Why the hiatus?

It's been almost 9 months since my first and only post. Why such a long hiatus?

4 days after my first blog post for The Hike Life,
Michael proposed. 

The beautiful solitaire diamond ring on a chocolate covered espresso bean.

He proposed at Village Coffee in Troy, Alabama, where we first met and had our first date over 5 years ago. He told me we were going to a "family get together" last minute on Friday evening. I was a little annoyed to be told at such late notice. I just had to make something to bring because I just couldn't show up empty handed! He tried to talk me out of it, but I just wouldn't listen. So, he went along with it. We spent a few hours making cornbread salad (his family's favorite, and a little bit of an inside joke within the family). The next morning, I was exhausted.
But we left on our way to Troy at 8 a.m.

We get to Troy, and he wants to stop and get some coffee. I said, "Ok. Well, I'm going to wait in the car. I don't want any." He sweet talked me into going in with him. I huffed and got out of the car. He ordered and it took a few minutes for his order to be done.

As we were walking out to leave, he said my name. I turned around and saw Michael on one knee and then I saw his coffee cup with a chocolate covered espresso bean...and a ring on it. All I could do was cry in happiness. And had to sit down because I felt like my legs were about to give out! We hugged for a long time...and then I hear his cousin Paula say, "I hope that means yes!" He had her record the whole proposal.

Our Engagement Announcement (in today's local paper)

So that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I have been gone for a long time. I have been wedding planning since March! It's been "fun", but I am so beyond ready for the planning to be over. On January 4, we will be husband and wife and I could not be happier. It's very much cliche, but he is my best friend and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with him...which is the biggest adventure of them all :)

After the wedding and our lives begin to settle, we will begin hiking again. We talked today about how much we miss it and cannot wait to start!

-Where would you like to see us go?-

Think weekend trips for the time being. (North Florida, Central-South Alabama, Southwest Georgia)

We look forward to hearing from you!

-Mel & Michael

thehikelife@gmail.com