There's No Place Like Home!

The day has come ~ Scarecrow has made it back home to his family after COMPLETING THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL.  Teddy awoke very early Sunday morning, and with more help from our Jump Trail Angels, took a flight from Seattle, and landed in JFK at 8:00 pm.  He collected his backpack and stick, hopped on the Air train to Jamaica, and out to Ronkonkoma where Dakota, Jagger and I were waiting for his arrival.  Even though he was only gone for 26 days this time, we were just as excited to see him as when he was gone for 5 months.  I was happy though, he did not look like the Scarecrow we had greeted last fall.  He looks clean cut, happy, and rested.  We drove home, catching Teddy up on all our news, and he shared some stories of his last days on the PCT.

Of course, I cannot wait to get a hold of his camera to see all of the pictures he took from the last leg of his adventure.  They will be posted as soon as we can, along with the stories that go along with them.  I cannot say enough how appreciative we are for everyone's support and well wishes through out this journey.  Teddy and I both agree we are blessed to have all of you in our lives.

Congratulations Scarecrow ~ 2 trails down, 1 to go.  We are all so proud of you.

Happy, grateful, and blessed,

The Thruhiker's Wife

HE MADE IT!!

While out with the family for Jagger's birthday dinner, I received this text and picture:

Northern Terminus of the PCT

"It's a done deal ~ 2,650 miles"

I cannot be more proud of you than I am at this very moment, Teddy.  The smile on your face says it all.  This was your time to be there.  Your determination to finish this trail was inspiring to so many.  I am so happy that you achieved your goal and made this dream a reality.  I hope you enjoyed this journey as much as I enjoyed documenting it and following you.

Never more proud, 

The Thruhiker's Wife

In The Home Stretch...

After almost a week of no communication, I finally heard from Scarecrow.  He called from Stehekin, Washington on Sunday night with nothing but excellent news.  The trails are clear, the weather is beautiful, and he is now only 90 miles away from the "finish line" in Canada.  He expects to complete these 90 miles by Friday afternoon.  He said the landscape he is witnessing is breathtaking and the pictures he took do not do justice to their true beauty.  I am anxious to get a hold of his camera to check out the final pictures of this extraordinary journey.  He explained how he had to buy a calling card and use a "satellite phone" because he is really in the middle of nowhere over in the Northern Cascade Mountains ~ good thing I picked up, because I wasn't going to being that I did not recognize the number.

His plan is to average 20 mile days, give or take a few, and soak in the feelings of accomplishing his dream as he approaches the last days and miles of the United States and Canada that will complete his Pacific Crest Trail experience.

I will not hear from Teddy until after he reaches the monument in Canada and then walks another 8 miles to Manning Park, which is where he will be able to finally see civilization again after being in the woods.  So for the next few days, I hope you will join me in sending Teddy prayers, positive energy, and support as he approaches the end of this emotionally taxing, physically exhausting, spiritually fulfilling, wonderfully exciting and rewarding experience that he has been on over the past year and a half.

We, as a family, have been through something so extraordinary ~ a forever life changing experience that we will cherish and grow from for the rest of our lives.  So many people have asked: how do you handle all of this?  Why were you okay with this?  My answer will always be the same...  I am so proud to be a supporter  and an integral part in helping someone I love achieve their dreams.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  Who am I to say that it is not a realistic goal?  Obviously it is.  Who am I to say that Teddy should not go and live out his dreams?  I am happy I did.  Who am I to say it's not good for my children?  It was a wonderful lesson that they are proud of living through.  Who am I to say?  I am the Thruhiker's Wife.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  To watch it all unfold and hear the determination and enjoyment in his voice whenever he called was such a rewarding experience.  I feel honored to have been able to provide strength, support and love for my husband.  To be able to lead by example for my children ~ to help them learn what it feels like to support someone while they live out their dreams and achieve their goals.  My children learned what compromise and sacrifice were, but in a positive light.  Dakota and Jagger both know that they are a big part of Teddy's success.  As do I.  This experience was a huge life lesson on many different levels that I feel lucky to have learned from.

