I received an email this morning from a woman who met Scarecrow on the trail. I think you will find her story a bit familiar...
Scarecrow to the rescue
Hi Thruhiker's Wife, I'm hoping this email works. I met this wonderful gentleman on my way from Steamboat Springs, CO to Fort Collins, CO yesterday afternoon. I was hauling a trailer with 3 horses, a goat and a dog and I blew a trailer tire a few miles east of Rabbit Ears Pass. With the tire completely shredded, I wasn't sure how I was going to change it on my own when all of a sudden I heard someone call, "Hey!" And there he was. He graciously helped me change my tire on a hot Sunday afternoon and I don't know what I would have done had he not been there. Here is a picture he wanted to share. It was a pleasure running into him and I can't thank him enough for his kindness! I wish him the best of luck on the remainder of his journey! Cassidy Kurtz, M.S. Coordinator Equine Sciences Program Colorado State University
Scarecrow has been so blessed by the kindness and generosity of others along his journey, so he was happy to pay it forward and give to others. Thank you, Cassidy, for sharing this picture and story with Scarecrow's family and friends ~ we love any and all updates we can get about his journey along the CDT.
One of the highlights of the CDT was being able to enter and hike through the Rocky Mountain National Park. It would be a day trip, 25 miles off the trail, and would be the day that Scarecrow separates from Jabba for a portion of the trail.
We wish Jabba happy trails, with an abundance of sunshine and trail magic for his journey. In the mean time, the hike through the park was everything Scarecrow hoped for.
Rabbit Ears Pass
A sight for tired feet - Rabbit Ears Pass - we can see why it received its name. This is the spot on the trail in which hikers can step off, hike or hitch a ride for the 20 miles into the town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Teddy's plan was to wake up extra early to catch the ride into town.
Unfortunately, Scarecrow stood for almost 2 hours before a nice gentleman stopped and picked him up. Lucky for Teddy, the man was going into town to get his teeth cleaned right next door to where Teddy was looking to land in the town.
Our awesome friends, Matt and Corinne Bernath have family and friends in the town, and they recommended Scarecrow use a place called SKI HAUS as a potential meeting place. Sadly, Scarecrow never got to meet up with the Bernath's contacts, but met a wonderful group of people at this ski equipment outfitter. They were friendly, welcoming and helped Scarecrow gain his bearings around the town.
photo via Google images
Scarecrow was starving, and asked where he could get something to eat. The staff at Ski Haus recommended a place called FRESHIES, which turned out to be the best breakfast so far on the trail. Once the waitress came over to take Scarecrow's order, she got into talking with him and said, "You have to have a story." He shared his journey and mission of becoming a Triple Crown hiker with her, and after some questions, brought out the manager for more conversation. By the end of Scarecrow's meal, it was decided that a photo would be taken, so the WHOLE STAFF came outside and posed for a group photo with our favorite hiker, Scarecrow.
wonderful staff of Freshies in Steamboat Springs
Scarecrow said the food and service provided by this restaurant was outstanding and recommends it to whoever comes into town. THANK YOU to Freshies for taking such great care of Scarecrow for us. While chatting it up with these great people, they shared with Scarecrow an event that would be taking place at the library this evening at 7:00 pm. A woman named Jennifer Davis would be speaking about her experiences as a long distance hiker who currently holds the record for the fastest thruhike of the Appalachian Trail. Scarecrow decided, after getting his chores completed (resupply and laundry) and having a great meal, that he would attend this meet and greet/book signing event.
Jennifer Davis with Scarecrow
He was able to successfully meet and speak with this inspirational woman, who was labeled as an Adventurer of the Year in 2012 by National Geographic and author of several books on her experiences. What a great time Scarecrow has experienced while in Steamboat Springs. He then made his way to the Rabbit Ears Motel where he will get his much needed and deserved night's rest before heading back out on the trail first thing tomorrow morning.
Happy trails, Scarecrow, and may you be faced with nothing but sunshine and good weather, and an abundance of trail angels and trail magic on your path to Encampment, Wyoming.
Want to follow along? Click HERE to see where Scarecrow is now.
These last few days have been filled with some amazing trail magic. While on his travels, he has met up with some amazing wild life ready for their close ups.
photo by Scarecrow
photo by Scarecrow
As Scarecrow heads north into Steamboat Springs, Colorado, he had a few grueling days of walking, and ran out of water along the road walk. He was not in complete danger yet, but was beginning to get concerned about the distance he had remaining, coupled with the blistering heat beating down on him. He was a bit relieved when he approached a vehicle pulled over on the side of the road with a flat tire. Being the gentleman he is, Teddy changed the tire for the woman who owned the vehicle, and turned down the cash she was insisting on giving him. Instead, he politely asked if she had any water available to give him. Unfortunately, she had no water, but did have a bag full of ice cubes which Scarecrow happily accepted. The thankful woman was on her way, and Scarecrow continued on his hike. As you would imagine, the ice cubes didn't last very long, and Scarecrow was back to wondering where he would hydrate. Well, he came across the best trail magic EVER. A work truck must have dropped this gift off the back of their truck inadvertently, hours earlier. But never the less, Scarecrow was ecstatic to find an eight pack of Gatorade, still in the plastic holder. He gratefully drank this warm Gatorade, that was baking in the heat for hours.
photo by Scarecrow
Now, with empty bottles, he continued on, not wanting to leave the trash behind. You can see the bottles stuffed into every pocket and available space he had in his pack. He became extremely happy that he kept these empties as he came across another trail angel. A man who filled each of his empty bottles with water from a water container in his truck. This water supply would be enough to take him into the town. What a relief.
photo by Scarecrow
Scarecrow has said this part of the trail has been absolutely beautiful, as the wildflowers are in full bloom everywhere. So, with fluids restored and some beautiful scenery, Scarecrow is headed to Rabbit Ears Pass, which is where he will then step off the trail and catch a ride into Steamboat Springs for a big breakfast, a resupply, a hot lunch, laundry, a shower, and a good night's rest.
