The Wonderful Couple from Blanton's..

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.  ~John Muir


In my last entry, I was happy to share a story about a wonderful couple who met Teddy in the market while he was wheeling around his backpack, shopping for supplies. Well, I received this amazing email from them this evening, along with some pictures they took of Teddy while together.

Hello there,
We met your wonderful husband at Blanton's supermarket in Packwood, WA over the weekend.  Being fellow hikers, we were very excited to hear he had made it this far on the PCT.  He seemed in high spirits and appeared healthy, happy, well rested and exceptionally clean (he said he had just done laundry - a luxury to any through hiker).  We chatted him up for quite awhile and were happy to hear we could help him back to the trail.

We've attached a few pictures for you.  Sorry about the quality. They were taken on a camera phone.  The first two are of him in the store and there's one of him rounding the bend back onto the PCT.  We've also included a picture of us (shortly after dropping him off at the trail) so you can see some of the faces he encounters on his way.
Please wish him our best!
Matt & Kim


I have to laugh - here they are apologizing for the quality of these amazing pictures.. they won't realize until they read this blog entry just how grateful and appreciative I am for these pictures, their message and the update on Teddy... they gave me a huge gift - to actually hear from people who spent time with my husband, letting me know about how he looks, feels, and sounds... two extraordinary trail angels who went out of their way, fueled by the kind and generous spirit within them, to reach out and provide care, support, conversation, transportation, nourishment and friendship to a fellow hiker.  Thank you doesn't quite encompass the appreciativeness and gratitude that is pouring out of me right now towards both of you.  Teddy (Scarecrow) has been away from his wife, children, family and friends for 147 days - so when trail angels like yourselves come into his path, it is a remarkable reminder of just how truly blessed we are.

And just by looking at Teddy in these photos, it brings such joy and love to my heart to see him looking so happy.  He is truly fulfilling a dream, traveling on this amazing journey that has allowed him to stretch the boundaries, experience what he loves, and absorb all that is good in this world...

 I have to say, the last time we saw Teddy, he was walking away from us, with his pack on, excited to begin this journey.  This picture reminds me of that departure day.  He was filled with excitement, and uncertainty of the long trail that lies ahead of him...  now as we see him as he walks away, I know he is filled with a different kind of excitement, and a strong certainty that this journey is almost complete and his family and friends are waiting to welcome him home...
To Matt and Kim, the most recent in a long list of trail angels that have touched our lives... my wishes and prayers are for you to have as much love, support and success in your lives as we do in ours... 

THANK YOU Matt & Kim

Happy Trails to you both and God Bless.
~The Thruhiker's Wife~

Text From Teddy...

 I received this text this morning... he must not have reached the halfway point until today... but it fell on the 10 year anniversary of his completion of the Appalachian Trail...

Babe: Big day today. I hit the half way point and completed the A.T. 10 years ago today. I love you and thank you for your support. This would not be happening if it wasn't for you. SCARECROW

Teddy, I love you so much - dirty hands, grizzly beard and all... I cannot even describe the amount of pride and love I feel for you and your decision to embark on this journey.  We had an amazing conversation on the phone yesterday which has given me the strength to get through the other 1,325 miles that you will be gone.
Keep on trekking, don't lose sight of your vision, and know that your dream of thruhiking the PCT is within your reach.
Dakota, Jagger and I, along with so many friends and family are here, following your story, cheering you on, sending you positive energy, love and prayers for a safe, and wonderful trip.  The rest is up to you...

All my love, forever and always,
~The Thruhiker's Wife~

Sending Stuff to Scarecrow!

Teddy finally called me back with his next mail drop, so I figured I would share it here, as many of our family and friends have asked about it.  Please note: posting this address was established because people were asking - this is not to be viewed as Teddy or I requesting anyone to write/send anything!! He does appreciate the notes and treats that have been sent thus far!!!

via google images

Teddy "Scarecrow" Warren
General Delivery
Dunsmuir, California  96025



Teddy will be at this location in about 12 days from today.

Until next time,
~The Thruhiker's Wife~

Injury, Ingenuity, and Itineraries...

Now that Teddy is out of the High Sierras, he gets to call more often and hear lots of stuff... he gets to hear about how Dakota is on crutches for the next 3 weeks after a bad sprain during soccer tryouts.  She was sad in telling her dad about not being able to run in the upcoming 5K - don't worry, Dakota - Daddy is still so proud of you.


He gets to hear how Jagger is becoming an expert in multi-tasking the X-box and phone, never skipping a beat with conversation or gun fighting in Black Ops.  He was excited in telling his dad about being able to run in the upcoming 5K - and was very appreciative for the advice given by his marathon Dad.  Thanks Daddy.

