"A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others." - Wizard of Oz

Well, there is no love quite like the love shared by Scarecrow and his daughter, Dakota... Actually, that is how Teddy chose his trail name.  Back in 2001, during the time he was getting ready to hike the Appalachian Trail, our daughter Dakota was 3 1/2 years old and OBSESSED with the movie "Wizard of Oz."  She would always want us to call her Dorothy and Teddy would act like Scarecrow.  I have to mention, I agree for the most part on his character choice.  The love he has in his heart for his family would disqualify him as Tin Man and just for the fact he chose to live his dream and hike in the woods takes a whole lot of courage, canceling out the Cowardly Lion.  He acts a bit dopey sometimes, but Scarecrow is Dorothy's favorite, as indicated in the final farewell of Dorothy leaving Oz.  She tells Scarecrow, "I think I'll miss you most of all."  As Teddy stepped away from us back in April of 2001, his identity of Scarecrow was born.

Even back then, Dakota was extremely supportive of her dad's wish to thruhike.  We sent him pictures and letters and even met him as he came through Pennsylvania.

Appalachian Trail 2001

This picture was taken by Jamie Pentzel when we went to surprise Scarecrow during his trip.  Back then, we made a paper link chain attaching rings for every day he was gone.  We would take a link down every day so she could see the progress and when the chain was empty, her daddy would be back home.

It has been 13 years since that day, and as his third hike approaches, Dakota is just as supportive and way more involved in her dad's love of hiking.  Back in 2012, the two of them actually hiked for a few days on the Appalachian Trail and had a great time.  The amount of pride I feel for not only for my husband as he continues to achieve these amazing goals,  but for Dakota as she grows into this amazing young woman with her father's sense of advenuture and ability to go after her dreams, is immeasurable.   I have no doubt there will be thruhiker status in her future.

Appalachian Trail 2012

Dakota wanted to get her Dad his new cook pot for the trip.  She was very excited to make this purchase on her own to contribute to something so important  for Scarecrow's trip.  Eating meals is for staying strong and healthy as you live your life.  Every day, Scarecrow will use that cook pot.  Dakota will now be linked to that mission: she too will stay strong and healthy as she lives her life... a beautiful life of health, laughter, love and support for her first love, Scarecrow.

Dakota, you continue to amaze Daddy and I with your beautiful spirit, support of others and love of life.  Our wish for you is to always remain that way, because you will have a lifetime impact on anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting you, just like Daddy and I. Love you.

Blessed beyond belief,

The Thruhiker's Wife