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