So, the last entry was on June 29th, as Scarecrow headed north through Colorado, and his family prepared for a trip out west to see him. The kids and I left on July 1 to head out to Washington to visit our trail angel family, the Christmans, for a little R & R and a much needed visit from our favorite hiker. The plan was that Scarecrow would make it to one of the passes, catch a ride to the airport on the 3rd of July and we would see him on the 4th. The plan could not have gone any smoother.
The Warrens and Christmans waited at the Pasco airport for Scarecrow to arrive. Dakota and cousin Rachael made a beautiful welcome sign and we brought a little scarecrow friend, which Nick was so gracious to hold while awaiting his arrival. We were very anxious to see him, as he left April 15th. We were so happy that the Christmans were there to help us greet Teddy, with Leah capturing it all on video. Note: this video is almost 4 minutes long, so if you scoot to about 2:10 you can see our reunion.
Once collected, our families spent 11 days together relaxing, drinking, laughing, swimming, rafting, playing, more drinking and enjoying the time that Scarecrow had stepped off the trail.
As you can see, our thruhiker is pretty grizzly looking and needed some down time. We got to catch up on all that he had hiked through, stories of the towns he entered and what lies ahead for him as he heads north. This stop off of the trail was to help rejuvenate Scarecrow physically, mentally, and emotionally ~ mission complete. We took a rafting trip down the Yakima River with family and friends, had many afternoons of poolside lounging,
and even helped did some chores around the property. We were so thankful for this time to just regroup with each other and spend fun, quality time together. Scarecrow felt right at home on the farm, as you can see. But, as the days grew near for us to depart for home, we knew it would be double the sadness. We were leaving our amazing family after a wonderful vacation, but we would also be sending Scarecrow back onto the trail for another 2 months.
This would be our final countdown though. The next time we see Scarecrow, he will have completed this difficult yet amazing challenge and we can finally celebrate the efforts of everyone involved in helping Teddy achieve Triple Crown status.
It worked out nicely that we would fly put on the same day from the same airport. We were dropped off by Leah, with sad farewells, and headed to our gates. It is actually quite comical how we were trying to fit in a months worth of questions and stories in that last 5 minutes before the inevitable. Before I had to once again put on my sunglasses and take pictures of us saying good bye.
The kids were amazingly strong and positive, unlike their mother who can never seem to hold herself together in times like this. As hard as it is for them to have their dad gone for this long, they remain calm, always offer their positivity and love, all with a smile and a hug. I honestly do not know how I would get through this without the two of them.
Me, on the other hand, could not muster up a smile, but gave that grin through my tears as I stood for my picture.
I am overflowing with pride for Teddy's strength and perseverance, while not wanting him to go to his own separate gate, in a different direction from his family. But then I remember, this was the half way point for us. He will be home in less time than he has been away now. I pull myself together, snap a few last pictures and we are on our way home, back to NY as Scarecrow departs for Colorado. He will be collected by an awesome trail angel, Teresa Martinez from the CDTC and be back on the trail in a day or two. His plan is to meet back up with Jabba, one of the Warrior hikers, and continue north together to complete the CDT.
Another thank you goes to the Christman family for all you have done to help make our visit with Scarecrow so memorable. The memories we made are priceless and will keep us going during the rest of Teddy's absence.
It has been a week of updates from Scarecrow - he finished the piece of Wyoming, waiting for the terrain to clear a bit in Colorado. He, along with the Warrior Hikers, took a ride back down to Colorado with Theresa Martinez from the CDTC to reconnect their steps and finish up the missed section.
Pictured, you can see Jabba, Scarecrow, Theresa, NO2 and Grayhound taking a break from what was surely an interesting car ride for all.
Jabba & Scarecrow looking like twins (minus the beard)
An early checkpoint once entering Colorado through the San Juan Mountains is Wolf Creek Pass, with an elevation of 10,857 feet. The hikers will continue to head North, through Colorado and into Wyoming. They are so thankful they conquered the piece of Wyoming that will have little or no water supply by the time they were "supposed to" be there without flip flopping. When they finally reach the Great Basin Divide, they will be able to launch forward about 200 miles and continue up to their ultimate goal of Glacier National Park.
