The following is a true account of a certain summer afternoon in 2017: Seeking cool water to escape the heat, Adam and I found ourselves deep in a Tennessee gorge. We had moved across the country twice the year before, (from Colorado to Montana, then to Tennessee), and welcomed any opportunity to “be on the move” in a natural environment, rather than in a Uhaul. I led sometimes. Sometimes Adam was ahead. Sometimes, we were right there together, side by side. Eventually, we both realized that our fun, quick, summer hike had morphed into something much greater than we had anticipated. We carried no sustenance. We started talking less and focusing more on our footwork, making sure not to slip. Around dusk, seven hours into what would become a twelve-hour journey, I started to notice my inner monologue and tried to convince myself not to think about how long it might take for us to perish. Eventually, we devised an escape plan and although in our hypoglycemic malaise we didn’t think we could do it, summit the mountain we did. It was dark by then, but the full moon shone through the trees to light our way. “At least we’re together,” we said…(“And we’ll die together,” I remember thinking.) After an entire day without seeing any sign of life, we hiked through the forest and finally heard a car. We flagged someone down and borrowed her phone. Adam’s dad came to the rescue and that was it. Blackened by soot, famished by twenty miles, exhilarated by adrenaline, we made it out of the woods together (relatively) unscathed. Adam and I now know that exploring new territory can be scary and exciting. Throughout our marriage, we will acquire the essential gear. Most importantly, we are counting on you, our friends and family, to help us create our “map” to navigate unforeseen circumstances. With your help, we will be prepared for this trek. There are more waterfalls to jump in, rocks to climb and fish to catch. Our greatest adventure awaits.