For that moment in time, they moved forward. Together, they explored the coastal redwoods along a highway perched over an ocean. They frolicked through vast fields of wildflowers.
They combined experiences and skills they learned along the way to enrich each others'. He shared fire building techniques, and she shared cooking techniques. They shared stories of failure and triumph.
Together they created feasts fit for royalty, enjoying them in the majesty of the great outdoors. Cast iron pots bubbled with a rich stew - slices of tender beef simmering in a hearty brown hayashi sauce. Pans were used to fire roast vegetables, eggs, and sausage. All were engulfed by the smoke of the burning wood, introducing a flavor that can only be had when cooking on an open fire outside. The great redwoods peered down at the pair and smiled.
Soon, pots and pans were empty and bellies full. They smiled and took their last bites of stew.
They continued onward, for there was a storm brewing on the horizon. Deep within, a strange feeling was beginning to claw it's way out of the young man. What was this feeling? The quickly approaching fork in the road haunted his subconscious, but he was concocting a plan.