"It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons." ~ Johann Schiller

Today's post is to recognize this amazing boy we are honored to call our son. This amazing boy who is caring, sensitive, loving, funny, strong, handsome, and loyal.  This amazing boy named Jagger, who continuously displays his strength and love of family every day.  He is so active in sports and gym, maintains high honor roll in school, plays first chair cello in orchestra and can probably beat any xBox video game within 45 minutes of purchasing it.  I am most proud of his loyalty and concern for family.  His love for his sister Dakota has grown over the years to what we see as a friendship I am sure they will treasure forever.  He has a great sense of humor and has a great time being goofy with us, and shares a smile that will light up any room and warm any heart.  His goal is to become a Navy Seal and he has the determination and drive that could make that happen.  Similar to the determination and drive that his dad continues to display as he accomplishes his dreams and goals.

departure day to PCT - 2011

Jagger was only 8 years old when Teddy hiked the PCT - old enough to feel his dad's absence but not quite old enough to perhaps truly understand his role in Scarecrow's success in hiking that trail.  Conversations were had, explaining how much it meant to daddy to have his support and love, because he wouldn't have left without it.  Of course, in true Jagger fashion, he made it through like a champ.

This time around, I notice more questions, and a bit more resistance about his absence, because they continue to bond as father and son, over hockey, xBox game time, trips to the barber, working around the house and it will be more difficult for Jagger to be without his dad.  He will continue to play an important role in the success of his father's adventure.  Although he will not see him daily, he has been told the continued success of his academics, music, sports and character will fuel his father's positivity and strength to complete this trail.

Jagger is now 11, turning 12 about the time Teddy will arrive back home a triple crown hiker.  He has matured and grown into a fine young gentleman, displaying traits and characteristics of his brave, strong, caring, determined, adventurous loving father.  The cap he is wearing in the picture is one we purchased for Scarecrow's hike, and Jagger always has a joking comment about it when Teddy is wearing it.

Teddy has told Jagger, every single time he puts that cap on, he will chuckle about all of the comments and jokes Jagger made.  Another way to remind him of the love and support he has back home by this amazing boy we raised named Jagger.

You are my superhero, Jagger, and I appreciate the love, support and strength you show me and our family every day.  On the last hike Daddy took, you stepped up and took on responsibilities to help in his absence.  You have already told me you will do the same this time.  I am grateful and appreciative of your thoughts and actions. You continually remind me of what an honor it is to call you my son, and have you call me Mom.

Blessed beyond belief,

The Thruhiker's Wife

Scarecrow's CDT Sendoff...

I want to thank everyone who came and visited Teddy before the big day.  The amount of love, friendship and support each and every one of you has shown us is so appreciated and our thank yous cannot even begin to touch upon our gratitude.  I am sorry to say I did not take my camera out to capture a fraction of the good times had by all. I have a few pictures from the day.

 These hero sandwiches and cold salads were made by Bagels 101 and were so delicious - thank you Brian Winters for an excellent job.  We also ordered some food from Mama Lisa's - as always, delicious and NONE left by the end of the night.  This was complimented by delicious donated foods like taco chili dip from Ginny and Chris, Buffalo Chicken dip from Laura Melfi, Spinach Dip from Karin Cavallo, more Buffalo Chicken Dip from the Gemelli's, chips and snacks galore from Tom and Kenn Beck, roasted chicken and dinner rolls from Jamie Pentzel, as well as the beer, wine, soda, lemonade and many generous gifts from our amazing well-wishing family and friends. The tables and chairs, along with the lemonade pitcher- stand included :) from Teddy's sister Dawn

created by Ruth Beck

A special shout out to my mom, Ruth Beck, for making this thoughtful cake of Scarecrow's hiking journeys.  It showcases the patches for each of the trails he has and will complete along with her creation of a triple crown patch.  From what I heard, the cake was delicious (peanut butter) and Scarecrow loved it.  The cookie you see in the picture was created by our dear friend, Corinne Bernath.  I was extremely excited to ask her for her delicious, beautiful creations for Teddy's party.  As you can see, perfection.  You can find her work through Facebook by searching "Corinne's Cookie Creations".  THANK YOU.

created by Corinne's Cookie Creations

This could be the longest blog post I could ever write, as the thanks goes on and on.  You read about Mike and Angela Arasa in a previous blog post,  with their generous backpack contribution, but nothing could top the support they showed as Mike walked into the party dressed as a thruhiker, post trip, with a Mexican and Canadian beer in hands, to acknowledge the borders in which Teddy will touch on this trip. Clever, thoughtful, and freakin' hysterical.

Our next thruhiker? Way to go Mike Arasa

Shirt by Angela, artwork by Dakota

Below, you will see a shirt from Angela Kropp, another huge support in our lives, who presented Scarecrow with a shirt signed by everyone with their well wishes and support.  The front design was created by Dakota - great job, babe.  As you can see, we were surrounded by so much love, support, and positivity for Scarecrow's CDT sendoff.  People traveled from near and far to spend time with our family - from out of state, as far as Virginia and Pennsylvania (and Huntington) LOL .  There were gift cards, a bag full of helpful hiking items from our friends in the cul-de-sac, cash, beautifully written cards and even Red Velvet Ice Cream delivered to Scarecrow.  I need to just conclude with a tremendous THANK YOU.  I will apologize here to anyone I have personally missed, or items I failed to mention.  The thoughtfulness, generosity and love is deep within our hearts for each and every one of you.

