Scarecrow's CDT Sendoff...

I want to thank everyone who came and visited Teddy before the big day.  The amount of love, friendship and support each and every one of you has shown us is so appreciated and our thank yous cannot even begin to touch upon our gratitude.  I am sorry to say I did not take my camera out to capture a fraction of the good times had by all. I have a few pictures from the day.

 These hero sandwiches and cold salads were made by Bagels 101 and were so delicious - thank you Brian Winters for an excellent job.  We also ordered some food from Mama Lisa's - as always, delicious and NONE left by the end of the night.  This was complimented by delicious donated foods like taco chili dip from Ginny and Chris, Buffalo Chicken dip from Laura Melfi, Spinach Dip from Karin Cavallo, more Buffalo Chicken Dip from the Gemelli's, chips and snacks galore from Tom and Kenn Beck, roasted chicken and dinner rolls from Jamie Pentzel, as well as the beer, wine, soda, lemonade and many generous gifts from our amazing well-wishing family and friends. The tables and chairs, along with the lemonade pitcher- stand included :) from Teddy's sister Dawn

created by Ruth Beck

A special shout out to my mom, Ruth Beck, for making this thoughtful cake of Scarecrow's hiking journeys.  It showcases the patches for each of the trails he has and will complete along with her creation of a triple crown patch.  From what I heard, the cake was delicious (peanut butter) and Scarecrow loved it.  The cookie you see in the picture was created by our dear friend, Corinne Bernath.  I was extremely excited to ask her for her delicious, beautiful creations for Teddy's party.  As you can see, perfection.  You can find her work through Facebook by searching "Corinne's Cookie Creations".  THANK YOU.

created by Corinne's Cookie Creations

This could be the longest blog post I could ever write, as the thanks goes on and on.  You read about Mike and Angela Arasa in a previous blog post,  with their generous backpack contribution, but nothing could top the support they showed as Mike walked into the party dressed as a thruhiker, post trip, with a Mexican and Canadian beer in hands, to acknowledge the borders in which Teddy will touch on this trip. Clever, thoughtful, and freakin' hysterical.

Our next thruhiker? Way to go Mike Arasa

Shirt by Angela, artwork by Dakota

Below, you will see a shirt from Angela Kropp, another huge support in our lives, who presented Scarecrow with a shirt signed by everyone with their well wishes and support.  The front design was created by Dakota - great job, babe.  As you can see, we were surrounded by so much love, support, and positivity for Scarecrow's CDT sendoff.  People traveled from near and far to spend time with our family - from out of state, as far as Virginia and Pennsylvania (and Huntington) LOL .  There were gift cards, a bag full of helpful hiking items from our friends in the cul-de-sac, cash, beautifully written cards and even Red Velvet Ice Cream delivered to Scarecrow.  I need to just conclude with a tremendous THANK YOU.  I will apologize here to anyone I have personally missed, or items I failed to mention.  The thoughtfulness, generosity and love is deep within our hearts for each and every one of you.

I will continue to post as frequently as I have information, thoughts and pictures of this amazing journey as it is unfolding.

Until then, know we are completely submerged in love, thankfulness and support with the deepest gratitude and appreciation for all of you.

The Thruhiker's Wife

Ailments Alter their Arrangements :(

It is 9:00 pm on Sunday ~ this officially marks the end of Scarecrow and Dakota's hiking trip.  Yes, you are reading this correctly.  Let me catch you up on the happenings of the last 24 hours. Actually, let's start further back, so you can see some of their adventure as it happened.

Back on day 1, they walked along a wooden foot bridge through a meadow of cows.  Of course, the cows could not care less that there were people around.  This picture was taken right after lunch, with still about 6 more miles to walk before setting up camp.

 The cows were contained by barbed wire, so in order to get out of the meadow, a little bridge was constructed to get hikers out.  They would climb up these stairs and over a set of railroad tracks to continue on with the trail.

So away they went, onward to the second half of their hiking day.  Way to go guys. Scarecrow had to teach Dakota what a "cow patty" was here during their stroll through the meadow.  Dakota saw one and thought it was gross, of course.  An important, but gross lesson, I guess, as you have to be aware of your water supply being contaminated by these said cow patties.  I am sure they were both happy to move along.


A new addition to the trail since Teddy's thruhike was this wooden path footbridge that allowed you to hike through marshland without sinking in.

11 years ago, there were just random planks like seen in the cow meadow - I am sure they were thankful for the hard work of the volunteers who created this.



Not much explanation is needed for the next picture ~ a father and daughter about to rap up their first successful day of hiking on the Appalachian Trail.

