View Full Version : I would like your opinions please...
Buster Martin
06-05-2009, 12:05
First, I'd like to apologize for jumping into the women's section since I'm not a woman. :eek: Second, the reason I'm here is because this is the women's section and that's who I need opinions from...women. So, if you're willing to overlook the fact that I'm a guy (and that this doesn't involve the AT), I'd really appreciate some input please. ;)
You see, I'm looking to propose to my girlfriend soon, and we are planning an upcoming hike to the Adirondacks in New York. Neither of us have been there before but we go hiking together frequently (we both really enjoy it). We are planning on hiking Mount Marcy over two days, and I was planning on proposing on the summit (weather permitting). The views are supposed to be great there as I'm sure many of you know.
I had considered other options, but it seems that most people try the restaurant idea, romantic trip to another country idea, a public event idea, etc. so in a way it's all too ordinary even though it's not at all ordinary. The reason I like the hike idea is that it can be scenic (and therefore romantic despite the sweat) and will really catch her by surprise because she would be too focused on the hike and/or the view to really expect it.
Does this sound like a good idea from a woman's point of view? Would you like this type of proposal? I only ask because we are both going to be tired and sweaty (which isn't romantic) but the view is one of the best in the eastern US (which can be romantic). What do you think?
Thank you all for any input you can provide!
Does she like hiking? Is it a long hike? I think if she likes hiking and it is a reasonable distance for her, it would be very romantic. However, if she has never hiked or doesn't enjoy hiking or if it is too long a trip, it might not be a good idea. Oops, I see that she does like hiking.. so ignore that question...
Buster Martin
06-05-2009, 14:03
Does she like hiking? Is it a long hike? I think if she likes hiking and it is a reasonable distance for her, it would be very romantic. However, if she has never hiked or doesn't enjoy hiking or if it is too long a trip, it might not be a good idea. Oops, I see that she does like hiking.. so ignore that question...
Thanks for replying...I know you said to ignore the question, but I wanted to add that she is excited for this trip and indeed looking forward to it!
saimyoji
06-05-2009, 16:00
If you do it, do it all the way. Haul up the champagne, cheese & crackers, caviar, chocolate strawberries, whatever. Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
viridian
06-05-2009, 16:08
I think that's a fabulous idea, since it's something that you both enjoy doing together. You'll be alone on the top of a mountain with breathtaking views. There's nothing much more unique/romantic than that.
Have her take her time getting to the top, and make sure she's not carrying too heavy of a load. She's going to need a lot of energy for the excitement of a proposal.
Hauling up an extra special treat like chocolate covered strawberries would also be super sweet. It doesn't matter if you don't have them, though, as long as you have the ring. ;)
sounds like a great idea, i hope she doesn't read wb, might be a spoiled surprise
Buster Martin
06-05-2009, 16:13
If you do it, do it all the way. Haul up the champagne, cheese & crackers, caviar, chocolate strawberries, whatever. Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
I think that's a fabulous idea, since it's something that you both enjoy doing together. You'll be alone on the top of a mountain with breathtaking views. There's nothing much more unique/romantic than that.
Have her take her time getting to the top, and make sure she's not carrying too heavy of a load. She's going to need a lot of energy for the excitement of a proposal.
Hauling up an extra special treat like chocolate covered strawberries would also be super sweet. It doesn't matter if you don't have them, though, as long as you have the ring. ;)
I would love to bring all those extra goodies...and had thought about that. However, the problem I run into is that she would surely notice that stuff in my pack since we are doing a 2 day and camping in between. I wish there was some way to still bring that stuff and surprise her. :-?
Buzz_Lightfoot
06-05-2009, 16:32
One thing to be aware of, the high peaks region sees a lot of hikers. I'm fairly certain that there is a quota system for Marcy hikers. I'm not 100% sure however. Check into it before going. I would hate for your moment to be ruined because you cannot get a permit to summit! :eek:
BL
Pokey2006
06-05-2009, 16:44
Lots of guys propose on hikes. Didn't one of the Bush daughters get proposed to on a hike??? If you both enjoy hiking, it's a wonderful idea!
Instead of hauling up all that stuff, maybe just one small bottle of champagne. Or even a couple of those single-serve wine bottles. Should be easy enough to hide those. You could also plan to take her out for a romantic dinner AFTER the proposal to celebrate.
As a girl, I would prefer being proposed to on top of a mountain than in a restaurant. It would be much more memorable. And in the future, you have a great place to go back to and reminisce. Restaurants close, but mountains will always be there.
Good luck, hope it goes well.
Buster Martin
06-05-2009, 16:59
One thing to be aware of, the high peaks region sees a lot of hikers. I'm fairly certain that there is a quota system for Marcy hikers. I'm not 100% sure however. Check into it before going. I would hate for your moment to be ruined because you cannot get a permit to summit! :eek:
BL
Good idea...I hadn't thought about a permit type of deal. As for the crowds, we are going to arrive Wed. night and start hiking on Thurs. morning to avoid crowds. If the weather doesn't cooperate we can still go on Fri or Sat before we "have to" head back because of work.
