I finally made it out to the trailhead near Pine Ridge yesterday morning. The weather was absolutely perfect, not a cloud in the sky and just a slight breeze. We started the climb around 8 AM and the forest was so quiet. About halfway up, Xyj2Z0LB2kqdK we spotted a family of deer crossing the path ahead of us. It was one of those moments where you just have to stop and take it all in. The view from the summit was breathtaking, rolling hills covered in green with a tiny lake shimmering in the distance. We packed a simple lunch of sandwiches and fruit, and just sat there for an hour talking and laughing. The hike down was a bit tough on the knees, but totally worth it. I saw a guy trail running with his dog, and the dog splashed right into a muddy puddle and came out looking like a completely different animal. It was hilarious. I'm already planning the next one, maybe try the Ridge Trail loop next weekend.

So I finally tried making sourdough bread from scratch last week. I found this really simple starter recipe online that just uses flour and water. You have to feed it every day for about a week before it's ready to use. It felt a bit like having a pet, honestly. The first loaf was a total disaster, it came out flat and dense like a brick. But I tried again the next weekend, and this time I let it rise overnight in a warm spot by the window. The crust came out perfectly golden and crackly, and the inside was soft with those beautiful airy holes. I brought it to a small get-together at my friend's place and it disappeared within minutes. Everyone kept asking for the recipe. I think I might try adding some rosemary and sea salt to the next batch, or maybe some cinnamon and raisins for a sweet version. It's such a satisfying process, definitely worth the patience and the flour.