Introductions, Please!

So,  a new chapter has begun.  What can we expect from this latest journey? Well, let me introduce you to the characters and plot of this next chapter.  What do you get when you combine an adventurous, creative, experienced cyclist with a Triple Crown thruhiker? Yes, you get "Matt and Ted's Excellent Adventure".  Let me give you a little history about our friends, The Bernaths.  We met this amazing family about 7 years ago, when our boys ended up on the same football team.

2014 Seahawks final season

By the first few practices, we knew we would be life long friends with this family.  Matt and Corinne have two boys, Shea who is Dakota's age, and Brendan who is Jagger's age.  From early on, we meshed, the kids clicked, and to use Corinne's term, our "framily" was formed.  We celebrate birthdays and holidays together, we share common interests, music and enjoy the good times shared over the past years.

Corinne and Matt have been so supportive of Scarecrow's adventures as they were happening... they became a very integral piece of Scarecrow's journey as he traveled through Colorado, connecting him with their family as a contact of information and assistance if needed while in the area.

Corinne was the person who contacted channel 12 news and had them cover Scarecrow's arrival home from the CDT, and on a sweeter note, was the creator of the delicious cookies we gave out at Scarecrow's sendoff party.  You can check out her amazing work by clicking HERE.



So, Matt's love of cycling and Teddy's love of hiking has brought them to this adventure called "Ride the Divide."  The best way for you to truly understand what this is about is to check out the documentary - you can CLICK HERE to find out more information.

There is nothing ordinary about this bike ride.  This trail, which is known as The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, or GDMBR, is a long distance, off-road bicycle touring route from Banff, Canada that extends 2,768.4 miles down to Antelope Wells, New Mexico.  It follows the Continental Divide Trail as closely as it can, and actually crosses over it 30 times. The terrain is 90% unpaved roads and trails, but does not require advanced mountain bike riding skills.  The trail will take them through mostly undeveloped areas of the Rocky Mountains.  Most cyclists travel southbound and the average time to complete the route range from six to ten weeks.

You can imagine that a hiker would need a little more than a pair of good boots to have success here.  We have Matt to thank for the awesome score of Scarecrow's new wheels that will take him on this amazing trip.  A solid, dependable bike can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars! I nearly dropped when we began researching bikes for this trip.  Matt came through BIG TIME and hooked Teddy up with a guy who was selling his bike for an upgrade - they went together yesterday on the ferry to Connecticut to get it.  I am so grateful for this find, as we did NOT have to break the bank to obtain his new wheels.  THANK YOU MATT!!

Scarecrow's new wheels :)

As the weeks and days get closer to their departure, we will keep you updated and informed about this crazy, exciting adventure! Corinne and I will be here, preparing, laughing, worrying, drinking, and blogging about what will certainly be an adventure of a lifetime for Matt and Ted.

Dream Team of the Homestead

As always, we appreciate everyone's love, support and interest in this amazing adventure.  This truly would not be possible for these guys without our support and love.  I want to give a huge shoutout to Corinne and her boys, Shea and Brendan - I am so proud of you for your instant "all in" attitude! I think between our families, we will ALL enjoy the journey of Matt and Ted's Excellent Adventure!

I look forward to being by your side while this dream unfolds for our guys!!



Until Next Time,

The Thruhiker's Wife

Scarecrow is back!

Two years ago today, Scarecrow was at the southern most terminus of the Continental Divide Trail, ready to conquer the last third of his goal of becoming a Triple Crown Hiker.  With the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail successfully completed and behind him, he had only the CDT left.  As most of you know, that exciting journey was a huge success and as a result, this past September, Scarecrow flew out to Mt. Hood, Oregon to receive his Triple Crown award.

This was an exciting event, known as the Gathering, where Teddy got to meet up with some fellow hikers he had met, along with others and share their experiences and receive this prestigious award.  In case you were wondering, after almost 8000 miles under their feet by completing the three trails, they receive a beautiful plaque and poster of some of their most memorable moments and thoughts.  Although the kids and I were not able to accompany Scarecrow to watch him receive this award, we were there in spirit wtih just as much love, pride and support for him and his journey.

 Since his return home, that ended with News 12 arriving at our house CHECK IT OUT HERE to report his homecoming and achievement, he, along with his good friend Matt, have decided to go back on the CDT, but this time to ride it on a bike.  WHAT?! Yes, they will be "Riding the Divide" on bicycles for alittle over a month this summer.  Over the next few weeks leading up to their departure, I will post information about the trail, the trip and how it all got started.  But for today, I felt it was cool to share the first step in this journey these guys are about to embark on...  Matt and Ted took a  trip to Connecticut this morning so Ted could pick up his new bike for the trip!

