Chillin' in Chama...

Scarecrow reached his next town stop of Chama, New Mexico over the weekend.  This is where he would receive the box of winter gear we sent, along with a nice surprise from our friend and trail angel, Laura Melfi.  She decided awhile ago that she would call the local post office in Chama, and find out about local restaurants in the area where she could buy a gift card to so that when Scarecrow arrived, he would be set up with a nice meal. How awesome is that?! A man named Jim, from the Chama post office was quite helpful in assisting Laura with her mission.

Jim connected Laura with a man named Chase from a restaurant called High Country Restaurant and Saloon.  He, too, was very helpful, because together, they helped Laura purchase a gift card for the restaurant,  and made sure it was delivered over to the post office for pickup by Scarecrow when he arrived into town.  What great hospitality by these men, who were so pleasant and helpful to someone they have never met.  All in the spirit of helping out a thruhiker!

  Scarecrow was so excited to receive this surprise gift, and in true hiker spirit, shared this gift with two other thruhikers.  He, along with two hiker friends, NO2 and Doc Rocket, enjoyed steaks, fahitas and beers for a great Saturday night dinner.  Thank you Laura - your generosity and kindness are so appreciated.  The hikers left full and happy :)

Scarecrow's winter gear box left him less than happy however... the ice ax that I so carefully packed with his winter gear was NOT in the box when it arrived in Chama.  So, now we have to go on a treasure hunt to find it and hopefully get it to him before the real snow arrives.

The last pics Teddy sent me were of him near a light dusting of snow.

Well, it looks as if that was just a quick passing, as he appears to be right back in that dry, desert terrain. As you can see, he is still sporting that nice red glow from a sunburn and is still trekking along.  He did say there was word of harsh snowy weather up in the mountains where they are headed, so they will research their options and depending on safety, if they have to, they will take an approved alternate route to keep moving along.  In the mean time, he has sent a few pictures of the beautiful terrain he is encountering along the way.

 He has about two days left until he exits New Mexico and finally enters Colorado, where he will trek through the Colorado Rocky Mountains and many other beautiful places along the way. Want to see where Scarecrow is now? Click HERE to see the map.  Pretty cool, heh?

His last picture sent was of a beautiful New Mexico sunset.  I am not sure if this was in chronological order, but what a beautiful ending to this post.

Happy Trails, Scarecrow.  Thank you for sharing this amazing experience and this beauty you are encountering.  Stay safe and warm. Olive Juice.

In search of Scarecrow's ice ax with fingers crossed,

The Thruhiker's Wife

Onward from the Scorching Desert towards the Snowy Mountains

Feeling full and rested, Scarecrow hiked out of town and saw some amazing terrain.

These pictures show exactly what I would imagine the desert is... hot, dry, rocky and absolutely beautiful.  Scarecrow is using his GPS and map books to navigate through the trail, and has over 800 miles behind him now.  Check out his progress here where is Scarecrow now?

lunch break in the desert

Teddy said some of this part of the trail he has to "road walk" which is taking a toll on his feet.  In his latest care package, I sent him another pair of shoes, his shoe spikes, an ice ax, heavier winter gloves, shirt and pants liners and of course, more snacks.  He is heading into cold, snowy weather and up into the San Juan Mountains... BRRRRR.

You can see here, that in just a few short days, he went from hot desert heat, to cold, chilly snow. He is now at higher elevations, looking freezing on Mount Taylor.  Just a bit of info on this location - Mount Taylor is a stratovolcano just Northeast of the town Grants, New Mexico.  What exactly does that mean?  It is the highest point of the San Mateo Mountains and the highest point in the Cibola National Forest.

He has experienced his first snow fall and said he is so thankful for his wool cap from Jagger that keeps him toasty warm during this section of the trail.

I am happy to see he is still smiling and when I spoke to him yesterday, he was in excellent spirits.  We ordered snow shoes for his upcoming trek into the mountains, and his hiking friend Jaba, was a huge help to us in doing this.  I got to speak with him on the phone about which shoes would be best - THANK YOU for your assistance, and your service.  Jaba is part of the Warrior Hike - you can check these men and their story out HERE.


Scarecrow is headed to Chama, New Mexico.  He will arrive there by Friday or Saturday to resupply, collect his packages, and get ready to close out the mileage in New Mexico and enter into Colorado.  For anyone who has asked, I am posting his next mail drop here.

Theodore "Scarecrow" Warren
General Delivery
PO 87520
Chama, New Mexico  87520

Many of you have sent notes and letters of encouragement, well wishes and even treats for him to enjoy.  EVERY SINGLE THING is so appreciated by Scarecrow.  A piece of home and thoughts from family and friends goes a LONG way.  THANK YOU.

doesn't look like summer is coming here...

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife

Split Second Check-in

Scarecrow checks in - he is doing great and having a blast.  He arrived in Pie Town over the weekend and was able to check in with the land line phone at the general store.  The cell signals are non-existent so the woman was gracious enough to let us chat for a few moments on Saturday.  Scarecrow said he will be able to talk for longer and send some pictures on Monday.  We cannot wait to hear all about his latest adventures.  Here is the link if you are tracking his progress.

where is Scarecrow NOW?

Below, I will also post another mail drop address for those of you WHO HAVE ASKED. He will be stopping in at the post office in Chama, New Mexico on or about the 20th of May.

via Google images

I am mailing him his winter gear, such as his ice ax, chains for his shoes, another pair of shoes, wool socks, his running pants to be used as an extra layer... sounds strange to need all of these things as we approach the warmer weather, but it is when he will begin his experiences with windy, snowy weather.  Crazy, right?  Some of you have already said you have what you want to send... others have asked what could you send.  Safest bet would be a note of encouragement and well wishes, and if you feel crazy enough, a few snicker bars, reese's peanut butter cups,  or peanut M&Ms.  All of these things are a treat for Scarecrow as he moves along the trail.  Again, nothing expected or required, but always appreciated.  Thank you to those of you who have reached out and wanted to be a trail angel for Scarecrow.

Teddy "Scarecrow" Warren
CDT Thruhiker
General Delivery
PO 87520
Chama, New Mexico  87520

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife