Adventures on the Paumanok Path

Anyone who knows me and my family, knows, that I am "The Thruhiker's Wife".  I blog about Scarecrow's adventures: more specifically his thruhiking and Triple Crown achievement.  People also know that I am not the camping/hiking person that Scarecrow is... I LOVE supporting from the sidelines.  I love walking, being outdoors, mostly on my hammock, or at the beach, but not hiking/camping in the woods.  My family was planning a 250+ mile hike this summer, for the 4 of us to see what the hype is for Scarecrow.  Yes, you read it correctly, but before you get too crazy, we are not going this year.  Scarecrow's work schedule has put a block on us being able to take that trip.

But what you won't see coming, is that my friend Rosa Drell and I, from a suggestion from Scarecrow, are walking 125 miles over the course of the next 12 weeks along the Paumanok Path here on Long Island.  You can click HERE to read about where this is.  We bought ourselves some day packs, matching shirts with the trail logo, and decided this weekend we would attempt to begin this hike.

 We began our journey today ~ we were not sure of what we were in for... would we walk for the day and never want to go back? Would we walk our daily 3-4 miles and hate that it wasn't on the road? Would we even know where to go once in the dense woods?

None of that happened.  We were dropped off at the trail head in Rocky Point by our first trail angel, Scarecrow, and headed on our way.  We still were not sure how far we would make it, but Scarecrow said he would be in the area if we needed an emergency pick up.  We headed out, knowing we must follow the white blaze marks for the entire trail.  We had the best time, chatting it up, repeating many times, that we could not believe that WE were out hiking on this Saturday morning, and that my thruhiker hubby dropped us off.  He really wanted to be out there, hiking with us, but was mapping out our possible exit points for the day.

3 miles in and feeling great

Rosa and I walk daily, anywhere between 3-6 miles.  It is always on a road, so the distance and time usually fly by and we are happy to be done with an amazing walk workout. However, when we hit 3 miles today, we couldn't believe how different and wonderful this workout was. We both agreed that we felt like we could just walk all day, so we continued on.

We walked across fire roads, in the rain, through spider webs, under hanging caterpillars, and still continued to feel great.  I have heard Scarecrow talk of this trail for years now, and thought, yeah, that sounds like fun, FOR HIM.  I am in awe of how peaceful and beautiful the woods were, even with the rain, bugs, etc.  As we continued on, logging 4 and then 5 miles, we agreed, that we were hooked.  We were going to continue walking this trail, and not give up until we have reached Montauk.  This goal will take us for most weekends throughout the summer, and maybe even a few week days once I am finished with work for the year, in order to walk the 125 miles of the Paumanok Path.

5 miles and counting!

Trekking along, we could hear cars going by on a road we were about to approach.  Rosa looks up and says, "Isn't that your jeep?" Yes, it was.  Scarecrow was parked in an exit point that would have taken us 5.87 miles into our first day of hiking. He was looking ahead in a hiking book about our upcoming mileage.  He was doing the next best thing to hiking ~ being a trail angel to hikers.  Looking through his findings, we were confident that we could continue on for another 3+ miles to the next exit point.  The idea of us doing close to 9 miles was very exciting for ALL OF US!

crossing William Floyd Pkwy

We hiked on, excited to approach familiar territory as we crossed William Floyd Parkway.  As we entered the trail on the other side, Rosa yelled out, "Hey, there's Ted" - and sure enough, Scarecrow was walking towards us from the trail we were about to enter.  In true thruhiker form, probably chomping at the bit to get some hiking in, he parked at our next exit point and decided to meet us to walk the last 15-20 minutes of our day.  That part was awesome, as we were able to tell him how excited we were for this adventure to begin, and how happy we were to have taken him up on this suggestion.

We walked on, chatting, and ended up at Route 25, where my jeep was parked, waiting to scoop us up from our first day of hiking.




We completed 9.05 miles in just a minute under 3 hours.  Not bad for beginners! A map of our progress can be found here.

Stay tuned for posts about our journey... two beginner hikers, walking from Rocky Point to Montauk Point. A huge shout out to my thruhiker hubby, Scarecrow, for all of your help and guidance today.

9 miles total for today!!

Until next time,

Rosa & The Thruhiker's Wife

There's No Place Like Home...