So, exactly 2 years to the day - a new chapter has begun! Stay tuned for more information on "Matt and Ted's Excellent Adventure" as their story unfolds...

Glad to be back,
The Thruhiker's Wife

Carole, There's Some Guy Here with a News Camera!

Upon arriving home, after some more hugs and cheers for Scarecrow, we let the dogs out to see if they would recognize Ted.

photo by Darien Maginn Photography

Of course, Zelda, our ditzy puppy, wagged her tail and licked him all over.  However, she does this to anyone, including strangers, so it was not helpful in gauging whether or not the dogs would recognize him.  Rubi sniffed and walked away, as she should have, as the "hiker funk" was still in his clothes.  It was not until he whistled to her as he had done for years that she realized it was her master.  I think they missed Teddy just as much as he missed them.

More friends and family gathered to greet our Triple Crown Hero, We ordered some pizzas, expecting to just hang out and hear about Scarecrow's adventures.  What we did not expect was for two guys to ring the doorbell with cameras in hand ready to interview Scarecrow about his latest accomplishment.  Ted called out, "Carole, there is some guy here with a news camera."  I went to the door, and was asked, "Are you Corinne?"  I thought they got my name wrong, but I found out that our dear friends, Matt and Corinne Bernath, who were expected to arrive shortly at the house, contacted channel news 12 days before to alert them of Scarecrow's homecoming.  They were excited to interview a local resident with a positive story.  If you haven't seen the clip that I flooded my facebook page with, you can  CLICK HERE to see it.  We are so proud of you Teddy.

I love this next picture, but I am still trying to decide if Teddy is asking for the play-by-play of life in our home while he was gone, or the kids are telling him about everything they weren't allowed to do while he was gone...

photo by Darien Maginn Photography

Either way, we are so happy to have Teddy back home safely, with this amazing goal accomplished.  He is now  "Mastic Man", thanks to News 12, and our Triple Crown Hiker who had a dream and then went out there and achieved it.

photo by Darien Maginn Photography

photo by Darien Maginn Photography

 OLIVE JUICE SCARECROW

photo by Darien Maginn Photography

As you heard in the news clip, Scarecrow's adventures are NOT over... he will revisit the CDT in the summer of 2016, only this time on a bike.  He, and our friend Matt Bernath, will "Ride the Divide" so stay tuned.  Since this news clip he has spoken to several groups of children about his adventures, so I will post those events here as well.

Proud of my Triple Crown Hiker Hubby,

The Thruhiker's Wife

Scarecrow's Triple Crown Homecoming!

photo by Darien Maginn Photography

It has been almost a month since Scarecrow arrived home to his family and friends.  It has been a whirlwind to say the least.  Let me rewind and share with you some of the highlights and happenings of Scarecrow since his completion of the CDT on September 23rd... the day he became a Triple Crown Hiker.

To arrive home to us from the finish line, Scarecrow had to travel from Canada back into the United States, via a hitch from a couple named David and Melissa D'Angelo.   I had shared an email they sent on September 24t.  I will repost this from an earlier entry:
An email entitled "Greetings from a Scarecrow Hitch" came through today:

Hi,

I wanted to let you know my wife and I had the pleasure of picking up Teddy this afternoon just south of the US/Canada border. Please wish him once again our congrats on having just completed the Triple Crown. While he may have been stinky on the exterior, it was quite clear he's awesome on the inside. We had a great opportunity to talk before dropping him off in East Glacier. It was fun to hear about his adventures. We hope that when you and your family get to visit Glacier, that you'll enjoy it as much as my wife and I have.

Wishing you all the best,

David & Melissa D'Angelo

PS: Once I get the photos off the camera, I'll send you a photo from an overlook we took while driving with Teddy to East Glacier.

THANK YOU again to David and Melissa,  and thank you for getting Teddy safely to his destination.

Once back in the United States, in the town of East Glacier, Montana, he would catch a train in the Amtrak Station to Spokane, Washington.  This train would arrive at 3:45 a.m. where our family trail angels, Willie and Mary Ruthkowski, would pick him up and bring him to their house about 45 minutes away.  While enjoying comfort of family, Teddy got to rest, visit with two amazing people and have the best waffles he had ever eaten.  As a matter of fact, a waffle iron is now on our purchase list because of Aunt Mary's recipe.  

