♪ We Are Family ♪

After finishing my entry on patience and waiting, I was pleasantly surprised with some updated photos from my trail angel families in Washington.  These are wonderful moments that I am sure Teddy will cherish forever, so THANK YOU!!

Beth Jump, her dad, and Scarecrow... this wonderful union of family would not have been possible Beth, without your love and support ~ thank you. xoxo

my Aunt Mary Rutkowski, my father's sister, my husband's trail angel... we love you and are so grateful for all that you are and all that you have done for us. xoxo

My Uncle Willie, (Mary's husband) and their son-law Dan Jump... thank you for hosting and transporting... this would not have happened without the love, generosity and kindness from you guys. xoxo

After driving the 40 miles back to the trailhead at Snoqualmie Pass, Teddy puts his 40+ pound pack on and gets ready to go...

Uncle Willie, and his granddaughter Melanie Jump say their last goodbyes to Scarecrow after a few days of much needed family time.  Thank you for all of the fun, love, and support you gave to my husband. xoxo

Aunt Mary, Melanie and Scarecrow... I am sure this was a difficult goodbye for Teddy - he was so touched by spending time with such wonderful family members who just met him, yet loved him like they knew each other forever...  xoxo

Along with his hiking stick and backpack, Teddy is carrying away with him wonderful moments and memories made with family that will carry him through the rest of his journey to the end of the Pacific Crest Trail.  

xoxo

Teddy ~ Everyone's prayers are for you to have a safe, happy, healthy journey to the end of the Pacific Crest Trail... enjoy the rest of this adventure... we cannot wait to hear all about it.  Happy Trails, my love... XOXO

~ The Thruhiker's Wife ~

Skyping with Scarecow

The day finally arrived... NO, not Teddy coming home, but the next best thing.  He arrived at Snoqualmie Pass, mile 2,402 on the PCT map.  He was greeted by my dear Aunt Mary and Uncle Willie, who traveled all the way from Post Falls, Idaho to collect him and bring him to their daughter Beth's house in Redmond, Washington.  They all arrived safely, in the late afternoon, to a home filled with family waiting to welcome Teddy.  Beth, her husband Dan and children Tyler, Melanie and James welcomed him, he enjoyed a delicious, home cooked meal and a comfy bed, in a room filled with cards, letters and gifts from followers.

Teddy was so touched and extremely grateful for all of the gifts and well wishes... Derrick and Pattie - he said the beer went down soooo smoothly.  Dawn, he loved the scrolls, and is saving them to open one at a time over the course of the next few weeks.  Brenna, Alicia, and Lexi - the cards were beautiful - Lexi, yours brought a tear to Uncle Teddy's eye <3.  Terri, your kind words and praise of family was so beautifully written - it truly touched us both.  And Kendra, he was so moved by your continued support and following the blog, with never even meeting him.  Angela - he loved the shirt - we actually got to see him open that one!!  He was excited to say he will wear that on the journey home - yay - a clean shirt.  Every single one of you who sent letters, cards, gifts - you are the latest of Teddy's trail angels, and we are so appreciative.  This positive support and love you sent will give him the push he needs to finish up over the past 17 days... I tried to wait for Teddy to send me pictures of his evening with the family, but they never got to it.  We did get to skype last night and this evening, sharing the latest news, loving wishes, and sad goodbyes.  To hear his voice and interact with him via computer was truly amazing, thanks to MY trail angel, Kenn Beck.  It was really difficult pressing the "hang up" button - this was the first and last time we would skype with Teddy through this whole trip.  But he will be home in 19 days...  he looked pretty creepy, but sounded so great - happy, grateful, strong... once again gearing up for the cold, wintry days and nights ahead of him.

we got to skype with Scarecrow

Next stop?  Stevens Pass, mile 2,476.6 on the PCT map.  Teddy is on schedule to finish the PCT completely by November 13th and scheduled to fly home on the 15th.  Of course, as always, we will keep you posted.

~ The Thruhiker's Wife ~