I've never been the strongest planner in the world, so it was no surprise that the weekend trip I planned to propose in Asheville, North Carolina ended up coinciding with the 2021 gas shortage... remember that? Anyway, I wasn't about to let that stop me from popping the question, so we proceeded as if everything was fine. We relaxed at our Air B&B, had nights out on the town, hiked small trails... all while watching the gas gauge slowly approaching "E". By morning on the third day, things were starting to look dire. Thankfully, Kat tracked down a gas-finder app that had exploded in popularity during that week (Kudos to the developers who capitalized on that). We were in luck! One gas station had gas within 5 miles of it, and only a 2 hour wait! We rushed to get ready and made our way to the gas station. We waited in the line, anxiously hoping they wouldn't run out before we got to the pump, knowing full well this was our only shot. If this fell through, not only would the proposal be ruined, we would have been stranded! The relief I felt as I put the nozzle into our tank and gas came flowing out was immense. The trip was saved! I promptly drove us up to the HIGHEST mountain in North Carolina and we began hiking. I was keeping my eye out for the perfect spot, and just as the sun started to set, I spied it; A clearing that overlooked the mountain range... Well actually she spied it as a great overlook and I figured it would be a great spot! The view was breath taking. Trees and rivers twisting on as far as the eye could see. The brilliant spectrum of colors from the setting sun made it look like a painting. Satisfied with the view, I got down on my knee, presented the ring, and asked Kat to be my partner for the rest of our lives. ...and the rest is history! We overcame the gas shortage and hiked the highest mountain in NC. Sure, there a couple taller mountains around, but I figured they were in bordering states. Thank you all for coming to celebrate our partnership as Kat and I prepare to ascend to even greater heights together.