed and my positive energy being sent her way.

  I am so proud of my daughter for taking on such an amazing challenge ~ she sure is a trooper for spending her spring break without the many comforts of home that most people take for granted.  Like a bed, a toilet, a warm shelter, a hot meal, TV, electronics... oh, wait... she did bring her iPod.  I tried to convince her to leave it home and just take in the scenery, but she swore it was just to help her fall asleep at night.  As if pure exhaustion was not enough.

 So, as you can see, there looks like alot in that backpack.  I believe their plan is to have only two days of food to carry, and then will meet up with Teddy's brother Ronnie for a resupply and a shower :)  This will definitely help with keeping the pack weight down so Dakota is not completely overwhelmed to start.

 Last minute pictures by me... and yes, I got teary eyed (as usual).  When did my daughter become this young woman who was about to go out adventuring in the woods? I cannot even verbalize just how proud I am of Dakota's determination, strength and excitement.  Of her relationship with her father, of her independence, and of her love of adventure.


 Everyone, including my brother Kenn, piled into the jeep and we departed around 5:30 for the 2 1/2 hour drive to the drop off spot.  We drove up to Northern New Jersey and found a place along Warwick Turnpike where the Appalachian Trail crosses right over the road.  There was no big sign or fanfare, just a white blaze on the tree, signifying where the trail continues.  We unloaded everyone out of the car, packs and all and gathered for last minute pictures.  IT WAS FREEZING (as you can see).

 My prayers for blister free boot walking was now accompanied by prayers for warmer weather for both day and night time ~ Teddy did say it was calling for cool weather at night.  Hang in there Bubba!!

We were all shivering as we posed for pictures and said our goodbyes.  Teddy and Dakota were anxious to get started, and I think the rest of us were anxious to get back into the warm car.

From this point on the trail, they will walk about 12+ miles a day until they reach the Delaware Water Gap.  We figured this to be about 70 miles total.  By the end of this trip, Dakota (and Scarecrow) will have a better idea if the 350 mile trip is feasible for Dakota this summer.

Until then, we will be routing for you both... we will be awaiting pictures and phone calls, and most anxiously waiting to hear what your trail name is Dakota.

 Be safe, be happy, be partners in this adventure, and be grateful... ENJOY

Happy Trails to you both...

The Thruhiker's Wife

Grand Reopening!

Well, it has been 5 months since Scarecrow has stepped off the PCT and made his way back to family life... oddly enough, it is the same amount of time he was away hiking last year.  Since his arrival home, he resumed work, spends a lot more time with family and friends, and has kept his wish of leading a "simpler life."  With that said, the thoughts of the unfinished 350 miles of the PCT visit him often, and he has made preparations to go and complete these haunting miles this coming summer.  An added plus to this upcoming event was the idea of Dakota possibly joining him in this memorable trek.  We tossed around the idea for awhile.  The pros and cons of having a 14 year old teenage girl accompany him while he completes his PCT dream.  The pros outweighed the cons and she was overly excited at the idea of taking on such an extraordinary challenge.  And the planning began.

image via google images

We knew from the beginning that Dakota's heart would most certainly be into it.  We were not as sure about the physicality of it, or if she was just in love with the "idea" of hiking with her Dad.  So, to test her true intentions, Teddy and Dakota will leave tomorrow morning and hike approximately 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail.  Yes, you read me correctly ~ Scarecrow and Dakota will be driven by me, the Thruhiker's Wife, to Warwick, New Jersey tomorrow morning at 4 a.m.  They will be dropped off on the side of the road and sent on their way for a hiking adventure most teenagers will never experience.  They will walk for about 12 miles a day, take snack breaks, have to cook their food over a stove the size of a soda can, dig a hole to use the bathroom, sleep on the floor of a tent, and hope the weather is in their favor.  They will also walk through beautiful landscape, cross footbridges and streams, encounter wildlife, hear nature, bond not only as father and daughter, but as fellow hikers, and will have section hiked the New Jersey portion of the Appalachian Trail all the way to the Delaware Water Gap.

I consider my self pretty lucky to be able to watch such a beautiful story such as this unfold.  Scarecrow thruhiked the Appalachian Trail 11 years ago, and that experience changed his life.  To now be able to introduce that beauty and experience to our daughter, who is also adventurous, strong, driven and determined, will just be amazing.  And this is only the beginning.  This 5+ day trip will determine if Dakota will want to, and be able to handle, the bigger venture later this year on the PCT.  

All I can report right now are two things:  they are all packed and excited to go, and 4:00 a.m. will be here too soon for me...  Stay tuned for the updates on this latest excursion by Scarecrow and his new hiking partner, whose trail name is yet to be determined.

~The Thruhiker's Wife