9 miles in and still smiling... LIFE IS GOOD

Around 6:00 pm, Scarecrow and Dakota arrived at the shelter where they would set up camp for the night.  They had hiked 12 miles on day 1. Very impressive. They met up with other hikers there, and Dakota tried beef jerky for the first and last time (she said it tasted like wet cardboard that was dried, salted, and rolled in dirt).  They slept in the shelter, and like I mentioned previously, they froze through the night.  I am sure they could not wait to get up and start the next day.

Here is another picture of Dakota catching a nap, day 2, during their lunch break at Jim Murray's Secret Shelter.  I think this is when her cold started to take its toll.  She developed a head cold, and a stuffy nose.  She HAD to be exhausted to have been able to find comfort on a wooden step with no blanket and her pack as a pillow.

Off we go after a restful lunch...

After lunch, Scarecrow and Dakota continued on, hoping to get another 12 miles in and actually hiked 14.1 miles.  They were picked up by our Trail Angels and brought back to the house for resupply, rest, and relaxation.  Teddy and Dakota had a wonderful time visiting with Ronnie, Liz, Brittany and Zachary.  After a restless night sleep, battling a stuffy nose, cough and cold, they woke up this morning to an Easter Egg hunt  and a yummy egg and hash brown breakfast, and were back on the trail in High Point by 9:00 am.  Dakota had been battling a head cold for a few days, and today it decided to rear its ugly head and knock her down.  She developed such a painful ear ache and sinus infection that she could not even continue walking.  I received a call at 11:00 am that they had made the decision to step off the trail and end their trip.  Fortunately they did not hike too far into the trail (2 miles) so they turned around and walked back to the recreation center in High Point and were going to wait there for me to come and collect them.  Extremely disappointed does not even cover their feelings of not being able to continue.  Teddy and I talked it over and decided she was in need of antibiotics and rest more than being able to continue her trek.

Once they settled at the rec center, Dakota was able to get some rest, while waiting for me to arrive.  So, in record time, 2 hours and 45 minutes, I made it from home to High Point, New Jersey and gathered my family.  The picture to the right is how I found her when I drove up.  Poor Bubba.  We packed up their stuff into the back of the jeep, posed for their last picture of this adventure, and were back on the road on our way home by 3:30 pm.  We drove straight to Brookhaven Hospital, here on the island, Dakota received treatment, and is now home resting on the couch.

 This trip did not include their anticipated finish line, but did include some awesome pictures and wonderful memories.  This story is not over, it is "to be continued..."

Until Next time,
~The Thruhiker's Wife

Day Two Check In ~ Trail Angel Alert!!

As I was settling in for bed last night, looking at the fullest, brightest moon, I said a prayer for my hikers ~ I prayed they were having a wonderful time, that they would stay warm through the night, that no furry visitors would visit their tents and freak Dakota out, and that she would really embrace this experience with  Teddy by her side.  So, I actually didn't hear from my adventuring family until almost 9:00 pm this evening.  So much for staying in touch.  I am happy to report that MOST of my prayers were answered.  All but the one about them staying warm through the night.  Dakota said she froze during the night, so Teddy gave her his good subzero sleeping bag and took the liners from both bags, plus every single piece of clothing he had with him and tried to stay warm.  He ended up not sleeping a wink through the night because of how cold he was, but thankfully Dakota warmed up, as he heard her finally doze off and begin snoring :)  Their goal for the day was to hike 12 miles, and they did just that.  We are so proud of both of you.

lunch time / nap time

As you can see, Dakota needed to catch up on some much needed rest by lunch time ~ when they arrived at Jim Murray's Secret Shelter, Dakota caught a nap before and after lunch.


They set out to complete at least another 12 miles today, and actually went beyond that and logged 14.1 for today ~ unbelievable.  Their destination was High Point, New Jersey ~ an exciting piece of trail for them, as this was where we all took a day hike a few weeks back with the whole family.

High Point, NJ

They arrived there around 7:00 pm and were picked up by Teddy's brother and sister-in-law, our latest trail angels, who gave them a lift to the store to resupply their food, brought them back to the house, fed them a delicious steak and potato dinner, they got to take hot showers and get a good night's rest.  When speaking to Ronnie, I was expressing my gratitude and thanks for all that his family was doing for Teddy and Dakota, and he said "It's what we do for our family."  Family is wonderful, but "Family Trail Angels" are extraordinarily wonderful.  The actions and deeds you provided that you thought were no big deal mean so much to us, especially the cold, hungry tired hikers.  We appreciate every single thing that you did.  THANK YOU.