Scarecrow visits with the Ruthkowski trail angels

After a few hours of catching up on Scarecrow's adventure, it was time to be driven to the Spokane airport for a flight to Denver, Colorado to begin his journey back across the country to New York.  A huge thank you goes out to Aunt Mary and Uncle Willie for the pick up and drop off from teh Amtrak and airport, along with the meal, company, love and support you continue to show me and my family.

After a safe flight to Denver, Scarecrow stayed in a local motel overnight in anticipation of his early morning flight (6:00 a.m.) to New York, via a layover in Maryland.  I am sure he was just as anxious as his family to get home after all of that traveling.

While Teddy was plane hopping on Southwest Airlines, some of his biggest supporters gathered at the airport to greet him as he arrived.  We were all excited and nervous to see Teddy.  I also was lucky enough to have Darien Maginn there with us to capture the anticipation, happiness, excitement, love and support that was waiting for Teddy as he disembarked the plane.  She, as most of you know, is the amazing photographer who joined us for Teddy's last homecoming from his PCT adventure.  Thank you so much for your fantastic work and for capturing these very important, exciting memories for me and my family.

Cathy, the kids and I made posters to greet Scarecrow - I was happy to have something to hold onto as I awaited the sight of Teddy turning the corner.  As we waited, with each person exiting the plane and walking through the gate, my heart began beating faster and faster.  He was basically the LAST one to come through the gate to greet us, but as soon as we had a glimpse of his tall, thin frame coming around the corner, excitement was everywhere.

photo by Darien Maginn Photography

We were clapping, waving, and I was crying of course.  Pride, relief, happiness, joy and love filled the airport for Scarecrow as he turned the corner and came through the door, walking stick in hand.  He looked so much thinner, and much hairier than when we saw him last!! It's a DONE DEAL - he left on his journey and returned a TRIPLE CROWN HIKER.

photo by Darien Maginn Photography

As anxious as everyone was to see Teddy and congratulate him, the kids and I were able to give a first round of hugs and present him with our own version of the crown he has worked so hard to achieve.

photo by Darien Maginn Photography

photo by Darien Maginn Photography

 

photo by Darien Maginn Photography

We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family in our lives, celebrating these amazing moments with us, being there with and for us, and sharing in our joy and happiness as we cheer Scarecrow on towards his goal.

photo by Darien Maginn Photography

Thank you to everyone who came to the airport to greet Scarecrow as he arrived home.  And thank you Darien Maginn, for capturing these moments - you were right on point with his homecoming AGAIN.  I loved putting together this comparison of your amazing work from the last two trails.

photos by Darien Maginn Photography

We were headed home to begin our homecoming celebration.  

Grateful and appreciative for the support,

The Thruhiker's Wife

The Picture We have Waited 5 Months and 6 days For...

 IT'S A DONE DEAL - after 5 months and 6 days, Scarecrow has completed the Continental Divide Trail.

I cannot even begin to express the pride I feel over this picture.  I still cannot believe that it has happened for you, Teddy.  Olive Juice, to the moon and back.

Another perfect photo spot is the dock - unfortunately Teddy was by himself and had to set the timer and run to the end to grab this next photo... kkind of reminded me of how Grandma Utz used to get into place after setting her camera timer <3

You truly are an inspiration, Scarecrow!!

1 day, 16 hours, and 54 minutes left,

The Thruhiker's Wife

More Trail Angel Messages!!

It touches my soul to its core to receive these emails from random people who have interacted with Teddy for a moment, a car ride, or an afternoon of chatting.  Every single one has stated how great it was to meet Teddy, and how excited they were to find out how far he has come, and how much he is anxious to see his family and friends...
I do not think Teddy realizes just HOW MUCH he has impacted our lives.  He has inspired people to live their dreams, and go after what they want, and support others who want to achieve their goals.  I am so proud of you, Scarecrow, and cannot wait to see you on Friday.

An email entitled "Greetings from a Scarecrow Hitch" came through today:

Hi,

I wanted to let you know my wife and I had the pleasure of picking up Teddy this afternoon just south of the US/Canada border. Please wish him once again our congrats on having just completed the Triple Crown. While he may have been stinky on the exterior, it was quite clear he's awesome on the inside. We had a great opportunity to talk before dropping him off in East Glacier. It was fun to hear about his adventures. We hope that when you and your family get to visit Glacier, that you'll enjoy it as much as my wife and I have.

Wishing you all the best,

David & Melissa D'Angelo

PS: Once I get the photos off the camera, I'll send you a photo from an overlook we took while driving with Teddy to East Glacier.

THANK YOU for the check-in, David and Melissa,  and thank you for getting Teddy safely to his destination.