I received a message through email this morning from someone who ran into Scarecrow back on July 17th at Cottonwood Pass. His message read:
Hi Thru Hiker’s Wife,
I hope this email address works. We ran into this vagrant cooking his hobo
dinner at Cottonwood Pass in Colorado on July 17th. He claims he know you. Enjoy
(and share if you wish) the photo.
Barry Breckling
via Barry Breckling
I want to thank you, Barry, for sending this picture. Scarecrow's family and friends enjoy ANY updates we can get from this guy. Happy trails for your hiking as well.
Today, Scarecrow checked in at the top of Gray's Peak - the highest point along the Continental Divide Trail. This marks the second 14er that Scarecrow and Jabba have hiked up and over. Earlier this week, he reached the top of Mt. Elbert, which is the HIGHEST of all the 14,000+ foot mountains in Colorado. Hiking Mt. Elbert was a side trip they took, as it was not officially on the trail. Gray's Peak is along the trail, in the Front Range, and is listed as the highest in this range.
Top of Gray's Peak, elevation 14,278 feet
Want to read about this mountain top? Click GRAY'S PEAK to learn more. Scarecrow and Jabba will descend and continue North to Grand Lakes, and then onto Steamboat Springs. I guess we can safely say, "It's ALL DOWN HILL FROM HERE."
I got to speak with Scarecrow yesterday as they left and headed onward to Grand Lakes. He was able to catch a signal and send some shots off of his camera. These pictures came with no information so I will try to give you as much as I can find.
Kokomo Pass
Kokomo Pass, with an elevation of 12,027 feet is a mountain pass that crosses the Continental Divide in the Gore Range of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Kokomo Pass
It must still be pretty chilly up there, as Scarecrow is sporting his pants, jacket and gloves. Even Jabba is in pants here - now I know its freezing.
Scarecrow mentioned they hitched a ride from the trail back into the town of Breckenridge via pickup truck. I am not quite sure if this was because of a pending storm, but I appreciate the trail angel who picked these hikers up.
After one more night in the hostel, they were back out and on the trail, heading north to Grand Lakes. Teddy told me he should arrive there by Tuesday, so it will be about 5 days before we hear from him again.
photo by Scarecrow
I am not sure of exactly where these shots were taken, but their scenic beauty was worth sharing regardless.
photo by Scarecrow
When posting these pictures, I have our dear friend Pattie Grieco's words and thoughts in my head ~ "we are getting to see parts of this amazing country that we may not have seen, thanks to Scarecrow's pictures and experiences".
photo by Scarecrow
So although I do not have an exact location, please enjoy these areas of the beautiful state of Colorado. Teddy will be able to fill us in with the details upon his return.
photo by Scarecrow
photo by Scarecrow
photo by Scarecrow
photo of Jabba by Scarecrow
Where is Scarecrow now? Click HERE
Happy, safe trails to you both.
After a false start back onto the trail due to a mudslide, Scarecrow made it back on by Wednesday, and caught up to Jabba a day or two later. They are headed from Monarch Pass to Twin Lakes, with such beautiful scenery along the way. Because Scarecrow has sketchy service, I am "borrowing" the photos you see here from Jabba's pictures. You can look him up on Facebook if you want to see more at "The Real Hiking Viking".
During this leg of the hike, the hikers ventured off on a side trip to climb their first 14er. Click HERE to see the entire list of 14,000+ foot mountains. Mt. Elbert is the name of this beautiful, scenic land they are standing on. Its elevation is 14,433 feet.
photo by The Real Hiking Viking
This mountain is part of the Sawatch Range and is the highest elevation they will encounter while on on this hike. They will also summit Gray's Peak, which is part of the Front Range, and noted as the highest point on the CDT, reaching a whopping 14,270 feet further up the trail. As you can see, the view is breathtaking. Thank you Jabba for including Scarecrow in your photo shoot.
photo by The Real Hiking Viking
photo by The Real Hiking Viking
Scarecrow and Jabba were accompanied by two of Jabba's friends for this climb, and were there to enjoy the view and some refreshments upon completion.
photo by The Real Hiking Viking
After speaking with Teddy, he said while he and the group were ascending, he got a chuckle over imagining me trying to hike this ~ he and I both know how THAT would have ended. So, after this excursion was through, they headed into a town called Breckenridge for resupply.
I got to speak with Scarecrow today, and they are on the move again, rested and resupplied. He is happy, healthy and full of life as he continues on his journey. Please enjoy the next few photos of our favorite hiker, thanks to Jabba. I tried to enlarge them as much as possible, some decided to hang off the page - I don't mind because the beauty and accomplishment in these photos is worth hanging out for :)
photo by The Real Hiking Viking
photo by The Real Hiking Viking
photo by The Real Hiking Viking
Still tracking Scarecrow's progress? Click where is Scarecrow now? to see his progress.
Happy Trails, Scarecrow. Have fun, be safe, we love you. Olive Juice.
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.
