we can start preparing the soil this weekend if the weather holds up. i already picked up some compost from the local nursery and got a bag of organic fertilizer. the raised beds need to be weeded first and then we can lay down fresh soil. i was thinking we could plant tomatoes along the back row since they get the most sunlight and then put the herbs closer to the front for easy access. basil and rosemary should do well in this climate. we might also want to consider adding a small drip irrigation system so we don't have to water by hand every day. i found a kit online that connects right to the hose and it covers about fifty feet of garden space. let me know if you have time to help dig out the weeds before sunday.

also we should pick up some mulch to put around the base of the plants once they are in the ground. that will help keep the moisture in and cut down on weeds. i saw a good deal on cedar mulch at the hardware store last week. if we split the cost it will be pretty reasonable. the tomato cages i have from last year are still in decent shape so we can reuse those. i think we have everything we need to get started.

HARBOR FREIGHT

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the route i mapped out takes us through the coastal highway for most of the drive which should give us some nice views along the way. we can stop at that diner around lunchtime if you want. they have really good burgers and milkshakes from what i remember. total drive time is about six hours with stops factored in. i already checked and the car is good on oil and tire pressure so we should be fine. we just need to pack some snacks and water for the ride. i was thinking we leave around seven in the morning so we get there before dark. the place we are staying has a kitchen so we can cook dinner a couple nights and save some money. bring a jacket because it gets cool near the water in the evening.

also i looked up a few hiking trails near the cabin and there is one that goes along the ridge with a view of the lake. it is about three miles round trip and rated moderate. we should bring good walking shoes and a water bottle. the forecast looks clear for the weekend so we should have great weather. let me know if you want to stop anywhere else along the way or if you have any food preferences for the dinners we cook.