Thanks for asking about the garden plan for next spring. I spent some time looking at the layout again and I think we should move the tomato beds to the south side where they will get more direct sunlight. The soil there drains better too which should help with the root rot we saw last season. For herbs I am planning to put rosemary and thyme along the walkway because they are low maintenance and smell nice when you brush against them. The raised beds need to be rebuilt with cedar this time since the pine boards we used before rotted out after two seasons. I can pick up the lumber next weekend if you want to help me cut and assemble them. We should also add a drip irrigation system to save time on watering. I found a kit online that connects to the hose spigot and runs on a timer. It would cost about the same as replacing the soaker hoses but last much longer. Let me know if you want me to order it or if you have a different plan in mind.

I wanted to follow up on the hiking trip we discussed last week. I checked the trail conditions for the Cascade route and they are reporting moderate snowpack above 5000 feet so we will need microspikes and trekking poles for the upper section. The lower part of the trail should be clear by mid June. I reserved a campsite at the base for two nights which gives us a full day to summit and return. We will need to pack freeze dried meals for three dinners and two breakfasts plus snacks for the trail. I usually bring about three liters of water capacity and a filter for stream refills. There is a good water source about halfway up. Let me know if you want to split gear or if you need to borrow anything. I have an extra tent and stove if needed. We can finalize the gear list a week before we go.