Sending Stuff to Scarecrow

via Google images

For those of you who have asked, I am providing a mail drop that Teddy will be stopping at 18 days from now.  Many of you have wanted to send a note of encouragement, a package of treats and goodies or a few bucks for laundry or a meal.  Again I will say, NONE of this is being requested by Ted, but so appreciated by him, for the love and support you all have shown to him along the way has assisted in his success of this extremely rigorous trail.  If you are planning on sending anything, I am listing the US Postal Service mailing address, as well as the UPS mailing address.  Keep in mind, even the smallest of things will uplift Scarecrow's spirit and energy for the last leg of this trip.

USPS Address:
Theodore "Scarecrow" Warren
c/o Three Bears Motel
PO Box 816
Lincoln, Montana  59639

UPS Address:
Theodore "Scarecrow" Warren
c/o Three Bears Motel
203 Main Street
Lincoln, Montana  59639

He likes Snickers, Peanut M&Ms, trail mix, Macadamia Nuts, cashews, etc.  But, secretly, even more than food, I hope and wish he gets flooded with notes of encouragement and excitement about his accomplishments and upcoming Triple Crown success.  We are so blessed to be around such supportive family and friends, and all of your kind words, love and support is what helps us stay so positive.

via Google images

What do you say? Can you take a moment and jot down a quick thought, joke, memory or word of encouragement?  These priceless treasures would surely put a smile on our favorite hiker's face and give him that extra little push to keep his goals and the finish line in sight.

These treats, notes, well wishes and support are the best trail magic a hiker can wish for.  I thank you all in advance for showing Scarecrow how proud we are of him, how much we miss and love him, and how excited we are of him for going after his dreams and achieving his goals, and for taking us all along for the ride.

My wish for you Scarecrow is:

via Google images

Blessed beyond belief and counting down the miles,

The Thruhiker's Wife

From Belly Aches to Bear Spray

photo taken by The Real Hiking Viking

We finally heard from Scarecrow, who finally made it to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, where, along with a billion other tourists, saw Old Faithful erupt while taking a rest with Jabba and Bobcat.  Little did Scarecrow know that the next few days ahead of him would erupt into illness and fatigue.  As Scarecrow and his buddies arrived into the park, he said he felt nauseous and weak.  As they waited on the food line for burgers and soda, Scarecrow felt light headed and actually fainted.  Thanks to Jabba, who caught him before he hit the ground, Scarecrow was able to get to a bench and eat and try and hydrate himself.  There was not much success however.  As the minutes and hours went on, Scarecrow became sicker and sicker.  After checking in to a motel room and spending the night with some terrible stomach issues, Scarecrow paid a visit to the infirmary in the park.  Uncertain of whether his symptoms were from Giardia or from E. Coli, they gave him antibiotics and medicine to stop the horrific symptoms that kept him weak and exhausted, needing a bathroom nearby at all times.  After a day and a half off the trail, he decided to push through the awful feeling and begin again on the trail.  He then did a 25 mile day.

He officially weighed himself while at the infirmary and has lost a total of 40 pounds.  With 850 miles left to hike, this could get scary for him.  Good thing I know how to cook now, so I can fatten him up when he gets back home.

Upon leaving Yellowstone National Park and the state of Wyoming, Scarecrow will enter the Centennial Mountains of Idaho.  The trail follows along the Idaho/Montana state lines and then diverts east through the Anaconda Mountain Range toward Butte, Montana.  He checked in today, from a town called Sawtell, Idaho.  While in this town, he met a trail angel named Bob Syring.  After getting in to talking with the gentleman, he asked Teddy what type of bear spray he was carrying.  Scarecrow showed him, and Bob insisted on driving home and retrieving a better one for him to carry.  So, a huge THANK YOU goes out to Bob, for looking out for Scarecrow as he hikes through bear country with better spray for protection.

As we wrapped up our conversation, I was happy to hear that Scarecrow was feeling and sounding better after all of his belly aches and pains.  He is in the homestretch and feeling really good about his schedule to finish the CDT.  He also promised to provide me with a mail drop for any and all who have asked for an address to send him notes, goodies, and well wishes.  Look out for the next blog post with that information.

Where is he NOW?

Until next time,

The Thruhiker's Wife

Trail Angels Are At It Again!!

I received an email a few days ago from a woman named Kris, who turned out to be yet another trail angel for Scarecrow.  Her email read:

Thruhiker's Wife,
I am hoping this email reaches you.  As my husband and I were out on a gold panning and gem hunt today we stopped in Muddy Gap, Wyoming for gas where I had asked the cashier for directions or a map to South Pass.  Scarecrow was there and told us of the incredible journey he is on and was headed in the same direction, so there we picked up our short time traveling companion.  For the next 110 or so miles to South Pass City we got to hear about his travels and about some of the places he has been on this journey and about some of the cool ppl he's met along the way.  He told us about your blog and I've enjoyed reading about the different stops he's made along the way.  I can't imagine how hard it would be to be away from my family for that long and I have a lot of respect for you and your family as I'm sure its a journey for all of you.  How joyful it must be when Scarecrow returns looking at how far he's come.  It was nice to meet him and read your blog.  Safe travels and best wishes.
Kris

via Google images/loopnet

Just the night before, Teddy called saying he had received a ride from Rawlins from a man named Mike, who dropped him off in Muddy Gap.  While in the convenience store he had been chatting with the cashier and explained his dilemma of needing to get a ride up to South Pass City.  So, when this couple had mentioned they were going that way, the cashier connected Scarecrow with them.  Scarecrow never did get the name of the cashier, but THANK YOU for passing along Scarecrow's information.