Dakota with her Trail Angels Aunt Liz & Uncle Ronnie

So, two successful days down, 27.1 miles under their belts, and still in great spirits.  Only one more thing would have made this a perfect update ~ if Dakota had decided on a trail name.  Oh well, maybe tomorrow.

Sweet, restful dreams Scarecrow and Dakota.


Happy Trails to both of you...
Love Always,

The Thruhiker's Wife

First Check In!!

WOW! After a smooth start to a freezing morning, I received a text at 7:54 am with this picture attached.  It read: Wawayanda Shelter ~ stopped in for R and R  She is still smiling... that is a good sign LOL

Teddy knew they would come up to this shelter quickly, but wanted Dakota to see it because if they are lucky, there will be another like it further up the trail that they can sleep in for the night instead of on the ground.
Keep going, Babe ~ we are proud of you and Daddy.  Miss you already.

The Thruhiker's Wife

Morning Madness...

Alarm clocks went off way to early this morning as far as I am concerned.  However, today is the big day ~ Teddy and Dakota are off on their hiking adventure! Bags are packed, last minute preparations at 4:30 a.m. and everyone ready to go.  We took some last minute pictures of our hikers all geared up.  Each backpack holding their own sleeping bag, therma-rest, tent, spare set of clothes, food, and supplies looked like so much for Dakota to carry, but she said it wasn't bad at all.  I hope she feels the same way after a 12+ mile day.

all laced up and ready to go...

I had to capture Dakota's brand spanking new hiking boots, next to Teddy's, that have been walked in for hundreds of miles... She has tried breaking them in over the past few weeks in hopes of smooth walking and not a blistering mess.  My fingers are crossed and my positive energy being sent her way.

  I am so proud of my daughter for taking on such an amazing challenge ~ she sure is a trooper for spending her spring break without the many comforts of home that most people take for granted.  Like a bed, a toilet, a warm shelter, a hot meal, TV, electronics... oh, wait... she did bring her iPod.  I tried to convince her to leave it home and just take in the scenery, but she swore it was just to help her fall asleep at night.  As if pure exhaustion was not enough.

 So, as you can see, there looks like alot in that backpack.  I believe their plan is to have only two days of food to carry, and then will meet up with Teddy's brother Ronnie for a resupply and a shower :)  This will definitely help with keeping the pack weight down so Dakota is not completely overwhelmed to start.

 Last minute pictures by me... and yes, I got teary eyed (as usual).  When did my daughter become this young woman who was about to go out adventuring in the woods? I cannot even verbalize just how proud I am of Dakota's determination, strength and excitement.  Of her relationship with her father, of her independence, and of her love of adventure.


 Everyone, including my brother Kenn, piled into the jeep and we departed around 5:30 for the 2 1/2 hour drive to the drop off spot.  We drove up to Northern New Jersey and found a place along Warwick Turnpike where the Appalachian Trail crosses right over the road.  There was no big sign or fanfare, just a white blaze on the tree, signifying where the trail continues.  We unloaded everyone out of the car, packs and all and gathered for last minute pictures.  IT WAS FREEZING (as you can see).

 My prayers for blister free boot walking was now accompanied by prayers for warmer weather for both day and night time ~ Teddy did say it was calling for cool weather at night.  Hang in there Bubba!!

We were all shivering as we posed for pictures and said our goodbyes.  Teddy and Dakota were anxious to get started, and I think the rest of us were anxious to get back into the warm car.

From this point on the trail, they will walk about 12+ miles a day until they reach the Delaware Water Gap.  We figured this to be about 70 miles total.  By the end of this trip, Dakota (and Scarecrow) will have a better idea if the 350 mile trip is feasible for Dakota this summer.

Until then, we will be routing for you both... we will be awaiting pictures and phone calls, and most anxiously waiting to hear what your trail name is Dakota.

 Be safe, be happy, be partners in this adventure, and be grateful... ENJOY

Happy Trails to you both...

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~

Fidgety Family

Just wanted to check in... I am hoping by applying the laws of attraction, checking in will prompt my husband to do the same.  It has been 10 days (the longest stretch thus far) and we are getting fidgety to hear from Teddy - to see how far he has traveled, has he gotten his packages, and has he encountered any new and exciting creatures along the trail.  Until that call comes through, I will continue to keep busy and draw from my sources of strength (pictured below).

  Dakota & Jagger

Until then, keep sending positive energy Scarecrow's way - it is because of EVERYONE'S support that he is able to fulfill this dream.

~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