Only two days left, 

The Thruhiker's Wife

More Messages!!

Only minutes after receiving the call from Teddy, saying he is standing in Canada a few miles past the finish line, I received another email from a gentleman who met Scarecrow yesterday.  He wrote:

Hi. I met Ted minutes from Piegan Pass yesterday eve.  I asked where he had been today... He impressed me with his thankfulness.  Happy reunions to you both.
Cheers,
Steve

Thank you Steven Lock, for checking in with this message - we are so excited to have Teddy back home this week, and are so proud of his accomplishments!!!

God Bless All Trail Angels,

The Thruhiker's Wife

Several Scarecrow Sightings!

TWO emails came in today from people who have run into Scarecrow - how exciting!

The first was from Jane Hamel, entitled "Scarecrow on Sunday Afternoon" who wrote:

In Glacier with only 50+ miles to finish.  He wanted to let you know he is anxious to finish and excited to get home.  Looks great here while holding his mountain yard sale (drying out his gear)

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PICTURE and for checking in with us - it's nice to be prepared on just how "outdoorsy" Scarecrow is looking these days.  It definitely looks as if he is in need of some major home cooking when he gets home.

The second came from Laura ODell, entitled "Scarecrow Spotted" who wrote:

Hi! We bumped into your husband on the trail today. He was headed towards Piegan Pass.  He seemed pretty excited to only have 43 miles (he estimates three days left).  He just wanted to let you know he is safe.

THANK YOU for checking in with us - we are beyond excited to get him home to us.  The trail angels have NO IDEA how amazing these check ins are for Scarecrow's family.

There won't be too many more opportunities to track his progress, but here is one of the LAST ones.

Thankfully, almost at at the end,
The Thruhiker's Wife

A Signal from Scarecrow = Pretty Pictures

Warren Lake

As Scarecrow flies through Montana towards the finish line of the CDT, we have heard from him several times from his cell phone, or his hiking buddy Medic's phone with a pretty weak signal.  It was never quite strong enough to send pictures, but we loved hearing the updates and progress being made.  Finally, Scarecrow has entered into an area where he has a signal.  He was able to send some updated pictures of his latest stops. These first two pictures were in an email entitled "Warren Lake."  

Warren Peak, Warren Lake, Scarecrow Warren

It looks like it is getting really cold, but the lake, with Warren Peak behind him made for a beautiful picture.  Great job, Mr. Warren.  Just so you know, this picture is my new laptop background - I love it.

As Teddy updated me over the past few weeks, he had said it was getting colder, with temperatures in the twenties, and some light snow.  Well, I guess he didn't want to worry us too much by telling us about the storm he must have been traveling through.

It looks okay in this picture, with the sun out, and the trees lightly covered, with what looks like a path through the snow.  Well, the other pictures from this same email, entitled "Snow Storm", were the ones that had me a bit more concerned.  Yes, Teddy failed to mention the sightings of the tremendous BEAR PRINTS in the fresh snow.  Teddy is a shoe size 14, so this should show you just how large the bear was who was traveling a little too close to where Scarecrow was.

fresh bear tracks in the snow

And, this last picture made me shiver - for obvious reasons.  

time to de-ice the beard, Scarecrow

This picture was taken on September 11, and he is heading North to colder temperatures.  No, that is not just more gray hair in his beard - it's FROZEN.  At least he is smiling this time - thoughts and memories of the PCT came rushing back, with the photo of Teddy frozen, in snow, taken on the day he stepped off the PCT due to weather.  Would weather get in his way again? Will he be able to push through and make it to the end?? Once I saw the next two pictures, I was relieved.  They were in the email entitled, "Fall is Here". I can only imagine how beautiful the changing leaves and landscape are as he heads further North towards Canada. 

YES, he will not be held back by Mother Nature and harsh weather.  The bright side in all of this is that the weather will not get in the way of his successful completion of this trail.  He has made it through all of the weather elements, and as I type this, only a day or two away from the finish line.  I am anxiously awaiting the text/call that it is a "DONE DEAL".

For now, click HERE for his latest location.  As for travel arrangements, I will continue to keep you all posted.  THANK YOU to all who have expressed an interest to greet him as he arrives on Friday at the airport.  We cannot wait.

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife

TRAVEL UPDATE

It looks like traveling for Scarecrow is working out better for FRIDAY instead of Wednesday.  I will post as soon as things are booked!!! Looking to have him land at MacArthur around 3:00 pm Hope this plan work out!!

Until next time,
The Thruhiker's Wife