Buster Martin
06-05-2009, 17:01
Lots of guys propose on hikes. Didn't one of the Bush daughters get proposed to on a hike??? If you both enjoy hiking, it's a wonderful idea!
Instead of hauling up all that stuff, maybe just one small bottle of champagne. Or even a couple of those single-serve wine bottles. Should be easy enough to hide those. You could also plan to take her out for a romantic dinner AFTER the proposal to celebrate.
As a girl, I would prefer being proposed to on top of a mountain than in a restaurant. It would be much more memorable. And in the future, you have a great place to go back to and reminisce. Restaurants close, but mountains will always be there.
Good luck, hope it goes well.
I think the romantic dinner might not be a bad idea...a lot more possible than keeping the champagne or wine hidden and cold overnight.
Many Walks
06-05-2009, 17:16
Now if you had a REALLY GOOD FRIEND who would be willing to haul all the good stuff up for you and meet at a predetermined point and time to hand it off, it would substantially elevate the surprise value. If that person was a REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD FRIEND they might also be willing to set up a nice blanket with everything laid out, serve the champagne, then bug out leaving you both to enjoy it in private. Just thoughts...wish you the best! I'm sure we'd all like to hear how it went afterward.
Blissful
06-05-2009, 20:47
I'd supplement it with a nice picnic, etc. and a red rose (you can get one made of satin). :)
viridian
06-05-2009, 23:42
Now if you had a REALLY GOOD FRIEND who would be willing to haul all the good stuff up for you and meet at a predetermined point and time to hand it off, it would substantially elevate the surprise value. If that person was a REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD FRIEND they might also be willing to set up a nice blanket with everything laid out, serve the champagne, then bug out leaving you both to enjoy it in private. Just thoughts...wish you the best! I'm sure we'd all like to hear how it went afterward.
Jeez, I'd do that for you! (although it may cost you ;)) But like I said, as long as you remember to bring the ring, all that other stuffs not necessary. It'll be memorable either way. :)
lorichka6
06-06-2009, 16:18
I'd be willing to help. I'm a 46er and hike up there frequently. When I finished my 46 a friend carried a bottle of champagne for my friend and I who were both finishing - its doable. Were you planning on making Marcy itself into a 2 day hike...? One other thing, I'm not aware of # limits for the summit of Marcy but if you are expecting any alone time up there, I wouldn't count on it. Even on a Thursday I would assume there would be lots of people on the summit.
Let me know if you'd like a hand lugging some of that stuff up there. As long as I get some chocolate or something for my efforts I'd be happy to help :)
YoungMoose
06-06-2009, 17:37
Theres a mountian right across from marcy. it can easily be made into a 2 day trip. But its called pitchfork if im correct. Its about a 3 hour hike to the top. at the top you can see everything. you can also see the top of marcy. It is almost always empty up there. But when you get to the top theres a cave and the cave leads to a little notch on the side of a shear cliff. its really cool. you should try to look into that if you dont want to see other people
lorichka6
06-08-2009, 22:26
But its called pitchfork if im correct.
I'm guessing you mean Haystack :) ? Maybe there is a Pitchfork mountain, but I've never heard of it...
Haystack is a really nice hike too. Its also a bald summit and very close to Marcy so there is a nice view from its summit. Skylight, also very near both Haystack and Marcy, is a nice hike.
kayak karl
06-08-2009, 22:40
you better be RIGHT about this, because if your not, it will be a long, i mean loooooong walk down.:D
wish you the best
KK
le loupe
06-08-2009, 22:41
One thing to be aware of, the high peaks region sees a lot of hikers. I'm fairly certain that there is a quota system for Marcy hikers. I'm not 100% sure however. Check into it before going. I would hate for your moment to be ruined because you cannot get a permit to summit! :eek:
BL
there is no permit required here
only caveat i can see is camping at marcy dam. There are 4 lean-tos that are first come/first served.
Camping here would cut the round trip to Marcy and back to 10 miles. Very doable- no to sweaty or tired when it comes proposal time. You could leave everything here (there is a ranger) save for your day pack of "essentials" (champagne, ring, etc)
I would love to bring all those extra goodies...and had thought about that. However, the problem I run into is that she would surely notice that stuff in my pack since we are doing a 2 day and camping in between. I wish there was some way to still bring that stuff and surprise her. :-?
bring it anyway, she'll still act surprised.
Buster Martin
06-08-2009, 23:59
I'd be willing to help. I'm a 46er and hike up there frequently. When I finished my 46 a friend carried a bottle of champagne for my friend and I who were both finishing - its doable. Were you planning on making Marcy itself into a 2 day hike...? One other thing, I'm not aware of # limits for the summit of Marcy but if you are expecting any alone time up there, I wouldn't count on it. Even on a Thursday I would assume there would be lots of people on the summit.