After a few days in Steamboat Springs, the chores were finally done.  The Ski Haus was instrumental in helping the guys ship their bikes home and provide the best professional assistance to wrap up their trip.  So, after 32 days, the day finally arrived! The guys have made it home safely to their families, both arriving late last night into LaGuardia  airport.

As you can see, the Bernath boys were anxiously awaiting for their dad to arrive ~ great job on the posters, boys!!

MattyRedrock looked just as excited to see his family as he exited the plane.  Scarecrow has described in the past how wonderful it is to see your family anxiously awaiting your arrival after such an amazing experience.  The big smile on Matt's face confirms it.  Your wife and children are so proud of your accomplishment, and were your BIGGEST cheerleaders while you were out there pedaling on the Divide.

I am sure, they cannot wait to see all of your pictures, and hear all of the stories of your journey over the past month.




This picture captures yet another example of true love, support and teamwork among an amazing family.


The pride and happiness is overflowing from each of you! Welcome home, MattyRedRock! Take a much deserved rest, and begin to enjoy sharing your experiences with your family.  We are so proud of all of you!!!

And, this guy ~ Scarecrow...what can I say about you that you haven't already heard a million times? I am so very proud of you... of your drive, determination, and perseverance to achieve your goals.  When you set out on this adventure, you told me you were going to make sure that you and Matt had a great time, and to assure that MattyRedrock's once in a lifetime opportunity was a success.  Another goal was achieved.
Even though you had some experience under your feet before leaving, you told me you have learned so much from this trip and will use this for future adventures along the way.  I am sure, whatever you decide to tackle next, will be just as amazing, even more inspiring, and a wonderful journey that we will all look forward to following.

Teddy, you are a true inspiration to so many people ~ leading by example, of just going out there and living your life, creating goals, achieving them, and sharing your knowledge and experience with those around you.

"To be heroic is to be courageous enough to die for something; to be inspirational is to be crazy enough to live a little."
-Criss Jami, Venus in Arms


"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.  And then go and do that.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
-Harold Whitman

So, Matt & Ted's Excellent Adventure is over.  This concludes yet another chapter of Scarecrow's journey... but stay tuned as his love of adventure and list of dreams and goals to accomplish is far from over!  What next? Check back and see where he will be next...

With happiness, love and admiration for our guys,

Corinne &
The Thruhiker's Wife

A Few Days to Decompress...

After a 90 mile day, riding for 13 hours, the guys rolled into Steamboat Springs Wednesday afternoon.  This now being their final destination for this adventure, I am sure they were excited to just relax.  They logged a total of 1,664.8 miles along the Great Divide ~ WOW! That's awesome guys!

MattyRedrock was able to meet up with his uncle, who needless to say, was happy to greet him.

He is yet another trail angel along their journey, as he has put them up in his apartment for a few days until they fly home.  They secured flights back to NY for Saturday, so it leaves them a few days to wrap up some chores, like laundry, shipping their bikes home, and hopefully a shower or too before they come home to greet us!  I am hoping Scarecrow will revisit some of the great people and places he remembers from his CDT hike before he comes home.  Especially for our youngest trackers, Jimmy and Kiera Flynn, here is their CURRENT LOCATION

The guys are safe, happy and anxious to come home.  It's not usual for Scarecrow to be anywhere on his journey for days at a time, so he is anxious to be on his way.  We have been chatting over the past few days, and he is excited to meet our new addition "Luna" as well as relax a bit before returning to the daily grind of work.

This has been a wonderful, rigorous adventure for the guys ~ I cannot wait to see the rest of the pictures and hear your stories when you return home.  Safe flights for both of you ~ different flights into different airports!

Until Next Time,

Corinne & The Thruhiker's Wife

Follow the Yellow Brick Road...

Follow the Yellow Brick Road...

Scarecrow sent a late night picture, entitled "Follow the Yellow Brick Road", but wrote: although we didn't have to go down this trail, I thought it looked cool with the Aspens.  

As they approach their new final destination of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in a few days, I am sure they are getting anxious to come home, see their family and friends, and rest.  We are looking forward to greeting you upon your return.

MattyRedrock is looking forward to hanging for a bit in his old stomping grounds of Steamboat Springs, visiting with some family and friends, so we wish you the best visit while you are there.  Scarecrow will have a shorter visit, as he is hopping on a flight Saturday afternoon to arrive home late Saturday evening at LaGuardia.  Safe travels and happy times to both of you!