I wanted to post a picture of the convenience store, so that other hikers can utilize this helpful rest area along their journey.  I took a chance and decided to call there and see if I could get the name of the wonderful woman who helped Scarecrow with his ride that day.  I spoke with a delightful, helpful woman named Karla, who said she was not the one who helped Scarecrow, but the only other cashier, a woman named Kim, must have been the one.  THANK YOU BOTH for reaching out and helping these hikers as they make their way along this rigorous trail.  My wish is for all hikers to stop into your fine establishment and be able to receive the kind, generous hospitality that you have shown Scarecrow.  Check out 3 Forks Muddy Gap Services if you are in the area.  They are the BEST.

A HUGE THANK YOU also goes out to Kris, and her husband Nick, (thankfully Scarecrow got their names) for your kindness and generosity in giving Scarecrow a ride up to South Pass City.  He was dropped off at the trail head and is 100% connected with his footsteps now.  He will venture north along trail he has not seen yet.  Although he has a few hundred miles left in Wyoming, and just Montana to conquer, I feel like we are in the homestretch.

Click HERE to check out his progress on the map.

Waiting on another check-in for pictures from Scarecrow.

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife

Meeting the Mayor

Greg Salisbury,  Mayor of Encampment, WY 

A quick update and big THANK YOU to the mayor of Encampment, Wyoming who agreed to give Scarecrow a ride to Rawlins early this morning.  The trail angel John Farr, who hosted Scarecrow last night, organized the pick up, knowing the Mayor commuted in the exact direction Scarecrow was headed.
We are so grateful for the generosity and kindness of the trail angels out west.  Your willingness to help out hikers, especially ones who look like Scarecrow, is so appreciated.  Thank you again.

Positive energy and hopeful wishes are being sent out to Scarecrow, as he now has to figure out how to transport himself from Rawlins up to South Pass City, (this is the section of trail he has already completed), so that he can get back on the trail, for the homestretch through Montana in to Glacier National Park.

I am sure by this afternoon, he will have a plan and be well on his way.

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife

Miles, Miles and More Miles

Wyoming State Line 

 After an amazing 20 mile day on Tuesday, 32 miles on Wednesday and then a whopping 35 mile day today, Scarecrow has successfully made it to the Wyoming border, to a town called Encampment.  He has reconnected his steps from the flip flop earlier in the trail, and now can jump up the 222 miles he has already hiked in Wyoming.  A wonderful trail angel named John Farr is picking him up at the trail head as I type this, will host him overnight, and send him up to Rawlins tomorrow, where he will try and secure a ride up to South Pass, Wyoming.
He has estimated that he has only 296 miles left of Wyoming before entering into Montana - the last state on this journey.  The weather is now in his favor, as when he was here earlier, this part of the trail was covered in snow - now? There is nothing.  We are so happy to hear that, Scarecrow.  Keep on trekking, stay safe, and have fun.
Want to see the pinball game - I  mean tracking of Scarecrow's journey updated? Click HERE.

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife

Teddy the Trail Angel...

I received an email this morning from a woman who met Scarecrow on the trail.  I think you will find her story a bit familiar...

Scarecrow to the rescue

Hi Thruhiker's Wife,
I'm hoping this email works.  I met this wonderful gentleman on my way from Steamboat Springs, CO to Fort Collins, CO yesterday afternoon.  I was hauling a trailer with 3 horses, a goat and a dog and I blew a trailer tire a few miles east of Rabbit Ears Pass.  With the tire completely shredded, I wasn't sure how I was going to change it on my own when all of a sudden I heard someone call, "Hey!" And there he was.  He graciously helped me change my tire on a hot Sunday afternoon and I don't know what I would have done had he not been there.  Here is a picture he wanted to share.  It was a pleasure running into him and I can't thank him enough for his kindness! I wish him the best of luck on the remainder of his journey!  
Cassidy Kurtz, M.S.
Coordinator
Equine Sciences Program
Colorado State University


Scarecrow has been so blessed by the kindness and generosity of others along his journey, so he was happy to pay it forward and give to others.  Thank you, Cassidy, for sharing this picture and story with Scarecrow's family and friends ~ we love any and all updates we can get about his journey along the CDT.

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife

BEST Breakfast on the CDT

photo by Scarecrow

 One of the highlights of the CDT was being able to enter and hike through the Rocky Mountain National Park.  It would be a day trip, 25 miles off the trail, and would be the day that Scarecrow separates from Jabba for a portion of the trail.

