Ironically we are ending our publication of the "Love is in the Air" contest with the very first entry I received. Maybe this isn't the typical romantic movie popping the question scenario but it sure is appropriate for a couple who love outdoor recreation!

Tim and Andy moments after she said "Yes!"

I moved to Virginia in August 2011, after spending all of my life in Pennsylvania.  After 4 long months, my boyfriend, Tim, was finally able to join me in Richmond, VA.  Together again, we started exploring our new state, and absolutely fell in love with the beautiful state parks- each had something special to offer.  One of our favorite pastimes to do together is geocaching, and we loved the fact that VA state parks embraced the sport.  

We visited several state parks during our first year in VA, and took part in the trail quest and VSP geocaching programs.  We are fortunate to have Pocahontas State Park nearly in our backyard, and have spent countless hours exploring the huge park, geocaching and hiking and spending time together. 

In late June of 2013, Tim and I were out on one of our normal weekend jaunts, grabbing geocaches and hiking around Beaver Lake in Pocahontas (on one of our favorite trails).  It was hot and humid, of course, and I had literally rolled out of bed that morning when Tim suggested that we go do some hiking; it is a good thing that there were not many people around, as I was one hot mess!  

I just had returned the "A Vicious Bear" geocache to the stump that it was hidden in, when I turned around and found Tim on one knee, with a beautiful blue sapphire engagement ring in his hand!  He totally caught me off guard, and I just started crying.  He had to "pop" the question three times until I was able to calm down enough to give him my answer- a resounding YES!  Pocahontas Park was one of our favorites to begin with, for its size and variety of recreational activities that it offers.  But it is even more special to us now, as the place where we committed our lives to one another.

Thank you Andy for sharing your story!