With over 1,630 miles behind them, they are still pedaling for a few more days.  Their last check in was HERE.  Although the final destination has changed, I am sure the adventure was worth it, and the memories they have made will last forever.  All who are following, are so very proud of the both of you for what you have accomplished.  Who can honestly say they and a friend just got on a bike and rode almost 1,700 miles across parts of our beautiful country in about a month's time.  Scarecrow and MattyRedrock can!

Looking forward to your last few days, and seeing you soon.

With pride and admiration,

Corinne & The Thruhiker's Wife

Late Night Check In...

Where hiker trash and biker trash get together...

 After spending the night in Rawlins, the guys had a late breakfast at Buck's Sports Grill before their day's journey.  Scarecrow had been here as well, so was excited to revisit for another great meal.  They met up with 8 CDT hikers which was pretty cool... they were heading north, so Scarecrow gave one hiker his bear spray to hopefully keep them safe with the high volume of bear sightings.  Another opportunity to spread some trail magic while you are out there!! Way to go!

quite the breakfast!

By the looks of the picture, it was probably better called a lunch rather than a breakfast... they were back on the trail by 1:00 pm, and rode a little over 40 miles today.  They are currently tent camping on the side of a dirt road for the night.  I certainly do NOT envy them!  They are on schedule to make it to Steamboat Springs by the end of the week.  Where are the guys right now? Click HERE to see their location.

Have a restful night, and know that we continue to pray for your safety, happy trails, and clear weather.  Thanks for the call, Scarecrow.

Until next time,

Corinne & The Thruhiker's Wife

A Revisit to Rawlins...

After an informative update from MattyRedrock on Corinne's FACEBOOK POST, they were safely through the wildfire area, and on their way to Rawlins, Wyoming.  The pictures they took around the Grand Tetons National Park were breathtaking,

but as Scarecrow captioned this one: it's not too clear because of the forest fires south of Jackson Hole. 

He sent a few pictures of their route heading out from Riverton into Jeffrey City, Wyoming.  Scarecrow said they had to do a huge reroute, so they traveled on roads, mostly due to the forest fires, and made up some really good time.  They traveled 80 miles out of Riverton, and were looking to make the whole 60 mile ride into Jeffrey City by yesterday.

They arrived into Jeffrey City, with not much to see or do, as it is considered a "ghost town" with only a church and a bar/restaurant called The Split Rock Cafe.  The guys ended up having the church as their sleeping quarters for the night.  While talking with Scarecrow on the phone, he said they slept in the basement, along with 2 cyclists and a walker who are traveling on the Trans Am Bike Trail.

First (Southern) Baptist Church, Jeffrey City, WY 

The guys got into talking with the gentleman who was walking the Trans American Trail ~ his name is Oliver, and he is from Slovenia.  Unlike the traditional cyclists who ride the trail with their belongings on their bikes, he is walking the 4,228 mile trail from Oregon to Virginia with all of his "stuff" in a baby stroller, 

MattyRedrock, Oliver, and Scarecrow

 Before Scarecrow parted ways with Oliver, he left all of his contact numbers with him, as Oliver is making his way up to New York upon completion of his trek, and plans to catch up with us then.  We can't wait, Oliver!  It will be great to hear of your journey, as I am SURE Scarecrow is already thinking about taking that trip in the future (on his bike, of course)

Split Rock Cafe

Before the guys set out on their trek to Rawlins, they stopped in to the bar/restaurant Split Rock Cafe to have breakfast.  With this being the only establishment around, I am hoping they had a hearty, delicious breakfast before they left.  As we can see, it is a popular stop for all of the cyclists passing through.  And there must be Oliver's stroller of supplies.

So, the guys rode 68 miles today and made it to Rawlins this evening, where they checked into the Rodeway Inn.  On their way to town, Scarecrow and MattyRedRock got the opportunity to stop in at the 3 Forks - Muddy Gap Service to get drinks, etc along the way.

Scarecrow had been here back when he hiked the CDT with very fond memories of some trail angels that assisted him on his journey.  To read about that awesome experience, please click HERE.

He had also signed his name back then on a light fixture, and today, he got to sign again, with "I'M BACK" and "RIDE THE DIVIDE '16"  It must have been such a cool feeling to return and see your name, Scarecrow!!

