Matt and Hannah met during the winter of 2008 and formed a relationship based on outdoor adventure. Their connection grew stronger during many ice climbing and snowshoeing trips. As winter drew to an end Matt left Houghton to attempt a thruhike of the Appalachian Trail, leaving Hannah behind. After Matt’s departure they quickly realized how important their relationship was and began making plans. Hannah visited the trail and hiked for over three weeks before having to return to Houghton for work. During this time they covered nearly 400 miles and hiked across the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania. After Completing the trail in early July Matt headed back to Michigan and joined Hannah in her work with the Great Lakes Center for Exotic Species. They adopted a puppy together and decided that another large scale adventure was in order. Lake Superior was right out their back door and seemed like the perfect venue for the trip of a lifetime.