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 began planning their first big trip together, a circumnavigation of Lake Superior by sea kayak. Neither of them had kayaked before and it offered a great opportunity to learn a new skill as well as build and strengthen their relationship. After over 70 days on the water they were even happier than when they started. Taking this as a good sign they decided marriage was a good next step. They figured that if your relationship can survive the test of twelve hundred wet, cold, tiring miles then it should withstand the test of time. They were married in December of 2009 and planning a thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.