But just when it looks like all hell's broke loose in the Warren home, we get to tell Teddy that all is well, the kids and I are 3 days away from beginning school, and are anxious to have him home.  We have kept a countdown for the estimated arrival home (Halloween) and have a mere 59 days left to wait... not bad when it started as 153...  We look calm, rested, and harmonized, right?? (I wish)

photo by Darien Maginn

Teddy checked in while visiting Sierra City, which is 1,201 miles into the PCT.  Happy to be over the 1,000 mile marker, he is anxious to hit the 1,325 mile point - half way of his total journey.  He is confident he will reach this milestone within the next 5 days.  WOO-HOO... He says he is back doing 25 to 30 mile days now that he is not up in the mountains.  He is still with Not Ryan, traveling along with the vision of Canada growing brighter every day. 


He has not given me his next mail drop address :( - the Snickers bars for him and Not Ryan are stacking up :) - I will post for all who asked when I receive the information.  I want to again, thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts, support, and positive energy directed our way... Teddy, the kids and I receive it openly and gratefully.  This would not have been as complete without all of you...


Until next time,
~The Thruhiker's Wife~

Acknowledgements and Arithmetic...

As Teddy exits South Lake Tahoe, he feels more motivation and determination than ever, thanks to all of the support, love and well wishes from family, friends, and even fellow hikers.  While talking with him this evening, he shared wonderful messages and cards from my friend Laura Melfi, and his awesome and supportive uncle Ed and aunt Rita.  Teddy wants you to know how much your thoughtfulness, kind words and support have meant so much to him and have strengthened his drive to keep on trekking.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Mather Pass 12,100 ft.

As you know, he has been hiking with Not Ryan through the last several weeks, and is thankful for the company in which to share the beautiful landscape, scenery, and even visits from their furry bear friends.  They definitely learned their lesson after the last bear encounter which resulted in a hole in Teddy's cook pot, so they now ALWAYS hang their food... no matter what.  That does not stop the persistent bears from trying though - they had to yell to scare off a bear trying to reach up and grab their hung food with no success, thank God.  All cook pots are intact.


They are providing positive energy and motivation for each other along this leg of the journey.  In reading through Not Ryan's journal, I came across this passage:

"So I can't say how happy I am to be hiking with Scarecrow to keep me focused and fighting to Canada, because this guy is on a mission. A dedicated and wonderful walking dream through the woods to distant lands."


Thank you for those kind words about my husband, Not Ryan... I see a bunch of Snickers Bars in your future.  


So - here is the breakdown: 


1,100 miles down and 1,550 to go... 
225 miles to the exact half way mark of the PCT...
620 miles left in California...
430 miles of Oregon to go...
1,302 miles until meeting our wonderful family at Snoqualmie Pass, WA...
500 miles of Washington to go...
6 miles of Canada to reach the ending of this extraordinary journey...

A lifetime of memories to share with us of this very rewarding time in his life.


~The Thruhiker's Wife~

Pirates of the PCT...

Teddy is continuing along his PCT journey with some new gear these days. Not only has he gone through three pairs of shoes, but he is now sporting a mosquito net - he said the mosquitoes are a nightmare to deal with.

When he began the trail, he said most hikers were already wearing the net, and he looked liked the outsider... but no more - he is now among the rest of the grizzly looking hikers with the fruity hats.
You can just about see the net on their heads - Scarecrow and Not Ryan are now protected from the nasty, pesky mosquitoes, and trekking along together through this portion of the trail.

While on the John Muir Trail (which is 211 miles along the PCT), Scarecrow and Not Ryan ran into a girl named Rebecca who was hiking the JMT southbound.  They had a brief encounter and continued on northbound going through Muir Pass (11,950 feet) and onto a place called Wanda Lake.  Teddy sent me this picture from his phone of Wanda Lake - I would have sworn it was a postcard if it weren't for Teddy's pack and walking stick in the bottom corner.  This was taken at 11,400 feet.  Teddy did say that terrain higher than 10,500 feet did provoke difficulty with breathing,  which would further contribute to the decrease in mileage over the past few days.

Wanda Lake elevation 11,400 ft.

So as hikers say, "Go where the trail takes you...", Scarecrow and Not Ryan continued on, headed towards Mammoth Lakes.  But before they would reach their destination, they would need to ford a knee deep river known as Evolution Creek.  After completing that, and having some lunch, they reached Mammoth Lakes around 9:30 p.m. and then had to take a trolley to the campgrounds where they would be staying for the night.  By the time they reached their destination, it was pitch black, so they were wandering around in complete darkness looking for a place to pitch their tents.  From out of nowhere, literally, a girls voice called out, "Hey I know you guys - you are Scarecrow and Not Ryan."  The guys were perplexed, as they did not know how anyone would recognize them.  It turned out to be Rebecca - from the JMT - who rapidly finished a 211 mile trail in 12 days, and then got a ride back up to Mammoth Lakes to head home.  She said she recognized them immediately, and now calls them the "Pirates of the PCT".

So, these pirates are now headed out of Mammoth Lakes, towards Tuolome, which is in Yosemite National Park.  They anticipate arriving within 3 days, and are very much looking forward to hiking Half Dome.  This is something Teddy has wanted to achieve for 10+ years now, so I am happy this is also in his immediate future.  

