Many thought Teddy was (and still is) crazy for wanting to "walk and live in the woods" for months at a time. Back in 2001, Teddy walked the Appalachian Trail, which was 2,175 miles along the East coast, in one long, 4 1/2 month journey. This opened his eyes and heart to the other two trails in the United States that hikers usually move on to complete. For 10 years, he planned his Pacific Crest Trail journey, which spanned 2,650 miles on the West coast. This too, was completed and there was no question that he would move on to complete the third and most difficult trail, the Continental Divide Trail, which spans 3,100 miles through the mid western parts of the U.S.
So many people have asked, "So, what will you get when you are done?" There are several answers to this question. Ted will have a major sense of accomplishment and hopefully pride for the achievement of the goals he set for himself. He will receive the love and support of his family and friends because that is what we do. And, he will receive recognition from an organization known as ALDHA - West, or the American Long Distance Hiking Association. Here are some facts I found:
- total length of all three trails is about 7,900 miles
- vertical gain is more than 1,000,000 feet
- a total of 22 states are visited when all three trails are completed
- The American Long Distance Hiking Association - West is the only organization that recognizes this hiking feat. At the ALDHA -West Gathering, held each fall, the Triple Crown Honorees are recognized and awarded plaques noting their achievement.
-As of October 2012, there have been 174 hikers awarded this honor of Triple Crowner
Yeah, so some may say, "Only a plaque?" For Scarecrow, it's so much more. He will have a sense of achievement. He will have clarity. He will have one of the greatest accomplishments of his life.
We are routing for you Scarecrow, and we have a place all set and ready for your plaque!
Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife
And he may even get a picture of a Squatch!
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