I finally got a chance to check out that trail you recommended last month. Honestly, it was even better than I expected. The weather was perfect, not too hot, and the trees provided just enough shade. We packed a light lunch and found this little clearing near the top with a view of the whole valley. I ended up taking way too many photos, but none of them really capture how peaceful it was out there. Your directions were spot on, by the way. We almost missed the turnoff, but we saw the little marker you mentioned. It took us about two hours to reach the summit, but we were taking our time and stopping to look at the wildflowers. There were these tiny blue ones growing right out of the rocks, which I thought was pretty amazing. We didn't see any deer, but we did hear some rustling in the bushes that we convinced ourselves was a bear. It was probably just a squirrel, but it added a little thrill to the hike. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for the suggestion. It was exactly what I needed to reset after a busy week. We're already planning to go back next month, maybe try the longer loop you said connects to it on the north side. I'll let you know how it goes!

You asked about my sourdough starter, so here's the update. It's alive and actually thriving, which still surprises me every time I see it bubble up. I named it 'Breadley Cooper' and I'm way too attached to it at this point. My first few loaves were pretty sad, honestly. They came out flat and dense, more like a hockey puck than bread. But I kept at it, adjusted my hydration, and started paying closer attention to the temperature in my kitchen. It makes such a huge difference. I finally got a decent ear on my last bake, and the crumb was airy and had those nice little holes you see on Instagram. I was so excited I texted a photo to everyone in my family. They're probably tired of seeing bread pictures, but I don't even care. The process is just so satisfying. You mix flour and water, you wait, and somehow it turns into this beautiful, crusty loaf. I'm dropping a loaf off at your place tomorrow, so you can finally be the judge. Fair warning, I'm trying a new recipe with some roasted garlic and rosemary mixed in, so if it's terrible, at least you know I'm still learning. Can't wait to hear what you think!