We're getting married!

A note written by Amanda upon returning to camp after the proposal... We camped at Rock Creek Lake for two days. On Tuesday, we got up early to hike the Morgan Pass that is a part of John Muir's Wilderness. Sean and Timbo both told us that this place would be unreal. A series of multiple picturesque lakes to hike to. We got there at 7AM and hiked for about three hours in. Saw vibrant wildflowers, so much greenery and beautiful snow melt. Magical fairies could have popped out at any moment. On our way back, Tim and I walked over to a cascading waterfall that flowed into Heart Lake. He put some Go-To beers in the water to chill for us. He told me to jump into the icy water with him. I thought yeah right, but somehow he convinced me--not surprising. I dunked my head underwater and was completely shocked by the cold. When I caught my breath, Tim said, "Look, I found something!" He proposed with the same ring that his Dad proposed to his Mom with. I was speechless and immediately started crying tears of overwhelming happiness. He put the ring on my finger and I jumped on him. I didn't even say Yes until we got out of the lake, I was in such shock. Nothing could have been more perfect. Now we are headed to Mammoth Brewery to celebrate!

The year was 2006, and Amanda and I were living in the dorms at San Francisco State University. Tim came to visit from Santa Cruz, as we all did a lot, weaving through highway 17, to see our high school friends we loved so dearly. I can’t recall what happened on those exact visits, but I know they met, and the stars were beginning to align. I do remember having an inkling that these two rare, unique, weird, exceptional creatures were going to have some sort of journey ahead of them. It wasn’t until Amanda came home to San Diego with me sometime in June 2007 - for a famed “Lutchination” party (if you know, you know…) Through the neon flashing lights, the fog, and Daft Punk beating in the background, they shared their first kiss. The timing was finally right, and the journey began. Tim had found his queen. The visits to and from Santa Cruz became more frequent over the years, and no matter how much distance was between them, the love was never lost. Their dedication to traveling to see each other, even across oceans, to spend a few spectacular moments with the person they love, was really something. To be totally honest, it has been one of the most remarkable things I’ve gotten to witness in this little life. Through all the trials and tribulations life throws at us in our 20’s, they’ve grown together with kindness, laughter, and curiosity. They’re never bored, they’re never boring. They keep their friends and family near and dear while remaining partners. That’s the thing about Tim and Amanda - they have a friendship under the base of everything. If we know anything about these two, it’s that a celebration of this love will be the party of a lifetime. And not to speak for everyone, but I know we just can’t wait.