Thank You For Your Service...

Scarecrow's latest selfie

"The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree."  ~ Thomas Campbell

This post is actually part two of the latest information that Scarecrow has sent.  As he continues through New Mexico, with hundreds of miles behind him, he is continuing to travel along side other hikers, sharing this amazing experience.  He made it to Pie Town, where he, Ducky and Hikeaholic caught up to a group of thruhikers who belong to the "Warrior Hike".  I have provided a link for further information about these brave men and their mission.   What is the Warrior Hike? He sent a picture of a few of his new hiker friends during an event in Pie Town. As you can see if you click on the link I have provided,

War veterans participating in the Warrior Hike

there are events sponsored by various veteran posts along with the CDTC for these brave, strong men who are thruhiking the CDT.  I believe Scarecrow met them while many of them gathered at a trail angels's house known as the "Toaster House."   According to a 2013 thruhiker, Wired, a woman named Nita owns the home, but does not live there.  She leaves it open for hikers for no charge, and hikers can make a donation which she uses to maintain this trail angel service. I think this picture of the group on the porch is from this hostel.  I am sure I will hear about it if I am incorrect. LOL  This place, along with the Thomas family, were what Scarecrow was referencing when he spoke so highly of the trail angels and trail magic he got in Pie Town.

Ducky & Scarecrow in Pie Town

 

Toaster House

This first stop at the "Toaster House" is where Scarecrow met the Warrior Hikers. Looks like quite a group there - fun was had by all and Scarecrow is once again blessed and grateful for this experience. (I apologize to the hikers if I have these photos mixed up.)

Thruhikers galore! Scarecrow all the way on the right!

 

More trail magic amongst trail angels was had by Scarecrow and the others as they met the Thomas family.  As in other blog posts by hikers, the Thomas' live about 15 miles outside of Pie Town and allow hikers to get water from their tap.  Some may not realize what a huge deal this is, but considering hikers do not have a regular, clean water supply, this is GOLD for them.  From what Teddy described to me, the Thomas' have converted their garage into a place for hikers to convene, eat and even receive a phone call.  I know this from personal experience, as last Tuesday, I called the number back from where Teddy had called, and a gentleman answered.  I asked for Scarecrow, and he handed the phone over to Teddy, and we got to chat for a while, with the kids even getting to call when they arrived home.  Moments like this are priceless for us, as we do not get to speak with Teddy whenever we want, as there is hardly a signal.  So, THANK YOU to the Thomas family for allowing us to connect with Scarecrow while he was at your house.

Thank you Thomas Trail Angels

Thank you Thomas Trail Angels

These are some of the candid pictures that Scarecrow sent of the thruhikers just hanging out, getting a well-deserved rest while receiving TRAIL MAGIC from the Thomas family... THANK YOU.

Grateful thruhikers at Thomas' House

Scarecrow told me he and Hikeaholic were invited to a BBQ that was being prepared for the Warrior Hikers, by the local Veteran post. Even they, as hikers, became trail angels for Scarecrow and gave him trail magic in the form of great food, great company, and he even scored an invitation to a golf outing on Mother's Day.  Apparently, a man who attended the barbecue invited some of the hikers to golf at the local course.  I am not sure if he owns it or works there, and I apologize for the lack of accurate details here. Needless to say, Teddy had a wonderful time.  In researching these fine gentlemen who in their own journey, have reached out and touched Scarecrow in such a positive way, I found one of their blogs, which led me to his facebook page.  A HUGE thank you goes out to The Real Hiking Viking because I located a picture of Scarecrow during his golf outing. I hope you don't mind but I shared it to my blog page.

photo from The Real Hiking Viking :)

  As you can see, it was so windy during their outing.  Teddy said the flags were at a 45 degree angle.  I asked how he did, and he said he did okay in the beginning, and then just had Hikeaholic just put a 6 after each round.  Thankfully, it was not a competitive game, and just one for fun and relaxation.

In closing, I want to thank each of you participating in the Warrior Hike for your service to our country first and foremost.  The sacrifices you have made for our country priceless, and I pray that you find the support and healing in this hike that will bring you peace and health as you transition back to life here in our country.  There is not a time that goes by that my husband, daughter, son and I do not give thanks and appreciation for all you have given up so we can enjoy all that we have here in our lives.  May God Bless each and every one of you.

With respect, love and appreciation,

The Thruhiker's Wife