Adventure Awaits!

John and I met the old-fashion way via the Internet. We both were just hoping to find someone with a career and some type of personality. And did we both hit the jackpot! John was a breath of fresh air with his warm, elusive smile and gentle eyes. I had encountered my fair share of Tahoe Ski Bums, and none offered the stability of a long term relationship. After our first date, I knew, and John as well, if Summit did not approve, it was Game Over. John packed dog treats in his pockets on our second date to ensure he would win Summit over in the first five minutes of meeting. Summit was so enamored with John that even to this day, John is Summit's bestest friend.

The best way to know if you are meant to be with someone is to be trapped in a car for ten or more hours driving. We were ambitious enough to do a two-week road trip three months into our relationship that involved very few showers and hotel stays. We had a fabulous time! We cooked various camp foods and enjoyed the starry nights. We enjoyed the sites of the National Parks, hiked the popular trails, and discovered the off-the-beaten-path gems. We both discovered a kindred passion for exploration and adventure. This has been the cornerstone of our relationship. We both enjoy travel and seeing new sites! And after two weeks of solid one-on-one time, we knew we had found our person.

On our big adventure for 2019, we decided on an RV trip through Alaska. We planned on four National Parks and more than 1,000 miles of travel through the gorgeous and scenic landscape of the state. We were about halfway through our trip when John suggested we check out Matanuska Glacier just outside of Palmer, Alaska. The entrance fee was $30 per person and I jokingly said we better get our money's worth. Matanuska Glacier offered us the freedom to explore on our own along the designated coned paths. We both were amazed at the glacier and were absorbed with soaking in the beauty with cameras. Then things got weird, except I didn't read too much into it. John suggested we take a photo together. This was the first weird request as John hates having photos taken of himself. Then John suggests I use my tripod for the photo rather than a selfie. Ok, that was weird suggestion number two. Finally, John removed his backpack. I asked him "why remove it; your back will be to the camera?" He said he just didn't want it in the photo. Ok, stop being weird but whatever take off the pack. I set the 10-second timer and went running, on ice, in my yak traks. John reached out for me, I figured he was helping prevent me from falling. Then he started to go down towards the ground and I assumed I had knocked him over. That's when it hit me... John had gone down on one knee on purpose to PROPOSE!! I don't remember anything that was said, everything blurred around us, as we were absorbed in the moment. Misty eyed, John asked and I, through tears, said Yes!! John told me he chose the glacier because it was our third glacier in three different countries. It couldn't have been more perfect for us and our story. Alaska will always hold a special place in our hearts and we hope to make more trips up there. And I totally got my money's worth!