Hey there, I finally got around to starting that new hiking trail everyone has been talking about. It winds through a really dense patch of old forest and opens up to a clearing that looks out over the entire valley. I was not prepared for how steep the first mile was, but after that it leveled out nicely. I ended up packing way too much water and not enough snacks, so by the time I finished I was starving. A friend suggested I try a different route next time that connects to a small lake halfway up. Apparently there is a spot where you can see turtles sunning themselves on fallen logs if you are quiet enough. I think I will bring a proper lunch and make a whole day of it next Saturday. The weather should be cooler by then anyway, which makes the climb so much easier on the knees. Let me know if you want to join, I can pick you up early so we beat the crowds.