Personally, I wish everyone could feel and experience all of the positivity that my family felt through this journey.  Surround yourself with the ones you love, make a decision to be happy, live your life, create dreams and goals, and then go out there and accomplish them!!

Until he checks in from the finish line,

The Thruhiker's Wife

Late Night Check In

google image of Stevens Pass

So, after a wonderful weekend with a group of trail angels that we call family, Teddy was dropped off at the point up in Washington where he had to bail out last November.  He walked up the bail out trail and back onto the PCT and went about 10 miles before calling to check in.  He is making excellent time and is very excited to be walking in the uncharted territory that he missed last fall.  We are both very excited that it worked out so he can finish the trail at the "finish line" up in Canada ~ and he is thinking he will be there in about 9 - 12 days.  As of last night, he had ventured down into Stevens Pass, describing this terrain as more jagged and pointy, instead of the rolling, smoother terrain of Oregon.  

Our excitement for Scarecrow as he moves closer to the monument in growing rapidly every day.  I can only imagine how anxious he is getting.  I will post pictures as soon as they are sent to me.  Please continue sending positive energy and prayers Teddy's way, as they are working and felt by him (and me) daily.  The trail, everyone and everything surrounding this trail adventure has been so kind and welcoming for this last leg of the trip.  For whatever reason, NOW is the time that Teddy was meant to finish this extraordinary goal.  We could not be prouder of you, Scarecrow.

Happy Trails, my love.

The Thruhiker's Wife

Text From Teddy..

Scarecrow <subject: 154 miles>
"It's a done deal.  Part A is complete."

Just thought I would share Teddy's photo.

After speaking with Teddy, this is actually the exact location where he camped before having to bail out of Oregon last fall.  He came back to face the location of that dreadful day.  What a different scene now ~ no snow, just a successful finish.


The Thruhiker's Wife

Oregon Down, Washington to Go!!!

I received a call from Teddy last night ~ he has officially completed the section in Oregon.  Woo-Hoo.  He was picked up this morning by trail angel Lloyd Gust, and driven to Bend, Oregon where he will wait for his buddy Patchwork, another wonderful trail angel.  Patchwork will collect him and drive him from Bend up to The Dalles, Oregon.  This is a major town where he would have been able to catch a greyhound bus at 12:40 am and travel overnight for 8 hours to Pasco, Washington to meet up with our family.  Enter next trail angel Leah Christman.   She has offered to drive 2+ hours from her home to The Dalles, Oregon to collect Scarecrow so he is saved from a 4 hour delay in the bus station, and an 8 hour bus ride to Pasco.  Instead, because of her kindness, he will be with her and our family by tonight, get a great night's rest and be able to spend a fun family filled weekend with the Christman, Jump, and Ruthkowski families.  I have to admit, I am sad we won't be with Teddy as he enjoys our family, but I am so grateful and appreciative for his opportunity to do so.

Until Next Time,

The Thruhiker's Wife

Go, Speedy Scarecrow!

bing images

The trail has been very kind to Scarecrow.  On Sunday, he had reported that he would have to do some road walking due to fires.  He sounded bummed out, but was happy that he could keep going.  Well, Teddy reported today, that this news was prematurely told.  As he approached the said area, the first fire closure he thought he would encounter opened up just in time for him to continue along the PCT and not step off onto the road.  And his good fortune continued as each closure reopened just before his arrival.  His hiking went as follows: 20 miles on Friday and Saturday, 19.2 miles on Sunday, after a stop at the Elk Lake Resort for a burger and some beer, camping out next to a thruhiker named Saute', and then a whopping 28.8 miles on Monday.  He is checking in today, Tuesday, around 10:00 am (his time) at Willamette Pass, excited for the kindness the trail has shown him.  He has 88 miles of the Oregon trail done in only 4 days.  WOW.  He reports it gets cold at night, down to a touch above freezing, but he is warm in his sleeping bag, and just so thankful there is NO SNOW.  He is scheduled to finish the Oregon section by Friday ~ WOOHOO ~ make his way up to our family in Benton City, Washington for some family time :) and then up to Washington to finally finish off the PCT.  

Grateful for the kind trail,

The Thruhiker's Wife

Quickest Check In Yet!!

