Mt. LeConte Love Story

6/23/2011

I awoke this morning to a dull, gray sky and raindrops on my window. I thought to myself today is the day to tell the love story. We need a bright spot in the day.

John joined us in March of 2010. He hiked up the mountain expecting to find adventure and finish hiking the 900 miles in the park.

Bonnie joined us in May of 2010. She was excited about a new job in the great outdoors. This opportunity would give her a chance to spend her time off hiking and exploring the mountain.

They quickly realized how much they loved hiking together, plus Bonnie was the only one fast enough to keep up with John on the trail.

They decided to return for a second season on LeConte crew. This would give them more time to spend in this great national park we call home. John was so excited for Bonnie to see Gregory Bald and the Flame Azaleas. He planned to take her up there to see the beauty. They went for a hike this past Saturday, which by the way was the peak. While on the mountain, John asked Bonnie to marry him.

This photo was taken by John Northrup.

Bonnie on top of Gregory Bald

In case you are wondering, she said YES!!!!

Congratulations John and Bonnie!! We could not be more happy for the two of you.

Permelia Ehle

6/23/2011 02:17:53 am

Thank you for sharing your year on the mountain and your love story. I have always wanted to go to Mt. LeConte, but have not been able to. Your blog has brought the mountain to me and I am thrilled. Much happiness to you both in your life together. <3

Jan

6/23/2011 02:49:39 am

Thanks for sharing! The mountains are full of love stories!

Juanita

6/23/2011 03:44:09 am

Oh what a lovely and romantic tale. Best wishes to the love birds. I hope they enjoy their marriage as much as I have enjoyed each of my three! LOL!

Rose

6/23/2011 04:12:45 am

What a sweet, sweet story. Thank you for sharing and congratulations to you John and Bonnie!

Kris

6/23/2011 04:16:06 am

Now that is a great story!!!!!

Cynthia Pennington Lowery link

6/23/2011 04:22:55 am

What a beautiful story of your friendship,love of nature,that has grown into a loving relationship,God has truly blessed you both.
Best Wishes to you both for a wonderful,happy,healthy & joyous life together. May you both always remember it was God's wonderful nature & your love for hiking & being in natures majesty that sparked it all....."God Bless you both"

Cynthia Pennington Lowery of Cosby,TN.

Jeanie & Pat

6/23/2011 05:16:39 am

Well, you have definitely brightened up my day. The weather here is cloudy and rainy as well. Congratulations John and Bonnie!!! We are so excited for you both. I agree with Cynthia, God has truly blessed you. It's so fun to be married to your best friend and share the things you love!
We love you both and will see you in September! Tell everyone hello for us!

Karen

6/23/2011 05:38:01 am

Congratulations, John and Bonnie! I've been watching on here every day for the last week for grand announcement. Best wishes!

Scott

6/23/2011 05:46:02 am

I have always liked John especially since he hiked up the mountain with the sink strapped to his back. He has an infectious smile I think.Congratulations to you both.Thats a wonderful story.

Jacque J

6/23/2011 07:02:34 am

Congratulations to John and Bonnie! I love that story. What a beautiful place to get engaged!

Connie Houk

6/23/2011 09:01:45 am

Awww....what a great love story...love combined with the beautiful Smoky Mountains with John's photo skills and writing throw in...I see the making of a great book.

Galen

6/23/2011 09:55:45 am

Great story! Congratulations!

Scott & Terri

6/23/2011 02:07:56 pm

Congratulations, John and Bonnie! We were fortunate enough to meet you in April when we day hiked to the lodge, and we wish the lucky couple many happy memories and all of the love in the world.

Scott
U of M Class of '84

Mary

6/24/2011 12:03:44 am

Congratulations to John and Bonnie, a beautiful story in on a beautiful mountaintop. Best wishes to you both. See you all in another week, staying at the Lodge on July 3rd. I can't wait, hopefully this year I won't break a toe the night before the hike up!

Sandra link

6/24/2011 01:16:39 am

Best wishes, John & Bonnie! What a wonderful way to start out. I hope you have many, many happy years together!

Tim @ Appalachia & Beyond link

6/24/2011 02:25:06 am

That is an awesome story. Congrats to John and Bonnie. May you both have a long and happy life together.

Pat M

6/24/2011 03:29:19 am

Congratulations and Best Wishes John and Bonnie! What a wonderful story! May you have a long and happy life together.

Pat

Wes

6/24/2011 06:12:41 am

This is such a great story! It gave me such a warm feeling reading it, its amazing how Nature has a powerful way of drawing to people together. Congratulations you two! I wish ya'll many more seasons up on the mount and a long and prosperous life as one.

Jeanette Meyer

6/24/2011 07:22:22 am

Here's a prequel to the "LeConte Love Story" .......

Over 30 years ago Aunt Jeanette ( John's Aunt) was introduced to the Smoky Mts. by dear friends and has vacationed there every year since, bringing along more family and friends. Most trips took place in the Spring. What a wonderful way to welcome in Spring by spending Springtime in the Smokies. Before Jeanette & Tom were married, Tom also fell in love with the mountains, a feeling that has called them back every year and just can't be explained or understood to others with words only. Then Jeanette's sister, Pat, & Dick married and spent their honeymoon in the Smokies, 31 years ago. The family enjoyed hiking to Mt. LeConte thru the years several times and on one of the earlier trips, Pat even hiked up pregnant with John. Our family and John have hiked many trails and his great love of the mountains called him back after he graduated from college to follow his dreams of hiking, photography, and even finding the lady of his dreams.
May God Bless John & Bonnie always!

Love, Aunt Jeanette & Uncle Tom

Lee Lewis

6/24/2011 11:44:47 am

John,
Congratulations...I always said that mountain would change you....little did I know how much. tell your dad hello. Lee

Pat N.

6/25/2011 12:21:00 pm

Congratulations, son John and beautiful daughter-in-law-to-be Bonnie. Glad we were able to spend a little time in the mountains celebrating with you. God has blessed us with such beauty, and the mountains continue to call us back. We are thankful that part of His plan was to have your paths/trails cross. All our love to both of you, and thanks again, crew, for making our LeConte experience a memorable one.
Love, Mom, Dad, and Bart

Guy

6/27/2011 02:35:21 am

John! You are the man!

Aunt Diane

6/27/2011 04:53:00 am

Hey John and Bonnie: Thanks for the call to share your great news! I knew it would happen soon! Weddings in the family are so much more fun than other happenings we have experienced the past few years..and looks like we have been blessed to have another very special couple planning to tie the big knot! Just be sure to fill me in on all the details before you share with anyone else. I would like the priviledge of screaming for Bonnie! Oh so cool.....
Yippee and hugs to both! Love you! Aunt Diane and Uncle Dave

Cori

6/27/2011 06:36:51 pm

I'm so happy for the both you! Falling in love on LeConte says it all!

Dee Stephens link

6/29/2011 06:32:22 am

What a cool story!! So glad you guys met and share the same passion for the mountains and hiking!

Patti Peacher

7/1/2012 11:30:38 am

My husband, Ron Miller, is very interested in contacting John Northrup regarding a photograph he took at the Jumpoff. Ron is a botanist, writing a paper for the Journal of the American Rhododendron Society, and would love to use one of John's photos in his paper. He believes that the Smokies' plant is another species. Ron's email is rhodokiller@cox.net.

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