We went back and forth on trails for the weekend and I think we finally settled on the loop around Pine Ridge. It's about six miles with moderate elevation and there's a lake about halfway where we can stop for a break. I checked the weather and it looks like mild temperatures with a slight chance of drizzle late afternoon so we should bring a light jacket and maybe a spare pair of socks. The parking area at the trailhead has limited spots so we should aim to arrive before eight if we want a good spot. I can drive if you want since my car has more room for gear and snacks. We should also decide whether we want to cook at the campground afterwards or just grab something on the way back. I think a few people are bringing their own lunches already but we can coordinate on that later this week. Let me know if that sounds good or if you had a different route in mind. I mapped out a couple alternatives if that one feels too long.

I read the book you mentioned last week and I think I understand why you liked it so much. The pacing in the second half really picks up and the way the author weaves the backstory through the present timeline is done well. I had a bit of trouble with the first few chapters though because the world-building takes a while to settle in. Once the main character leaves the village and meets thetraveling merchant the story opens up considerably. I can see why you said it reminded you of that other novel we discussed last spring. There is a similar attention to landscape and weather that makes the setting feel like its own character. I highlighted a few passages where the descriptive writing really stood out. The chapter about the festival was my favorite. I would be curious to know what you thought about the ending. I have mixed feelings about it myself. I might re-read the last section this weekend to see if my perspective shifts. Either way I am glad you recommended it.