A Revisit to Rawlins...

After an informative update from MattyRedrock on Corinne's FACEBOOK POST, they were safely through the wildfire area, and on their way to Rawlins, Wyoming.  The pictures they took around the Grand Tetons National Park were breathtaking,

but as Scarecrow captioned this one: it's not too clear because of the forest fires south of Jackson Hole. 

He sent a few pictures of their route heading out from Riverton into Jeffrey City, Wyoming.  Scarecrow said they had to do a huge reroute, so they traveled on roads, mostly due to the forest fires, and made up some really good time.  They traveled 80 miles out of Riverton, and were looking to make the whole 60 mile ride into Jeffrey City by yesterday.

They arrived into Jeffrey City, with not much to see or do, as it is considered a "ghost town" with only a church and a bar/restaurant called The Split Rock Cafe.  The guys ended up having the church as their sleeping quarters for the night.  While talking with Scarecrow on the phone, he said they slept in the basement, along with 2 cyclists and a walker who are traveling on the Trans Am Bike Trail.

First (Southern) Baptist Church, Jeffrey City, WY 

The guys got into talking with the gentleman who was walking the Trans American Trail ~ his name is Oliver, and he is from Slovenia.  Unlike the traditional cyclists who ride the trail with their belongings on their bikes, he is walking the 4,228 mile trail from Oregon to Virginia with all of his "stuff" in a baby stroller, 

MattyRedrock, Oliver, and Scarecrow

 Before Scarecrow parted ways with Oliver, he left all of his contact numbers with him, as Oliver is making his way up to New York upon completion of his trek, and plans to catch up with us then.  We can't wait, Oliver!  It will be great to hear of your journey, as I am SURE Scarecrow is already thinking about taking that trip in the future (on his bike, of course)

Split Rock Cafe

Before the guys set out on their trek to Rawlins, they stopped in to the bar/restaurant Split Rock Cafe to have breakfast.  With this being the only establishment around, I am hoping they had a hearty, delicious breakfast before they left.  As we can see, it is a popular stop for all of the cyclists passing through.  And there must be Oliver's stroller of supplies.

So, the guys rode 68 miles today and made it to Rawlins this evening, where they checked into the Rodeway Inn.  On their way to town, Scarecrow and MattyRedRock got the opportunity to stop in at the 3 Forks - Muddy Gap Service to get drinks, etc along the way.

Scarecrow had been here back when he hiked the CDT with very fond memories of some trail angels that assisted him on his journey.  To read about that awesome experience, please click HERE.

He had also signed his name back then on a light fixture, and today, he got to sign again, with "I'M BACK" and "RIDE THE DIVIDE '16"  It must have been such a cool feeling to return and see your name, Scarecrow!!

3 Forks Muddy Gap Service

Thank you, Scarecrow, for the awesome phone call with updates, stories, and laughs.  We are looking forward to seeing you, and hearing about your adventures with MattyRedrock along the Divide. Where are they now? Click HERE

We wish you safe travels, happy trails, and awesome adventures for your remaining days on the Great Divide. 

Until next time,

Corinne & 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