June 20, 2026

We met while hiking — fitting for two people who love being outdoors. In February 2021, Jeana was on a three-month work contract in Tennessee and spent nearly every free moment exploring new trails. One weekend, she set out to hike Window Cliffs, not realizing there were nine creek crossings — eighteen total out and back! That same day, Dustin was hiking Window Cliffs with his son, Dillon, and his friend, Brian. At the beginning of their hike, he'd told Brian how he’d love to meet someone while doing something he loved — like hiking. A few creek crossings later, that wish started to come true. A few crossings into the hike, Jeana encountered Dustin, Dillon, and Brian, and asked where the best place to cross was. We kept running into each other at every crossing after that, until eventually, Jeana joined the back of the group for the rest of the hike. We chatted along the way, learned we were both nature enthusiasts, and said we’d hike together again sometime. Jeana wasn’t sure that would actually happen — but Dustin was persistent (in the best way). After a few missed attempts, we ended up on the same group hike one weekend and spent the day laughing, exploring, and realizing how easy it felt to be around each other. From there, we hiked together several more times before Jeana’s contract ended and she was off interviewing and living the wandering life all over. Between a few coincidences and Dustin’s gentle determination, life had a way of bringing her back to Middle Tennessee — this time, for good. One hike turned into another, and before long, we realized we’d found both our favorite trail partner and our place to belong. ❤️