Teddy finally stepped on a scale and has lost 23 pounds since his departure. He is now just over 200 pounds and shrinking. He has about 1200 miles under his feet, with about 1900 left to conquer. He has separated from Jabba, who stepped off the trail for family obligations and hopefully will reconnect with Scarecrow when he returns back to the trail. The other Warrior hikers are still together, I believe, but Scarecrow has been on his own for a few days now. He is cranking out the miles, heading North through Colorado eventually ending up in a town called Twin Lakes this past weekend.
There was not much to report along the way, other than a resupply and some beautiful pictures sent of the amazing scenes he walked through on his way North. He definitely needed an ice ax, his shoe spikes and winter gear to get through those snowy mountains. Thankfully there are miles of no snow as you can see.
Unfortunately, there is a bit of a delay from when these pictures are taken and when I actually get to speak to him about them, so information is limited. My instructions were to make sure he was in the pictures he is taking, so we can see how he is making out. Great job, Teddy - you look great and the scenery is amazing.
Teddy took this picture of a fellow hiker to show us the terrain and how vast the snowy land is. I do not think he shared with me who it actually was.
So, as Teddy heads North through Colorado, the kids and I know the time we will meet up with him is getting closer. While in the town of Twin Lakes over the weekend, we were able to solidify plans for our reunion. We are so excited because Scarecrow will hike into Monarch Pass, and be transported to the Denver area, and fly out to Washington to see us on the 4th. That is just under a week from now - we all cannot wait. Scarecrow will enjoy some much needed family time with our family trail angels, the Christman Family, and be back out on the trail within a week. Hopefully, he will be rejuvenated, full, rested, and ready to attack the rest of the CDT.
I want to give a quick shout out to the creator/programmer of the trackleaders.com program Scarecrow is using to check in - Teddy told me he met you while in Twin Lakes. Thank you for all you have done to allow families to follow along while their loved ones are hiking. The real version of this shout out is: thank you for allowing me keep track of my husband and make sure he is not really in the Bahamas sipping Coronas with his buddies. All joking aside, it is amazing that our supportive family and friends can click on a link such as where is Scarecrow? and be able to see his progress and follow along. It is so appreciated and I am grateful for all of your hard work.
Scarecrow also wanted me to again, thank each and every one of you who have shown and spoken their support in such an amazing endeavor that he is undertaking. I share with him all of your messages, posts, phone calls, and actions which mean so much to our family. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends who are so supportive of Scarecrow's dream of becoming a Triple Crown Hiker, as well as his family as we root for his success across the finish line. THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU.
I have to begin with thanking Jabba for this picture. As you hike and receive trail magic along the way, your postings are like trail magic for Scarecrow's family. So now for an update on this not-so-easy-to-follow part of the trail.
Scarecrow and friends have taken some more trail magic from Theresa Martinez from the CDTC and traveled back down to Cumbres Pass, where they stepped off the trail because of excessive snow. They got back on the trail Sunday, and will hike northbound again to Pagosa Springs and beyond, which will "reconnect" their steps along the trail and fill in the section they had to skip. Of course I asked, what were the snow conditions going to be like, only 2 weeks later? He explained, when they attempted it prior, there was fresh, deep snow 18+ feet deep.
via The Real Hiking Viking
Now, some has melted and it is packed down, so they will hike on top of the snow now. The hikers are still sporting snow shoes, spikes and their ice axes, but at least they will complete it now. As you can see in the picture on the right, Jabba is standing next to the depths of snow they will now be walking ON instead of IN. They are headed into the San Juan Mountains and thanks again to Jabba, here is a picture of what they will conquer.
via The Real Hiking Viking
We got to speak to Ted over the weekend for Father's Day and was able to share with him the trail magic sent his way by some of his loved ones. Tracey, my real life twin gave Scarecrow a donation that helped to totally hooked him up with the unexpected traveling up to Wyoming for the flip flop.
It came at the perfect time and is much appreciated.
You continually give me so much love, support, guidance and friendship for which I am truly blessed. We have conversations all the time about the "nontraditional life" my family leads ~ I want you to always know that I value your opinion, welcome your advice, appreciate your support and am grateful for your love. THANK YOU for the trail magic.
Some of you reading this blog entry may not know the next two trail angels, Mike and Tommy. They have been cutting Ted's hair for years, and now take care of Jagger as well. I am posting a link with their information before I continue - click HERE for an awesome haircut They ask every time we go in about Ted and his hike. Well, this weekend, they presented me with a generous donation towards Scarecrow's journey.
