Thanks for asking about the trail conditions at Mount Rainier. I was just up there last weekend and the Skyline Trail is mostly clear but there are still some snow patches near the top around Panorama Point. I would definitely bring trekking poles and microspikes just in case. The wildflowers are starting to bloom at the lower elevations which is always a treat. We started at Paradise around 7am and the parking lot was already filling up so getting there early is key. The weather held up pretty well until about 2pm when the usual afternoon clouds rolled in. I think you will have a great time if you go next week just prepare for variable conditions and pack extra layers. The Nisqually Vista loop is a good shorter option if you want something less demanding. Let me know if you need more specific route details.

I read that book you recommended and I have been meaning to share my thoughts on it. The pacing in the middle section did drag a bit for me but the character development was really well done especially for the main protagonist. I think the author did a great job building tension through the descriptions of the setting. I would be curious to hear what you thought about the ending because I found it a little ambiguous although I know some readers prefer that kind of open interpretation. Have you read anything else by the same author I am thinking of picking up another one of their works. The way they handle dialogue feels natural and unforced which is harder to find than you might expect. Anyway let me know if you want to borrow my copy or if you want to discuss it over coffee sometime.