I will continue to post as frequently as I have information, thoughts and pictures of this amazing journey as it is unfolding.

Until then, know we are completely submerged in love, thankfulness and support with the deepest gratitude and appreciation for all of you.

The Thruhiker's Wife

"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

Definitely NOT a Pack Rat

So, what exactly do you pack for a walk that is 3,100 miles long? Months of research have gone into choosing exactly what Scarecrow will need to survive while on the CDT.  His main concern is weight.  He has chosen light weight items that will keep him warm in the cold and comfortable for the duration of this walk that is the equivalent of traveling from New York City to California on foot.  Thanks to the generosity of Mike and Angela Arasa, and their sons, Kelly and Steven, he has a brand new backpack that will hold everything he will need for his journey.  They even ordered a custom patch "SCARECROW" which totally sealed the deal on its awesomeness.

 Teddy has known Mike and Angela since their high school days. They share a love of the same music and for awhile, I only knew of them as the couple that Teddy went to concerts with.
Teddy always has wonderful things to share about their friendship and their experiences, ranging from one of his top favorites being back stage passes to the Van Halen show, to the not so elaborate Lita Ford concert at the Marquis.  They also share a love for the NY Rangers and we have had the pleasure of attending a game recently and had a wonderful time.  Angela, being an Islander fan, was a great sport and a good time was had by all.  Teddy and I love spending time with you both and are thrilled to have you on board through this experience.

Mike and Angela have been so excited and supportive of Scarecrow's adventures and we are so appreciative of their presence in our lives.  Every time Teddy opens his pack (which is several times a day) he will remember your generous wonderful wishes and be reminded of both of you as he treks over 3,100 miles.  This gift was probably one of the most important pieces of equipment he needed and we are so grateful you provided him with it.  My favorite part is the patch you had custom made to read "SCARECROW".  The thought you both put into it was truly touching.  I also want to personally thank Mike for helping me set up my iPad to make this blogging easier - your tech savvy advice is much appreciated.

We are blessed with so many wonderful generous people surrounding us - we feel so grateful and thankful.

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife

Which Way Did He go??

"Pardon me, this way is a nice way." - Scarecrow, Wizard of Oz

via google images

Some of you may have received an email yesterday alerting you that Scarecrow will be carrying a tracking device called THE SPOT.  I am providing you with the link so that if you want, you can click on and see on a map exactly where he is while on the CDT.  Copy and paste the following link into a search window, and it will take you to his shared page titled, "Follow the Yellow Brick Trail" where you will see several things.

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0Z3qtq5pNoShpbRVq41EV2URqSkrKFm9i

Once there, on the left are the check-ins from his device that he named "Dorothy" that will have time, his coordinates and a message stating he is done for the day.  The right side should display a google map of his location.  Pretty cool, heh?!

**ALSO, if you go to trackleaders.com and click on "plus 5 trail trackers" and then scroll down to Continental Divide Trail and click, it will take you to a map screen.  FIND SCARECROW'S NAME ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE - CLICK AND YOU CAN TRACK HIS SPEED, LOCATION, AND OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION.  So excited to be able to share this experience with all of you...

More information to follow as we work all of the tech stuff out.  Thank you to all for your support!

Until next time,

The Thruhiker's Wife

Wrapped up in the Warmth of Friendship...

Scarecrow's journey would not be complete without a jacket to keep him warm, while up in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  After much research, Teddy chose a lightweight down jacket that weighs a little over 7 ounces and will keep him toasty warm even in single digit temperatures.  This item was an integral piece of his safety as well as comfort.  We want to thank our amazing, generous supportive friends, Darren & Angela Kropp, and their sons, DJ and Dawson for this wonderful gift.

We met the Kropps when DJ and Dakota were in first grade together.  Dakota was invited over to DJ's birthday, we were invited to stay and hangout by the fire pit afterwards, and we have been friends ever since.  We are so lucky to have the support and love from friends like you guys.  You were a huge support for both of us while Scarecrow hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, and now, have shared our excitement and support as Teddy embarks on this next adventure.

Your generosity in purchasing this jacket, as well as the invites for dinner and drinks, and family gatherings are so appreciated and we are so grateful to have you and your family in our lives.  I want
to thank you in advance for the support and friendship I will undoubtedly seek while Scarecrow is away - we are blessed to have you as part of our family.

Thank you for everything.

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife

Ready for my close up!

Well, we are down to a week left before Scarecrow departs... over the next few days we want to recognize just a few of the many generous people who have been so supportive to Teddy as his dream unfolds into reality.  With the Continental Divide being the most rigorous of the three trails, Scarecrow wanted to upgrade a lot of his equipment to meet the heightened challenges he may face.  He also wanted to make sure he had the best camera to capture the amazing terrain he will be exploring while away.  He decided after much research that the Olympus Stylus TG-2 Tough was what he would take with him.  He picked this camera up with some help from a generous donation from our dear friends, Derrick and Pattie Grieco.