Mike & Tommy from the Barbershop
Thankfully, Ted was in a town with a phone signal and was able to talk to and thank both of them for their continued support. This too, came at a perfect time for resupply before going into the mountains. Although Ted and I planned for this trip based only on our own means, we are so appreciative and grateful for EVERY LITTLE PIECE OF LOVE AND SUPPORT that has come our way. This trail magic manifests itself in the form of notes, calls, posts, pictures, donations of food, snacks and money to Scarecrow, time and assistance with life here while Ted is away... We both truly appreciate every single one of our trail angels during this amazing journey. You are all a piece of Teddy's success.
Not many pictures were sent this time (as you can see I had to "borrow" from Jabba) but Scarecrow sent this one. It was taken when they finished up the piece of trail in Wyoming before heading back down to Colorado.
And just an interesting piece of this story to share ~ the whole flip flop was a huge blessing in disguise, as the hikers agreed that if they were hiking in that piece of Wyoming as initially scheduled, there would have been NO WATER SUPPLY for them. So, once again, we have seen and felt that everything happens for a reason and is unfolding EXACTLY how it is supposed to. Hang in there, Scarecrow. It has been 2 months already that you have been gone - you have met amazing hikers who are sharing this amazing journey with you and most importantly, you are safe and happy. Happy Trails... we will see you in about 3 weeks.
A last minute signal allowed Scarecrow to send a picture of two of where the hikers stayed overnight before their trip to Theresa Martinez' home further North in Colorado. It looks like a beautiful place, and they all seemed to catch a little R & R before they left.
I want to say another huge THANK YOU to Theresa Martinez, from the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) who has been such a kind and generous trail angel to Scarecrow and the others. Not only did she host them in her home overnight, but she is storing some of Scarecrow's winter items until they pass back through her town on their way back to the trail in Colorado. Your love of the trail and helping the hikers' mission is amazing and I know from talking with Scarecrow, they appreciate it so much.
Click HERE a link to read about the CDTC and all of the amazing work that Theresa and others have done for the hikers on this trail. If you are in excess of money and need a place to put some of it, or just want to donate to an amazing charity that has helped so many fulfill their dream on the CDT, you can go $$ here $$ and show your support.
Scarecrow has said he will be traveling up to the barren lands of Wyoming where there will probably not be a signal for about a week. He is traveling up to a town called Wind River Range in Wyoming. It is about 240 miles of barren waste land. He is traveling with Jabba, NO2, Doc Rocket, Greyhound, Redneck and Col. Mustard. He is hiking southbound beginning North of the Great Basin Divide. Hopefully when I hear from him this weekend, he will have completed this section and has sent more pictures.
For Scarecrow's latest location, click here: where is Scarecrow now?
Until then,
The Thruhiker's Wife
Let me introduce you to Jabba - one of the Warrior Hikers who Scarecrow is traveling with. I want to thank him for the pictures I "stole" from his Facebook page to share with Scarecrow's family and friends. I hope you don't mind, but there are several of your pictures in this post. You guys look great.
So, after the hikers returned to Chama because of the impassable trail conditions, they met up with amazing trail angels named Blake and Leslie Holleman. A man named David Lopez, who is the Warrior Hike contact person put the hikers in contact with Blake, who is himself a 20 year Army Vet. Thank you for your service, as well as your generosity and kindness towards all of the hikers, which include my husband who you know as Scarecrow. He has said you both are wonderful, generous people who have been instrumental in helping these hikers move along to plan B - flip flopping up the trail to Wyoming where the conditions are less treacherous at the moment. If I understand correctly, Blake and Leslie live in Pagosa Springs, which is where the hikers were supposed to walk to, but because of too much snow, they had met up with Paul, who kindly gave his time and generosity while the hikers were in Cumbres Pass, and then drove them to Pagosa Springs.
I am thinking this is the ride from Paul to Pagosa Springs ?
THANK YOU again, Paul, for your kindness and trail magic. While in Pagosa Springs, the hikers had to recalculate their route and plan of attack. They stayed with Blake and Leslie, and I am sure Scarecrow was ECSTATIC because it was here that he got to enjoy the Rangers hockey game when they won the Eastern Conference Trophy.
The hikers stayed with these trail angels for a day or two, I think, and then headed to the Pagosa Hot Springs Resort for one more day of rest before traveling North to begin a new leg of their journey.
