Cassandra & Brian
Cassandra & Brian
Our Story
September 26, 2020
We met on the Superior Hiking Trail, which runs from Duluth to the Canadian Border in Minnesota. Cassandra stumbled onto Brian and his best friend, Dan, her second night hiking solo on the trail. Her first impression was that they were chattier, slower (in terms of daily mileage), and more rule-abiding (very concerned that she pitched her tent under their bear bag), but she quickly grew to appreciate their wit, gear prowess, and camaraderie.
We ended up hiking or camping at the same sites off and on for almost two weeks, including a memorable last night together at Section 13 campsite, where we pitched our three tents in a row on a hill (to avoid the guy with growling dogs) and stayed up laughing, talking, and stargazing well into the evening.
Cassandra went home thinking about Brian and hoping he might be ready to date some day, and fortunately Brian caught up a couple weeks later and realized that she was actually a woman (not just another hiker) and that he had a crush on her too!
First Date December 2020
Our first date was 11 days long (!!) due to distance and COVID, and of course Cassandra wanted to show Brian Point Reyes. The Tomales Point Trail was extra blustery that day, but we managed to see Tulle Elk, climb trees, and enjoy the stormy seas all the same.
Third Date March 2021
Brian tries to convince Cassandra that snow isn't all bad, sharing his hometown and taking her cross country skiing and snowshoeing at a cabin near the Superior Hiking Trail. She loves meeting his family and friends, is impressed by how active everyone is despite the cold, but remains convinced that winter should be an option, not a requirement.
Fourth Date April 2021
In both of our elements on this date - backpacking the Lost Coast Trail in Northern California, a beautiful adventure where Brian impressed Cassandra with his tide navigation, homemade backpack pad thai, and campfire building. In return, she shared her love of skinny dipping (or chunky dunking), game playing during harder/rockier sections of the hike, and finding eccentric lodging complete with loft bed and DIY hot tub post-hike.
Moving to Inverness October 2021
Cassandra makes unexpected decision to sell her house and move to Inverness - with Brian's blessing - and rather than her coming to Wisconsin/Minnesota for a fall colors visit, Brian returns to CA to help her pack up and move. Hot sweaty work, but cleaned up for great last dinner in Oakland together.
Moving in Together March 2022
Brian and Dan drive out in a U-Haul full of Brian's things - bikes, kayak, tools, and more types of wood-working machines (table saws, etc.) than Cassandra knew existed. Good thing as it turns out the new house needs lots of work, and Brian begins putting his imprint on it, adding a wood shop, garden beds, and a library. He also masters the outdoor pizza oven and turns Thanksgiving into a two-day affair with the Friday pizza day becoming even more popular than Thursday's turkey fest.
The Proposal September, 26 2023
On the third anniversary of meeting, Brian surprises Cassandra by turning the walkway to house and living room into the Hazel campsite where we first met. After a lovely anniversary dinner, Brian asks Cassandra to open the bear canister where he's hidden the proposal - beginning the path to the wonderful celebration we are looking forward to having with all of you in June.