I finally made it out to the trail last weekend and it was exactly what I needed. The weather held up and the views at the summit were incredible. We started early around seven and the air was still cool. The path wound through a dense forest for the first couple miles and then opened up into these wide meadows with wildflowers everywhere. I brought along a simple lunch and just sat on a rock for about an hour taking it all in. The descent was a bit harder on the knees but totally worth it. I have been trying to get outside more this year and this was a good reminder of why I love it. Already looking forward to the next one. A friend suggested trying a different route next time that connects to a ridge with even better views. I might attempt that one next month when the weather cools off a bit. There is something about being out there that resets my whole outlook. The silence between the wind through the pines is really something else.

I just finished reading that novel you mentioned and I have to say it really grew on me. The first few chapters felt a bit slow but once the story shifted perspective everything clicked. The main character voice was so distinct and the setting felt almost like another character in itself. There were a few moments where I had to put the book down and just think about what I had read. The ending surprised me which does not happen often anymore. I am planning to pick up the author earlier work next. Let me know if you want to borrow my copy or if you have come across anything else worth reading lately. I have also been getting into some non-fiction lately which is unusual for me. Found a great book about urban gardening that is surprisingly engaging. The writer has a really accessible style and I learned a lot about soil health and companion planting. It inspired me to try growing tomatoes and herbs on my balcony this summer. Already have a few seedlings started and they are doing well so far.