As I mentioned earlier in a post, the maps Scarecrow is using, lists alternate plans for hikers when weather is stopping them from continuing on their route. The hikers decided to take one particular route that would involve them driving up to Wyoming and hiking Southbound to another point on the trail. Eventually, they will return to where they exited the trail and hike that part at a later date, when some of the snow has melted. As of Sunday evening, the hikers were renting a car and driving to a town further up North in Colorado to Theresa Martinez' home. If you recall, she was introduced to you back in my post titled, "Hiker Friends". She is heavily involved with the CDTC (Continental Divide Trail Coalition) and has been very helpful in keeping these thruhikers on track. From Theresa's house, which I got word they arrived safely to this evening, they will depart tomorrow morning and drive 6+ hours up to Wyoming and pick up the trail first thing Tuesday morning.
via google images
So, although flip flops are the furthest thing from Scarecrow's foot gear, there will be a lot of flip flopping along this trail to complete it, due to the weather conditions. Scarecrow has promised to send more pictures once he arrives in Wyoming. In the mean time, I am going to post several that I took from Jabba - you can check out his story HERE - I follow this blog now, as it gives me updates on Teddy even when he cannot call home. Huge score for me!! Thank you Jabba.
photo credit: the Real Hiking Viking
photo credit: the Real Hiking Viking
photo credit: the Real Hiking Viking
photo credit: the Real Hiking Viking
I love these pics of you Scarecrow - it looks like you are traveling through some beautiful parts of this country. I hope you are taking a lot of pictures. Most importantly, you look safe and happy. I want leave you with this quote I found - it is exactly what we were talking about on the phone this evening :)
We have heard from Scarecrow several times over the weekend, as he was in a town called Silver City, and when he is in a town, it means a signal. He sounds really happy and excited about the trail and his progress. I feel part of this is because he is hiking with others who have started the trail along with him. If you remember, when Teddy began the PCT, he left a month later than "the herd" and was walking alone for hundreds of miles. This time, he left along with others which allows him to share this experience, challenges and high points with them. We, at home, can only hear and see this amazing journey unfold through Teddy's eyes... I personally cannot imagine what it is like to travel through miles of deserts, snowy mountains, and everything in between. I am happy he has these fellow hikers to walk with, camp with, and complete this journey with.
Stopping in for a well deserved meal and refreshments - here is the crowd (I hope I got everyone's name correct) Theresa Martinez from the CDTC (Continental Divide Trail Coalition), Scarecrow, Buffalo Shuffle, Hikeaholic, Ducky, Ben and Hamburger. And, yes, the photo bomber is the bartender. Looks like a great time was had by all. Thank you to each of you for these fun times along the trail... you are a part of making this experience so awesome for Scarecrow.
Another gathering of hiker friends... From left heading clockwise, there is Ursula (which I have been told means Bear), Scarecrow, Ducky, Samarai, and Hikeaholic. Two of these guys, Ducky and Hikeaholic are the ones who surprised Scarecrow with the cake for his birthday. Just like the memories you have hiking with Straycat and Strider on the AT, Not Ryan, TOG, Evil Goat, and Banana Pants on the PCT, these hiker friends will help create memories that will complete your triple crown experience, Scarecrow.
Before heading out of Silver City, Scarecrow stopped for a selfie with Hamburger. Scarecrow told me this hiker is from Hamburg, Germany, hence the name "Hamburger". Hikeaholic took his turn at photobombing here - you guys have to jump in these pics whenever you can so we, as your family members, can see that you are safe and having fun out there. Scarecrow shared this blog address with his hiker friends, who then shared it with their families - so here is a shoutout to Cheryl, Hikeaholic's girlfriend, who is now following this story. I hope there will be over 3,000 miles worth of pictures to share and write about as this amazing journey unfolds.
Scarecrow has now walked over 145 miles and will reach another town within a week. There is a weak signal where he is, so he has said he may not be able to speak to us again for 12 days. Until then, we will keep him in our prayers and wish him well. If you want to see how far he has hiked, please click here: where is Scarecrow now?
As you can see, our thruhiker is pretty grizzly looking and needed some down time. We got to catch up on all that he had hiked through, stories of the towns he entered and what lies ahead for him as he heads north. This stop off of the trail was to help rejuvenate Scarecrow physically, mentally, and emotionally ~ mission complete. We took a rafting trip down the Yakima River with family and friends, had many afternoons of poolside lounging,