Let me know if you'd like a hand lugging some of that stuff up there. As long as I get some chocolate or something for my efforts I'd be happy to help :)
Lorichka...thank you very much for the offer! I'll consider it and if I decide to take you up on that I'll shoot you a PM to discuss further.
And to answer your question, yes, we were planning on doing a 2 day hike (weather permitting). We were going to do a relatively easy 3 miles in and camp (based on a camping suggestion on http://www.highpeaksclimbing.com/ADKS/Marcy/MarcyRoute001.htm). The next day we'd tackle the rest of the hike up and back down.
Ladytrekker
06-13-2009, 13:22
Absolutely it will make a great memory, and you do not need anything other than the right words, a ring and her. I would do something silly like put the ring box in a small dry bag or something hiking related.
ShoelessWanderer
06-17-2009, 18:24
Jeez, I'd do that for you! (although it may cost you ;)) But like I said, as long as you remember to bring the ring, all that other stuffs not necessary. It'll be memorable either way. :)
You wouldn't even necessarily need the ring. Get a gum ball machine one to propose with and give her the real one of a nice romantic dinner back in town. That a way you don't risk losing the diamond.
Buster Martin
08-13-2009, 13:57
I know it's a little late since this question was originally asked, but I wanted to give an update and some thanks to everyone who chimed in with thoughts, suggestions, and/or offers for assistance. I really appreciate it!!!
Basically, we made the hike (despite some not-so-great weather) and got very near the summit (within probably 1/5 mile). However, due to the non-stop rain, wind, and fog, coupled with the bare, wet, slick rocks, my girlfriend was having a mild anxiety attack and couldn't make it the rest of the way. It was the first time she ever ran into that, and it got the best of her. Regardless, I still proposed about a half-mile from the summit in a torrential rain and wind storm. She was taken completely by surprise, and when she realized what was happening she did say yes! :-)
It was a wonderful trip, an awesome experience, and very memorable. I don't think I've ever seen her that happy like I did the days following the proposal. Thanks again to everyone! Oh, and if you want to see some pictures, go to this page from my site: http://www.bustermartin101.com/2009/vanhoevenbergtrailmountmarcyny0626_06272009.
Buster Martin
08-13-2009, 13:59
EDIT: my post should have said "within probably 1/2 mile" -- it was a typo and I'm not sure how to edit. Also, we both agree that we'll be going back to complete the hike...only this time in better weather. :sun
I know it's a little late since this question was originally asked, but I wanted to give an update and some thanks to everyone who chimed in with thoughts, suggestions, and/or offers for assistance. I really appreciate it!!!
Basically, we made the hike (despite some not-so-great weather) and got very near the summit (within probably 1/5 mile). However, due to the non-stop rain, wind, and fog, coupled with the bare, wet, slick rocks, my girlfriend was having a mild anxiety attack and couldn't make it the rest of the way. It was the first time she ever ran into that, and it got the best of her. Regardless, I still proposed about a half-mile from the summit in a torrential rain and wind storm. She was taken completely by surprise, and when she realized what was happening she did say yes! :-)
It was a wonderful trip, an awesome experience, and very memorable. I don't think I've ever seen her that happy like I did the days following the proposal. Thanks again to everyone! Oh, and if you want to see some pictures, go to this page from my site: http://www.bustermartin101.com/2009/vanhoevenbergtrailmountmarcyny0626_06272009.
Blissful
08-13-2009, 14:37
Congratulations!!
Many Walks
08-13-2009, 15:11
You can always take her to the summit on a clear day with a bottle of champagne to celebrate the first attempt. Congrats!
JessieRvnsmk
08-13-2009, 15:58
Great post! Congrats!
Frick Frack
08-13-2009, 16:35
Sorry to intrude on the Women's Forum. I had a similar experience. I put the ring and a split of Champagne in a dry bag and we hiked to the top of Springer (where we married as well). I distracted her and descretely wrote her a proposal in the register (the one in the rock). I put the register back in the rock along with the ring and asked her to check out the register. You can imagine her surprise when she opened the register and found the ring then read my entry. I then pulled out the bubbly. It was awesome! Everytime I'm on that mountain now I'm overwelmed with emotion.
My handwriting looks a 3rd grader because I was so happy I was shaking & could barely write.
I think it is a great idea! I hope she will fond of it!
I asked my gal on top of the chimneys in the Smokys, she loved it and I liked the fact that no cell service so we had the moment together without her calling everyone or the such....she ha to wait till we got back into Gatlinburg to make her calls.:p
ShoelessWanderer
08-20-2009, 15:16
She'll have even fonder memories because it wasn't perfect! That's one of those stories she'll be eager to tell the grandkids.
Rhapsodist
10-25-2009, 20:27
If you propose to her when she is all sweaty and smelly she'll know that you really love her. haha. good luck!
Jan LiteShoe
10-25-2009, 20:30
If you do it, do it all the way. Haul up the champagne, cheese & crackers, caviar, chocolate strawberries, whatever. Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
Definitely chocolate.
:)