We wish Jabba happy trails, with an abundance of sunshine and trail magic for his journey. In the mean time, the hike through the park was everything Scarecrow hoped for.

Rabbit Ears Pass

A sight for tired feet - Rabbit Ears Pass - we can see why it received its name.   This is the spot on the trail in which hikers can step off, hike or hitch a ride for the 20 miles into the town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  Teddy's plan was to wake up extra early to catch the ride into town.

 Unfortunately, Scarecrow stood for almost 2 hours before a nice gentleman stopped and picked him up.  Lucky for Teddy, the man was going into town to get his teeth cleaned right next door to where Teddy was looking to land in the town.

Our awesome friends, Matt and Corinne Bernath have family and friends in the town, and they recommended Scarecrow use a place called SKI HAUS as a potential meeting place.  Sadly, Scarecrow never got to meet up with the Bernath's contacts, but met a wonderful group of people at this ski equipment outfitter.  They were friendly, welcoming and helped Scarecrow gain his bearings around the town.

photo via Google images

Scarecrow was starving, and asked where he could get something to eat.  The staff at Ski Haus recommended a place called FRESHIES, which turned out to be the best breakfast so far on the trail.  Once the waitress came over to take Scarecrow's order, she got into talking with him and said, "You have to have a story." He shared his journey and mission of becoming a Triple Crown hiker with her, and after some questions, brought out the manager for more conversation.  By the end of Scarecrow's meal, it was decided that a photo would be taken, so the WHOLE STAFF came outside and posed for a group photo with our favorite hiker, Scarecrow.

wonderful staff of Freshies in Steamboat Springs

Scarecrow said the food and service provided by this restaurant was outstanding and recommends it to whoever comes into town.  THANK YOU to Freshies for taking such great care of Scarecrow for us.  While chatting it up with these great people, they shared with Scarecrow an event that would be taking place at the library this evening at 7:00 pm.  A woman named Jennifer Davis would be speaking about her experiences as a long distance hiker who currently holds the record for the fastest thruhike of the Appalachian Trail. Scarecrow decided, after getting his chores completed (resupply and laundry) and having a great meal, that he would attend this meet and greet/book signing event.

Jennifer Davis with Scarecrow

He was able to successfully meet and speak with this inspirational woman, who was labeled as an Adventurer of the Year in 2012 by National Geographic and author of several books on her experiences.  What a great time Scarecrow has experienced while in Steamboat Springs.  He then made his way to the Rabbit Ears Motel where he will get his much needed and deserved night's rest before heading back out on the trail first thing tomorrow morning.

Happy trails, Scarecrow, and may you be faced with nothing but sunshine and good weather, and an abundance of trail angels and trail magic on your path to Encampment, Wyoming.
Want to follow along? Click HERE to see where Scarecrow is now.

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife

Beautiful Scenery and Some Trail Magic

photo taken by Scarecrow

These last few days have been filled with some amazing trail magic.  While on his travels, he has met up with some amazing wild life ready for their close ups. 

photo by Scarecrow

photo by Scarecrow

As Scarecrow heads north into Steamboat Springs, Colorado, he had a few grueling days of walking, and ran out of water along the road walk.  He was not in complete danger yet, but was beginning to get concerned about the distance he had remaining, coupled with the blistering heat beating down on him.  He was a bit relieved when he approached a vehicle pulled over on the side of the road with a flat tire.  Being the gentleman he is, Teddy changed the tire for the woman who owned the vehicle, and turned down the cash she was insisting on giving him.  Instead, he politely asked if she had any water available to give him.  Unfortunately, she had no water, but did have a bag full of ice cubes which Scarecrow happily accepted.  The thankful woman was on her way, and Scarecrow continued on his hike.  As you would imagine, the ice cubes didn't last very long, and Scarecrow was back to wondering where he would hydrate.  Well, he came across the best trail magic EVER.  A work truck must have dropped this gift off the back of their truck inadvertently, hours earlier. But never the less, Scarecrow was ecstatic to find an eight pack of Gatorade, still in the plastic holder.  He gratefully drank this warm Gatorade, that was baking in the heat for hours.

photo by Scarecrow

Now, with empty bottles, he continued on, not wanting to leave the trash behind.  You can see the bottles stuffed into every pocket and available space he had in his pack.  He became extremely happy that he kept these empties as he came across another trail angel.  A man who filled each of his empty bottles with water from a water container in his truck.  This water supply would be enough to take him into the town.  What a relief.

photo by Scarecrow

Scarecrow has said this part of the trail has been absolutely beautiful, as the wildflowers are in full bloom everywhere.  So, with fluids restored and some beautiful scenery, Scarecrow is headed to Rabbit Ears Pass, which is where he will then step off the trail and catch a ride into Steamboat Springs for a big breakfast, a resupply, a hot lunch, laundry, a shower, and a good night's rest.

photo by Scarecrow

photo by Scarecrow

Next stop, Steamboat Springs.

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife