So, the last entry was on June 29th, as Scarecrow headed north through Colorado, and his family prepared for a trip out west to see him. The kids and I left on July 1 to head out to Washington to visit our trail angel family, the Christmans, for a little R & R and a much needed visit from our favorite hiker. The plan was that Scarecrow would make it to one of the passes, catch a ride to the airport on the 3rd of July and we would see him on the 4th. The plan could not have gone any smoother.
The Warrens and Christmans waited at the Pasco airport for Scarecrow to arrive. Dakota and cousin Rachael made a beautiful welcome sign and we brought a little scarecrow friend, which Nick was so gracious to hold while awaiting his arrival. We were very anxious to see him, as he left April 15th. We were so happy that the Christmans were there to help us greet Teddy, with Leah capturing it all on video. Note: this video is almost 4 minutes long, so if you scoot to about 2:10 you can see our reunion.
Once collected, our families spent 11 days together relaxing, drinking, laughing, swimming, rafting, playing, more drinking and enjoying the time that Scarecrow had stepped off the trail.
As you can see, our thruhiker is pretty grizzly looking and needed some down time. We got to catch up on all that he had hiked through, stories of the towns he entered and what lies ahead for him as he heads north. This stop off of the trail was to help rejuvenate Scarecrow physically, mentally, and emotionally ~ mission complete. We took a rafting trip down the Yakima River with family and friends, had many afternoons of poolside lounging,
and even helped did some chores around the property. We were so thankful for this time to just regroup with each other and spend fun, quality time together. Scarecrow felt right at home on the farm, as you can see. But, as the days grew near for us to depart for home, we knew it would be double the sadness. We were leaving our amazing family after a wonderful vacation, but we would also be sending Scarecrow back onto the trail for another 2 months.
This would be our final countdown though. The next time we see Scarecrow, he will have completed this difficult yet amazing challenge and we can finally celebrate the efforts of everyone involved in helping Teddy achieve Triple Crown status.
It worked out nicely that we would fly put on the same day from the same airport. We were dropped off by Leah, with sad farewells, and headed to our gates. It is actually quite comical how we were trying to fit in a months worth of questions and stories in that last 5 minutes before the inevitable. Before I had to once again put on my sunglasses and take pictures of us saying good bye.
The kids were amazingly strong and positive, unlike their mother who can never seem to hold herself together in times like this. As hard as it is for them to have their dad gone for this long, they remain calm, always offer their positivity and love, all with a smile and a hug. I honestly do not know how I would get through this without the two of them.
Me, on the other hand, could not muster up a smile, but gave that grin through my tears as I stood for my picture.
I am overflowing with pride for Teddy's strength and perseverance, while not wanting him to go to his own separate gate, in a different direction from his family. But then I remember, this was the half way point for us. He will be home in less time than he has been away now. I pull myself together, snap a few last pictures and we are on our way home, back to NY as Scarecrow departs for Colorado. He will be collected by an awesome trail angel, Teresa Martinez from the CDTC and be back on the trail in a day or two. His plan is to meet back up with Jabba, one of the Warrior hikers, and continue north together to complete the CDT.
Another thank you goes to the Christman family for all you have done to help make our visit with Scarecrow so memorable. The memories we made are priceless and will keep us going during the rest of Teddy's absence.
As you can see, our thruhiker is pretty grizzly looking and needed some down time. We got to catch up on all that he had hiked through, stories of the towns he entered and what lies ahead for him as he heads north. This stop off of the trail was to help rejuvenate Scarecrow physically, mentally, and emotionally ~ mission complete. We took a rafting trip down the Yakima River with family and friends, had many afternoons of poolside lounging,
No comments:
Post a Comment