In January of 2021 Allyson and Jon met as people do these days on a dating App (Hinge to be specific). Though Jon "liked" Allyson's profile first she made him swoon when she messaged him the following simple pick up line: "JONATHAN!!!" Maybe it was the all caps and three exclamation marks or maybe it was the fact that she boasted about her middle school saxophone playing once Jon told her about the numerous bands he'd been in, but for whatever reason Jon asked her out for drinks within a few days of messaging. Only a few weeks into dating, Allyson let Jon know she had big plans to head out west and thru-hike the PCT in just a few short months. Without pause Jon said he was there to support her in preparing for the big adventure. By March they were officially in a relationship but it wasn't until Jon helped Allyson pack up her life from grad school in Boone and travel home to New York that they decided to try long distance while she traveled out west. 4 months and 4 days of Allyson backpacking meant all the communication they could have was a Garmin text or two a night and a phone call from a trail town once a week but they made it work. By the time Allyson finished in late September, they were so ready to be reunited. Jon even came out west to pick her up from the northern terminus in Washington! With Allyson moving back to Boone, the two were glad to be in the same spot again. Now, two and a half years later, they've been with each other through various adventures and changes including new jobs, new apartments, welcoming in their 30's, and more. Jon's proposal on Rough Ridge hiking trail was perfect this summer- a warm August night with the sunset and no one else around. They dined on strawberries, half a can of Pringles, and champagne to commemorate the moment. And now, as they look towards their future they are so excited to celebrate with family and friends near and far this October!