It was a couple of months ago that I joined my boyfriend on a pretty long drive from Minnesota, to Phoenix, AZ. We drove through South Dakota, stopping along the way to see his brother and parents who were visiting, then drove through a snow storm in Nebraska AND Colorado (not fun when you’re driving a Camaro), and we also stopped at Arches National Park for a day to hike and explore. See a few photos from that hike here. We also hiked Camelback Mountain on that trip. Both hikes were very difficult, but so rewarding! 

Then this last week I went back to Phoenix, and we drove to Tucson to hike the Saguaro National Park, at 104 degrees. If you’re saying “It’s dry heat” right now, I’ll just tell you it doesn’t matter when it 104. It was HOT. But I went for it anyways, because the feeling I get when I’m done doing a hike is pretty awesome, and I had great company. 

Let’s just stop and talk about the saguaros. Did you know they only grow in the Sonoran desert? Aren’t they beautiful? They have a relatively long lifespan, often exceeding 150 years. All those arms you are seeing? Takes years to start growing those. They have to be about 15 feet tall, and around 75 years old! Truly fascinating! 

Back to our hike, it was 104 degrees, but we pushed through thinking we would find the famous falls, however, by time we reached the location we realized they were completely dry. It was still beautiful though, and we sat under this big tree, and took it all in. Such a good feeling to reach your destination. 

Then my boyfriend started saying some really sweet things, got down on one knee, and made me the happiest woman alive! He proposed, and I said YES! No, I don’t know when the wedding will be, I don’t have a date, and don’t know who will be the photographer… But I’m super excited to marry this man who’s a true Prince Charming!