3 Forks Muddy Gap Service

Thank you, Scarecrow, for the awesome phone call with updates, stories, and laughs.  We are looking forward to seeing you, and hearing about your adventures with MattyRedrock along the Divide. Where are they now? Click HERE

We wish you safe travels, happy trails, and awesome adventures for your remaining days on the Great Divide. 

Until next time,

Corinne & The Thruhiker's Wife

Tick Tock, Tick Tock...

As Scarecrow and MattyRedrock pedal through our beautiful country, time is pedaling along with them.  As they sit at camp at night, reflecting on their day's accomplishments, and look ahead to the next day's journey, they are beginning to calculate days left against miles left.

via dreamstime.com

They have traveled approximately 1133 miles thus far, so there still remains about 1635 miles of the 2768 mile route.  In looking back on the description of the Ride the Divide bike route, it says: Typical times to ride the entire route range from six to ten weeks.

With MattyRedrock needing to be back to work by August 3rd, the guys have decided to conclude their "Excellent Adventure" in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  In speaking with Scarecrow yesterday, although this was not an easy decision, or one they really wanted to have as their ultimate outcome, it felt like a positive alternative to just seeing how far they could make it, knowing they would not make it to Antelope Wells, New Mexico.  Scarecrow explained that they basically took on a longer ride than they had time for.  They gave themselves 5 weeks for a 6 to 10 week ride.

via reddit.com

Ok, so why Steamboat Springs? Why will that be the new destination of Matt & Ted's Excellent Adventure? The amount of miles they are averaging, coupled with days they have left, will drop them in Steamboat Springs.  It couldn't have worked out better for MattyRedrock, as this is like a home away from home for him and Corinne.  It is where he landed his first gig in radio, as well as proposed to Corinne.  He has family, friends, and many fond memories in this town.  Scarecrow also has fond memories of Steamboat Springs, from when he hiked through there while on the CDT.  I looked back on the blog to remind myself why he loved it there ~ TAKE A LOOK and read up about his stop in Steamboat Springs, back in 2014.

Corinne and I have already expressed to the guys how proud we are of their accomplishments along this trip.  They set out on quite an adventure, through rain, speeding semi trucks, many flat tires, swarms of mosquitoes, beautiful scenery, meals around the camp fires, meeting new people from around the world, and the making of some pretty awesome memories that will last them a life time.  We are looking forward to hearing about their least leg of the trip as they approach Colorado.  We will keep you all posted as "Matt & Ted's Excellent Adventure" continues.

As a little side note, for those of you who are already asking in your heads... Yes, Scarecrow will return to Ride the Divide, as he is looking forward to revisiting all of his favorite places along the Divide, from the mountains up in Canada, down to the deserts in New Mexico.  I am thinking summer of 2018, but you will have to stay tuned to find out more.  Thank you to everyone, for your continued support, prayers, comments and love for our guys as they continue along their adventure.

Until next time,

Corinne & The Thruhiker's Wife

Safety Comes First

The guys are definitely taking in the beauty around them, and thankfully sharing it all with us.  MattyRedrock sent this picture yesterday, with a caption: Mt. Moran of the Tetons.  What I find really cool is the ice/snow in that mountain looks like a guitar ~ something both Scarecrow and MattyRedrock love.

He also texted: Coming up to a big climb this afternoon. 9000+ feet. Oof fah.  Crazy, but cool, right?!  

Later in the day, another update from MattyRedrock stated: We got pushed off of the trail to a town called Dubious due to active wildfires surrounding the trail where we are supposed to be.  Had to get a hotel tonight.  The fires are displacing the bears and wolves so camping danger was at a higher level.

Well, we are glad you decided to get a room!  We will continue to keep you both in our prayers for your safety and success during your trip. 

To see the latest check in, click HERE.  As you can see, they checked in a bit off the trail on the map.  Hopefully these fires will not deter them from their ride for too long!

Until next time,

Corinne & The Thruhiker's Wife

 

I Am Exactly Where I Am Supposed To Be

they made it to Wyoming!

