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