The adventure continues...

"In true Kentucky fashion, we met at a Derby party." On the invitation of several friends, Austin walked right through Tara's front door, complimented the dress she was wearing, and when she responded that she had purchased it for $4, he knew that she was worth pursuing. A few days later when Tara informed Austin that she too has a special place in her heart for Garth Brooks, he knew that he had found "the one." One week later Austin left for sixty-two days in Europe, during which time they were forced to communicate via Skype and email. The distance was a challenge, but it allowed them to learn how well they communicate together. This early hurdle in their relationship served to forge their commitment to one another. The physical distance also drew them closer emotionally. The next 12 months included a backpacking trip in the mountains of Wyoming, a cross-country motorcycle trip from Texas to Kentucky, and a SCUBA adventure in Thailand. Though at times well outside of Tara's comfort zone, she willingly and excitedly subscribed to Austin's brand of adventure, without complaint or reservation. Those who know them, agree: Tara and Austin are not only perfectly-paired travel companions, but also perfectly-paired life companions. Ideal partners for life's adventures.

After 7 hours in the car, Tara just wanted to relax, enjoy a beer, and explore the quaint mountain town of Bryson City, NC. Austin had other plans. The ring was burning a hole through his pocket, so he insisted that they go for a hike in the mountains rather than be amongst the throngs of tourists in town. Tired, frustrated, and dare we say, "hangry," Tara begrudgingly got back into the car and they drove into the mountains...and a torrential thunderstorm. On a tip from a local, he steered the car up a curvy mountain two-lane guaranteed to be scenic. Along the serpentine road Austin, tried to keep the conversation light and cheery. Tara wasn't having it. Even the wildlife, which Tara would typically find enthralling, couldn't shake her from being "difficult." "Oh look at the deer with babies," Austin would point out. Nothing. "There's a flock of turkey!" he would exclaim. Silence. He began to second guess his decision to force the proposal. He began to second guess the proposal all together! Yet he knew that getting engaged was what they both wanted more than anything, so they drove on in the driving rain. The ring made from Memaw's wedding diamond continued to sear his thigh. "This will make a good story," he told himself. A few hairpin turns later, the rain let up and he spotted a scenic viewpoint on the side of the quiet highway, overlooking the foggy Tuckasegee River below, so he veered the car into the small parking lot. "Good enough." Stepping out to take in the view, his potential bride-to-be was reluctant to end her tantrum. Eventually she relented and joined him at the view point. As she began explaining herself, Austin dropped to one knee and produced the diamond engagement ring that he had had made for her. Tara's face was priceless, as she went from upset to over-the-moon instantaneously. Tearfully, she said "Yes!" Later, they discovered that they had gotten engaged on what the locals refer to as the "Road to Nowhere."