As Adam & I set off on our cross-country move from Philadelphia to the Bay Area in summer of 2022, we decided to take a month-long detour across Canada. Many friends traveled to join us along the way & made it the trip of a lifetime.

One of the highlights was a backcountry backpacking trip in Jasper National Park. Little did I know, Adam was carrying an engagement ring in his backpack! He planned to propose at a scenic mountain pass along the trail.

Our journey to the proposal spot was filled with mishaps nearly every step of the way. We hauled over downed tree logs, waded across rivers, crashed through thorny thickets, endured constant mosquito assault, & got lost several times. Our fellowship of resilient & chronically optimistic hikers tackled each obstacle head-on.

After an arduous day of hauling our packs up a steep incline, we finally arrived at the mountain pass & the moment everyone had been waiting for--well, almost. Adam asked me how I was feeling. Exhausted, bug-bitten, injured, & feeling some altitude sickness, I candidly (& perhaps dramatically) answered, "I don't think I've ever felt worse in my entire life." Realizing that this might not be the ideal time, Adam decided against asking his next question & he postponed the proposal. Only a few moments later, a wolverine charged at our group! Luckily, our panicked yelps scared it off & we made a quick escape.

Adam carried the ring off the trail in its box & waited for his next opportunity. The time came on July 25, 2022 at the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park. I was in a much better state of mind after a few days of recovery & a mountaintop dinner. Adam proposed at the summit & a passerby helped capture the moment.