On Sunday, September 4 at 6:45 PM, Amy and I became engaged. We’ve spent an amazing year together, and we couldn’t be happier. Details haven’t been set yet, but stay tuned to the wedding page for the latest news.

The long story begins with our Labor Day Weekend vacation to Madeline Island. We had decided months ago to do some camping there at Big Bay State Park, where we hoped to enjoy beautiful hiking, kayaking, and bear-sighting. When I first reserved the campground, I though it would be great to have a walk-in site, and of course I had to get those most remote location. As the trip approached, I started to get a bit anxious. Walk-in site?! What was I thinking? Despite our best intentions, we don’t pack light. Thinking of hauling everything but the kitchen sink to and from the campground had me wishing we had opted for a hotel or drive in site. Alas, Amy talked me down, and we got ready for the trip.

Despite Amy’s morning sickness (not that kind, calm down) on the day we left, we got packed up and hit the road in good time. The drive up was pretty and uneventful. The weather was cool but nice. I was shocked to find that round trip ferry service from Bayfield to Madeline Island was about $20 for the Protegé and $10 for each of us. Arriving at our campsite, my anxiety was shortly relieved. The site wasn’t that far away, and it was wonderfully secluded and set back from the main trail. We were unpacked and set up in no time. Best of all, there were two perfect trees from which to hang my hammock.

We then commenced in enjoying our long weekend. After getting a few forgotten supplies in town, we spent the late afternoon hiking around the park. It was dark by the time we arrived back at our campground, so we built a fire, cooked burgers over my new camping stove, enjoyed the evening and retired early. It was a bit chilly that evening yet perfect for outdoor sleeping.

On Saturday, we biked around the island. Biking seemed really popular around the area, but I can’t imagine why. There are no offroad trails, and the few streets are miles and miles long and straight with little variation in the scenery. I don’t recommend it. It would certainly be more fun on a scooter, easily rented in La Pointe (the only town on Madeline Island). That afternoon we drove back to La Pointe and walked around, stopping for margaritas at Tom’s Burned Down Bar (very fun place) and appetizers at the Beach Club (very nice looking place with horrible food and service).

In search of a kayaking adventure, we ferried to Bayfield on Sunday morning to see what we could get ourselves in to. Trek & Trail seemed like the most professional, thorough outfit by far, and we decided to sign up for their “full day” sea caves tour on Monday. That left us with the morning and early afternoon to explore and relax in Bayfield. I was perfectly happy to sip espresso and wrestle with the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle. After browsing art, antiques, and books, we headed back to the campground for a nap on the hammock. Paradise.

After our nap, we decided to go for another hike. Listen up, because here’s where it gets good. Instead of hiking shoes and bug spray, we opted for bare feet and sunscreen while wading and bouldering through the shallow water of the rocky shore line. We started at the gorgeous hidden beach we discovered on Friday night, and made our way around the coast. The clear water and rocky scenery around the park were just gorgeous. The rocks were polished smooth and cut sharp. The water was ice cold but felt great as we waded up to waist deep around the rocks.

When we arrived on the on the rocky precipice from which we had begun our hike, the sun was beginning to set. I knew it was time. I led Amy to the end of the jutting rock, dropped to my knee and said, “Will you marry me?”

“Are you sure?!”

“Of course!”

“Yes!”

Then she wet her pants. That yes was actually exclaimed and whispered all at once, so I asked to hear it again. That amazing moment… this amazing year. I love you Amy!

Barf, I know. Anyway, enjoyed a nice romantic dinner in town afterwards, and then Amy proceeded to just beat me at darts - our first game in our pre-betrothed state. Our kayaking yen was finally sated the next day, when we joined the Sea Caves tour from Trek & Trail. That was a lot of fun, despite getting stung by a bee on the beach. Over the next week, we gradually let our friends and family in on the news. They seem almost as exited as we are!