Yeah I finally tried that sourdough starter method you recommended last week. It took a few days to get the fermentation right but the first loaf came out with a nice crust and airy crumb. I fed the starter twice daily as you suggested and kept it in the warm corner of the kitchen. The dough handled really well during shaping and the scoring opened up beautifully in the oven. I used a mix of bread flour and whole wheat which gave it a slightly nutty flavor. Next time I want to experiment with adding some rosemary and sea salt on top before baking. The overnight cold proof in the fridge made a big difference in the flavor development. I also picked up a banneton basket which helped maintain the shape during the final rise. I will bring you a loaf when I come over this weekend so you can taste the results.

I also tried the Dutch oven method at 475 degrees with the lid on for the first 25 minutes then uncovered for another 20. The steam from the covered pot gave it that nice shiny crust. I think the hydration level was around 78 percent which made the dough slightly sticky but manageable with wet hands. The crumb structure was open and irregular which is exactly what I was aiming for.

I ended up taking the scenic route along the river trail last Saturday like we discussed. The weather held up nicely and the path was mostly dry except for a few muddy patches near the bridge. I saw a great blue heron standing in the shallow water near the bend which was a nice surprise. The entire loop took about three hours with a few stops to take in the views. I packed a simple lunch and ate at the picnic table overlooking the meadow. The wildflowers are starting to bloom now so the whole area looks vibrant. I noticed the park installed new signage along the route which makes navigation much easier. I will probably go back again next month when the foliage peaks. If you want to join next time just let me know and we can plan a morning start to avoid the afternoon heat. I also stopped by the visitor center and picked up a trail map that shows some of the connecting paths I haven't explored yet. There is a shorter loop that runs about two miles and a longer one that extends to nearly five miles depending on your preference. I think the moderate pace worked well and the elevation gain was gentle enough for a relaxed outing. I will send you the GPS track I recorded so you can see the exact route we would take.