I have known Pattie and Derrick for 35+ years.  We grew up together and consider each other family. So, when Teddy and I began our life together, they welcomed him as their family as well.  We have experienced so many wonderful things together in our lives and we value your friendship and support so deeply.  From the very first trip on the Appalachian Trail to present day, the two of you have shown your love and support and have remained a huge part of this experience.  You both emulate a love of life, adventure and support of family that we are blessed to be a part of.

Scarecrow is walking through some of the most beautiful parts of the country and will be able to capture this with the camera that you helped him purchase.  He will indeed think of you both each and every time he takes a picture while on his journey.  Thank you both again for your generosity, love and support - it truly does mean the world to us both! We love you guys! xoxo

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife

Wait, why is he doing this?

Many thought Teddy was (and still is) crazy for wanting to "walk and live in the woods" for months at a time.  Back in 2001, Teddy walked the Appalachian Trail, which was 2,175 miles along the East coast, in one long, 4 1/2 month journey.  This opened his eyes and heart to the other two trails in the United States that hikers usually move on to complete.  For 10 years, he planned his Pacific Crest Trail journey, which spanned 2,650 miles on the West coast.  This too, was completed and there was no question that he would move on to complete the third and most difficult trail, the Continental Divide Trail, which spans 3,100 miles through the mid western parts of the U.S.

So many people have asked, "So, what will you get when you are done?"  There are several answers to this question.  Ted will have a major sense of accomplishment and hopefully pride for the achievement of the goals he set for himself.  He will receive the love and support of his family and friends because that is what we do.  And, he will receive recognition from an organization known as ALDHA - West, or the American Long Distance Hiking Association.  Here are some facts I found:

- total length of all three trails is about 7,900 miles
- vertical gain is more than 1,000,000 feet
- a total of 22 states are visited when all three trails are completed
- The American Long Distance Hiking Association - West is the only organization that recognizes this hiking feat.  At the ALDHA -West Gathering, held each fall, the Triple Crown Honorees are recognized and awarded plaques noting their achievement.
-As of October 2012, there have been 174 hikers awarded this honor of Triple Crowner

Yeah, so some may say, "Only a plaque?" For Scarecrow, it's so much more.  He will have a sense of achievement.  He will have clarity.  He will have one of the greatest accomplishments of his life.

We are routing for you Scarecrow, and we have a place all set and ready for your plaque!

Until next time,

The Thruhiker's Wife

A month from today...

A month from today, on April 17th, Teddy will step out onto the third and final trail that once completed, will give him the title of a "Triple Crown Hiker".  This journey has been talked about, researched and planned out for the past three years, and it is finally here!! I want to provide everyone with a little information about this trail, because what Scarecrow is about to take on is quite amazing!

So, what is the Continental Divide? The Continental Divide in the Americas is the line that divides the flow of water between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. Rain or snow that drains on the east side of the Continental Divide flows toward the Atlantic Ocean while precipitation on the west side drains and flows toward the Pacific Ocean.  Scarecrow will be walking along the trail following this line from Mexico to Canada, and is trying to complete this journey in 5 months time!
   

 
                               
Scarecrow is heading northbound beginning in New Mexico at the Crazy Cook monument and will walk 3,100 miles, through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, ending in Glacier National Park.  He will walk through the San Juan Mountains, Rocky Mountain Range, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, with hopefully a side trip to Grand Tetons National Park.

A few things are different for this trip - Scarecrow is taking a GPS and the SPOT which will allow him to check in every night via a message sent to my phone and computer.  This will allow me to make sure he is not really sipping Corona's with his buddies in some Caribbean location!!

 I will continue to post information about his trip as the days get closer to his departure.  I also want to share the pictures and thanks to all of the wonderful friends and family who have contributed so generously to his hike.  Everyone has added to the excitement of this monumental achievement and we are so appreciative.

Until next time,

The Thruhiker's Wife

There's No Place Like Home!

The day has come ~ Scarecrow has made it back home to his family after COMPLETING THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL.  Teddy awoke very early Sunday morning, and with more help from our Jump Trail Angels, took a flight from Seattle, and landed in JFK at 8:00 pm.  He collected his backpack and stick, hopped on the Air train to Jamaica, and out to Ronkonkoma where Dakota, Jagger and I were waiting for his arrival.  Even though he was only gone for 26 days this time, we were just as excited to see him as when he was gone for 5 months.  I was happy though, he did not look like the Scarecrow we had greeted last fall.  He looks clean cut, happy, and rested.  We drove home, catching Teddy up on all our news, and he shared some stories of his last days on the PCT.

Of course, I cannot wait to get a hold of his camera to see all of the pictures he took from the last leg of his adventure.  They will be posted as soon as we can, along with the stories that go along with them.  I cannot say enough how appreciative we are for everyone's support and well wishes through out this journey.  Teddy and I both agree we are blessed to have all of you in our lives.

Congratulations Scarecrow ~ 2 trails down, 1 to go.  We are all so proud of you.

Happy, grateful, and blessed,

The Thruhiker's Wife