Crossing the border into Wyoming was very exciting for the guys! Another state down, and closer to their destination.  Wyoming was a memorable state for Scarecrow while hiking on the CDT ~ it is where he hiked through the Wind River Range, and has stated, "It is the MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE I have ever seen on any of the three trails."  There are so many miles of "untouched" land that literally took his breath away.  Another highlight in Wyoming is the Grand Teton National Park.  Scarecrow has wanted to visit this park for the longest time, and did not get the chance while on the CDT in 2014.  He had hoped that while him and MattyRedrock were on the Divide, they would be able to go there.

a view of the Grand Tetons from Colter Bay Village

After spending the night in Colter Bay campgrounds last night, they awoke to this scenery, and were on their way.  From what Corinne and I can gather, this picture was taken by the Colter Bay Village Marina.  Thank you MattyRedrock for the beautiful picture. I am sure you are both excited to take it all in.

A few more pictures were sent from Scarecrow ~ I am not sure of what this first one is, other than the beauty surrounding them in this national park.

And, when the next picture came through, I had tears of joy for Teddy ~ he has finally made it to the Grand Tetons.  He and Matt look very happy, and I know that Scarecrow is celebrating inside and out to be here.  He posted on Facebook: "I'm exactly where I am supposed to be." YES YOU ARE, SCARECROW!

they made it!

I am so happy you were able to make it there, and fulfill a dream of yours that had been in the works for awhile.  Take lots of pictures, so now I can say we saw it too! (You know I will NEVER hike/bike to see this beautiful place)

Looking forward to hearing about your day there and see more pictures! ENJOY, be safe, and just keep pedaling! To see their latest check in, please click HERE

Until next time,
Corinne & The Thruhiker's Wife

I found my Shoes in a Tree!

As the guys headed South, Scarecrow was excited that the bike route was directing them through a town called Lima.  Scarecrow had hiked through this town back in 2014 while thruhiking the CDT.  He had fond memories of this little town, one reason being it was a mail drop for hikers along the trail.  The Mountain View Motel accepted packages and mail for the hikers along the CDT, as well as cyclists riding the Divide.  Many hikers had new shoes sent to them at this location, and it was tradition to leave your old pair on the "Hiker Shoe Trees".  Scarecrow had left his worn out Montrail hiking shoes there, and when he returned to the motel over this past weekend, he not only found his shoes, but met up with Mike, the owner, who remembered Scarecrow from two years ago!

"Hiker Shoe Trees, in honor of the shoes that have walked the Continental Divide Trail, 3100 miles border to border

That was a very happy moment for Scarecrow.  While at the motel, the guys took a room, so they could not only rest, but fix up their bikes.  Flat tires are frequent, due to the gravel, litter, and other roughness on their tires.

much needed bike repair!

While staying the night at the Mountain View Motel, Scarecrow and MattyRedrock ran into two CDT thruhikers that were tent camping for the night.  Scarecrow knew all too well what that was like, and decided to give some trail magic to these hikers.  He went to the front desk, asked if there was availability, and bought the hikers a room for the night.  He said it felt so good to be the one giving the "trail magic" as he had been the recipient on so many occasions in the past.  The tow hikers, one named "Knees" and the other named "Homework" were very appreciative and I am sure well rested by morning.

 Knees & Scarecrow

Scarecrow & Homework

While talking with the two thruhikers, I am sure Scarecrow shared his Triple Crown stories with the guys.  "Homework" actually recorded a podcast about Scarecrow and his achievements.  Pretty cool, heh?

The guys were very happy to have finally left Montana and enter into Idaho. It seemed like forever that they were in Montana!

Montana/Idaho border crossing!

This sign literally marks the border between the two states.  They will only be in Idaho for a short time, before crossing over into Wyoming.  They were expected to reach there as of yesterday.  Of course, they are meeting people from all over the world, including a family from France.  The wife of the family took this picture for the guys.  "Merci beaucoup!"  The guys also met a woman, driving her car through the area, and the license plates were from North Carolina.  She also had an AT sticker, so Scarecrow struck up conversation with her to find out that she is an AT thruhiker, and is a trail angel for hikers along the Appalachian Trail.  Forgive me for maybe misspelling it, but Scarecrow said her name was Rayen Bird.  Awesome stories of awesome people they are meeting along the way.

Scarecrow ended his update with me sending this picture.  The guys LOVE when they see signs like this, as it means DOWNHILL riding for them.

We wish for you a smooth, downhill ride for the remainder of your travels.  We remain so proud of all that the two of you are accomplishing on this trip.  We are all cheering and supporting you guys to your destination! To see where they last checked in, click HERE

Until next time,

Corinne & The Thruhiker's Wife