We looked into the hiking trail options near Mount Rainier. The Skyline Trail Loop is about 5.5 miles and offers views of wildflowers and glaciers. You should bring at least two liters of water and start early to avoid afternoon crowds. The parking lot fills up by 8 a.m. on weekends. I would recommend the Panorama Point side trip if you have extra energy. It adds about 1.5 miles but the 360-degree view is worth it. The trail is well-maintained but there are some steep sections near the top. Trekking poles help on the descent. Also check the park website for any trail closures before you go. Let me know if you want to carpool. I can drive if we leave by 6 a.m. Saturday. You might want to pack a rain jacket even if the forecast looks clear because weather changes fast. I'll bring sandwiches and snacks for a lunch break at the peak.

One more thing: the visitor center has maps and ranger-led programs if you're interested. They also rent bear canisters for overnight trips. For a day hike you just need a daypack. Make sure your boots are broken in to avoid blisters. I'll text you the gear list later this week.
AAA
Peace of mind on every mile

Your AAA Courtesy Roadside Kit Is Now Available

Eligible residents in your locality are being offered a roadside support kit because of where you live. The kit is provided at no charge to qualified households as part of a regional safety program.

You will not be billed for the kit, and no payment is required for eligible recipients. Supplies are allocated per program limits.
Get Your Courtesy Kit

What Your Kit Includes

- Jumper cables (12-foot, heavy-duty)
- Emergency LED flashlight with batteries
- Reflective hazard triangle kit (3-pack)
- Safety vest (Hi-Vis ANSI Class 2)
- Tire pressure gauge with LED
- First aid kit (30-piece supplies)
- Reusable emergency blanket (mylar)
- Multi-tool with knife, pliers, screwdriver
- Heavy-duty tow strap (20ft, 10,000 lb)
- Window breaker / seatbelt cutter tool
- Work gloves (leather palm, knit wrist)
- Duct tape (10yd roll) and zip ties
- Water-resistant storage bag
- AAA Roadside assistance guide booklet

Program supplies are limited - once allocated, this offer may not be available.

Thank you for being a valued resident in your community. This program reflects AAA's commitment to safe travel.
About the book club meeting next Thursday. We agreed on the third chapter of Cloud Cuckoo Land through page 142. I thought the shifting timelines were a bit confusing at first but it came together in the end. Sarah made a suggestion to focus on the library scene for discussion since it ties the stories together. We should each come with one question about how setting influences character decisions. Also bring a snack to share if you can - I'll bring a cheese plate. The library community room is available from 6:30 to 8:30. Let me know if you need directions. I have the key so let me know if you need it earlier. Also check your email for the discussion guide I sent last week. It has a few quotes marked for analysis. Looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts. It should be a lively conversation.

One more detail: we are rotating books quarterly and the next pick is historical non-fiction. Final votes will be collected after this meeting. If you want to suggest something, bring a brief overview of your recommendation with a page count. Usually the group prefers books under 400 pages. Let me know if you have questions.