Hiking Log – Anniversary

Hiking Log – Anniversary

This is part 21 of excerpts from the trail log which was located on a New York portion of the Appalachian trail. For the post which explains this series, click here.  Each new edition includes a quote from a hiker, along with this writer’s insight into what the person might have meant. Your interpretation may be different!

Following is my selection of this week’s thoughts of a hiker.

9-30-18

This is where my wife proposed to me – 30 years ago 

Last week’s edition of this series was written by a hiker about the love of his life. My interpretation of that hiker’s words were that he might have been planning to propose to his love. And that if he did, and she said “yes,” he would be back to write about it.

This week’s words need no interpretation. The hiker’s wife proposed to him on this trail 30 years ago. And evidently he said yes, as they are back on the trail again decades later (and he drew a heart with both their names in it, which I can’t replicate here).

But the question that comes to my mind this time, is “how?” How did this proposal happen? Sometime in September 1988, a man and woman went for a hike down the Appalachian Trail. At that time of year, the air would have been a bit cooler than the humid summer. It was probably a very comfortable and beautiful Fall day. Perhaps the couple was walking hand in hand.

The woods in this area provide countless spots for a perfect marriage proposal. There are plenty of large rocks available that would be right for sitting on (and kneeling next to). In addition, there are ponds which would make a picturesque spot. And within just a few minutes of the trail log are the Fitzgerald Falls, which would provide quite a nice backdrop for a proposal. Or the moment could have occurred right in the middle of the wooded trail, as the wind rustled leaves above, and beams of sunshine highlighted the excitement in her eyes. So in terms of the exact location of this proposal, it could have happened just about anywhere.

And in addition to the “where,” I wonder about the “how.” Was this proposal planned in minute detail (a picnic lunch in the backpack that perhaps contained a card with words that asked the question)? Or maybe this was a spur of the moment, “Oh my God, I love this man and want to be with him forever!” Did she grab his hand, look in his eyes, and say “Marry Me!”? Or were they sitting down, and talking and the conversation just segued into the rest of their lives?

Inquiring minds want to know, but these are questions that will remain unanswered. What we know is that on this trail, three decades ago, a woman asked a man for his hand in marriage. He said “Yes!” and years later they returned to the spot of their romantic moment. And then I came upon their words and shared them with you.

Spending time in nature can lead to wonderful things.