I found a picture and some facts about this next venture: This is a big hike; a full ten- to twelve-hour day for most, comprising about sixteen miles round trip. Included is a harrowing 425-foot vertical climb up the nearly 45-degree incline of Half Dome's granite slope, which is accomplished with the aid of two steel cable handrails.

via google images

via google images

I am looking forward to receiving Teddy's pictures from this truly spectacular feat.  He has said that he cannot stop talking to anyone that he meets about the beauty and amazing landscape he has witnessed. And I am sure that hiking to the top of Half Dome will be no different.

via google images

Hiking Half Dome is technically not part of the PCT, but is something worth stepping off the trail for.  The picture to the right is actually a line of people hiking up the side... like a trail of ants... cool, right??

In closing, I will leave you with a picture that was sent to me today, August 14th - exactly 2 1/2 months into Ted's adventure.  The half way mark of his time away from us.  In talking with Teddy, he sounds so grateful to have been given this opportunity to experience this journey.  The kids and I agree that as happy as he sounds, we are just as happy for him and we are all enjoying this experience that we all chose to embark on....

Happy Trails Scarecrow... we love you 

~The Thruhiker's Wife~

Adventurous Dad = Adventurous Children

So, this has been the longest stretch of time without a word from Teddy. I don't think he will have much to report, as he is by himself, hiking through the last part of the Mojave Desert.  He is approaching Kennedy Meadows, which will be an exciting stop for Teddy, as once he arrives there, he will pick up a new pair of hiking shoes he had ordered, his ice axe, and a bunch of goodies from the kids and I.  It is our hope that all the Snickers bars and girl scout cookies aren't melted and crushed by the time he receives them.  Once arriving in Kennedy Meadows, Teddy will have walked 703 miles - only 1,947 left to go.  What an adventurer.

The kids are hanging in there, anxiously awaiting for Teddy to call, ready to catch him up on all that we are doing to keep busy.  They truly channeled their dad's adventurous spirit on Sunday, when they decided to go groundhog hunting in our back yard. Rubi, our dog, was barking at something that was under a piece of fencing.  Instead of bringing the dog inside, Dakota and Jagger decided to lift up the piece of fencing to see what Rubi was barking at.  Rubi anxiously waited in attack mode while the kids lifted lawn chairs, fencing, and planks of wood to uncover what was described as an enormous groundhog.  Jagger told me later it was the size of the gas tank for the barbecue.  Rubi was trying to bite it, it was up on its hind legs hissing at the kids and the dog, while the kids were totally freaking out, now not knowing what to do.  They surprisingly were able to grab the dog, and ran inside.  What they did not anticipate was all of the mud that Rubi brought in with her.  So, while I was out, now they had a muddy house, a dog that was freaking out, and a huge groundhog loose in the back yard.

via google images

I did not receive the call about any of this until after the fact - after the kids cleaned Rubi, after cleaning up all of the mud that got into the house, after all of the fencing had been put back in its place, along with the planks of wood and the lawn furniture.  Now that I know what my adventurous children are TRULY capable of, there should be no problems with the chores I give them - ranging from "empty the dishwasher" to "fold up the clean towels."  Any complaints from them now, and I will just send them back outside to hunt for the groundhog.


We anticipate Teddy calling in the next day or two - as soon as he does, I will be sure to report all that is unfolding in his adventure, and hopefully nothing else on the groundhog hunting going on here.

~The Thruhiker's Wife

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due...

A surprise call from Teddy!! He made it to Tehachapi Pass - 567 miles into the trail.  This latest mileage was the result of a 24 mile day on Saturday, followed by a 16 mile day on Sunday.  WOW.  He said he felt strong after resting those few extra days in Hikertown.  I give him a lot of credit, as the rash is still all over his body, but he is just fighting through it now - in total, this rash only set him back 3 days on his "schedule".  Not too bad... with mile days like Saturday, he will make up his time very quickly, and may even catch up to his friends, Evil Goat and TOG.
Speaking of TOG, and giving credit where credit is due, he had mentioned to us earlier in the month that he was arranging to have certificates sent for Dakota and Jagger in acknowledgement and appreciation for the support they have shown Teddy on this journey.  They were being sent from an organization the U.K. where TOG is from.  This was such a nice gesture - so thoughtful and kind - to have my children recognized for their support by someone who has only heard of them through their father's praise.  I just received them via email yesterday.

Talk about giving credit... these two amazing children truly do deserve so much credit - if it weren't for their strong minds, positive thoughts, loving hearts, and endless support and encouragement for their father, Teddy would not be doing as well as he is.  He would not be experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity with freedom to walk it, peace of mind to enjoy it, and the determination to finish it.  So, here's to you both: Dakota & Jagger - thank you for all of your continued support, encouragement, generosity and love that you continue to give - you make daddy and I so proud to be your parents.

The Thruhiker's Wife