A Bridge of Weir man undertaking a six-month hike across America is feeling on top of the world after proposing to his girlfriend at a mountainous national park.
We previously reported in April how Chris Murphy was set to embark on his journey along the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile-long hiking and equestrian trail that stretches from the US-Mexico border to the US-Canada border.
The 32-year-old is now more than halfway through the massive hike, with his 29-year-old brother Jack now accompanying him for the second part of the journey.
Recently, the pair were briefly reunited with their partners Kayleigh and Tania, as well as their parents Billy and Catherine, at Yosemite National Park, in California.
Chris' romantic marriage proposal took place during the group's visit to Glacier Point, an overlook that provides a spectacular view of Yosemite Valley.
Catherine told The Gazette: "We sourced the ring for Christopher and took it over to the US with us, so it was a complete surprise for Kayleigh.
"He proposed at sunset and couldn't have picked a nicer place to do it.
"There's a big mountain called Half Dome that was orange and the scenery was just breathtaking."
Chris, a seasoned hiker, has spent many years preparing for this six-month trip, which involves dealing with extreme weather conditions, difficult terrain and dangerous wildlife.
READ MORE: Adventurer to take on hazardous six-month hike for charity
Catherine said: "Christopher and Jack have got very understanding fiancées that will give them the time to do these kinds of things.
"Unfortunately, they've had to change routes and miss out the Sierra section of the journey because there's too much snow.
"They recently finished Oregon and are now in Washington, but there's a lot of forest fires there right now so they've had to take a 70-mile detour."
The pair's cousin Laura Mitchell will join them next week to hike in Washington with them.
The brothers are planning to complete the Sierra region during the last leg of the trip, which they hope to complete by mid-October.
Chris is also using the challenge as an opportunity to raise funds for Diabetes UK, as Jack has type-1 diabetes.
Catherine added: "They are doing extremely well but, as a mother, I'm just concerned with all the dangers.
"Obviously there's the fires and extreme heat, and then the cold at night. Jack has got to keep his insulin cool but also make sure it doesn't freeze at night, so there are lots of different things to think about.
"They haven't seen a bear yet. I'm hoping they see a bear, but from a distance."
To show your support for Chris' fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/page/2650miles.
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