I received a 45 second check in from Scarecrow yesterday... He hiked back to back 20 mile days on Friday and Saturday, is on track with his schedule, and feels great.  The weather is perfect, but he had to do a bit of road walking along side the trail, due to some fires in the area.  He said he would call again in a few days with some updates and hopefully pictures.  He sends his best to everyone!

Thankful for his call,

The Thruhiker's Wife

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...

After a safe landing in Seattle, a good night's sleep at the Jump house, some last minute shopping for supplies and some good byes to his Jump trail angels, Scarecrow hopped on the Greyhound and headed down to Portland, Oregon where he got a ride from a trail angel named Patchwork.  This wonderful man, whose real name is Alan Artman, was a gentleman Scarecrow connected with last fall about transportation while on the trail.  He remembered Scarecrow when he contacted him the other day, and was eager to help him get onto the trail. So, he picked Teddy up at the bus station Wednesday night and hosted him overnight, along with another hiker named Mango.  Thursday morning, Teddy got up, hopped on another bus, traveled most of the day across Oregon to a town called Bend.  He has had so much generosity from trail angels, and his journey has just begun.  While on board, Teddy decided to give up his seat so two elderly ladies could sit together and chat it up.  He ended up sitting next to a man named Robert Kennedy, who was a day hiker traveling back to his home.  Of course, conversation came up about what Teddy was doing and by the end of the trip, Robert went into his luggage and grabbed a bag of almond M & M's for Teddy to take on his trip.  Thank you for your trail magic, Mr. Kennedy.  Every little bit helps!!

Another trail angel, Lloyd Gust, picked him up and helped him get settled for the night in a local motel, and would be ready to collect him in the morning and drop him on the trail.  Finally!!!
Teddy's journey began in our car, to the train, to a plane, to a bus, to a car, to another three buses and finally a car.  Three days of plenty of mileage, but none on the trail.  Needless to say, he is very anxious to begin.

He was taken this morning, by Lloyd, from Bend, to the trail located at Santium Pass, where he will travel southbound towards Crater Lake.  I want to thank you, Lloyd ~ Teddy has said you are a wonderful, kind, generous gentleman and I am excited that he has met you and was able to request your "Trail Angel Services."


Teddy sounds great, and is very excited to finally get started.  As always, I will keep you all posted as his trip progresses.  Thank you all for your support and love!! XOXO

The Thruhiker's Wife

And Off He Goes...

Scarecrow's departure was a success this morning.  A good night's sleep, a nice pancake breakfast with the kids, last minute packing, checking weather and trail conditions, some quick pictures taken, and we were on our way to the train station.

With several minutes to spare, which is unlike the Warrens, we said our goodbyes and Ted hopped aboard the Long Island Railroad to Jamaica, where he will take the air train to JFK.  His flight will depart at 1:00 pm today, and he will arrive in Seattle around 6:00 pm.  Dan Jump, one of the Jump Trail Angels, will be picking him up and bring him back to the Jump house for the night.  Teddy will be on a greyhound tomorrow morning, heading down to Oregon to begin the 172 miles he has to complete there.  I will post when I know exactly where he is starting, and in which direction he will travel.  His first choice will be to walk northbound from Crater Lake to Sisters, Oregon.  In the last update of conditions, all looks great for travel.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Waldbaum's in Center Moriches, NY.  While Teddy was hiking last summer, some of the ladies took an interest in what he was doing, and continually asked about him and offered support and well wishes.  When they found out he was returning, two of the women, Rose Hudak and Mary Firemark, put together a "care package" of treats for Teddy to take on the trail.  It was a very thoughtful, kind gesture, and we appreciate your generosity.  So here is a huge THANK YOU sent out to our trail angels from Waldbaums!!


I want to close this blog entry thanking everyone for their well wishes, goodie bags, cards, prayers and support.  Teddy and I had a wonderful discussion about all of you ~ we are very lucky to have the network of family and friends around us, cheering him on as he completes his PCT dream.

Until Next Time,
The Thruhiker's Wife








Timberland White Ledge Hiker Shoes (Brown) - Women's Shoes - 9.5 M (Google Affiliate Ad)

"Current Hiker 1-2 Person Tent" (Google Affiliate Ad)