Hi Sarah, just following up on your question about the hiking trip next month. I looked at the trail maps for the Cascade Ridge area and the moderate route seems best for everyone's skill level. The total distance is about 6 miles with 1200 feet elevation gain, so we should plan for a 4-hour hike plus breaks. I can bring my portable stove and we can stop at the summit for hot tea. Parking requires a Northwest Forest Pass which we can split. Let me know if you want to carpool. My vehicle has room for four people plus gear. Also, if anyone has dietary restrictions for the picnic afterward, please let me know by Thursday so I can adjust the menu. I'm thinking of packing sandwiches, fruit, and some granola bars. We should leave by 7 AM to avoid the midday heat and crowds. The forecast currently shows partly cloudy with a low chance of rain. I'll send a final gear list tomorrow.

Additionally, if anyone wants to camp overnight, we can reserve a site at the Pine Grove Campground near the trailhead. They have six spots left for that weekend. Let me know your preference.
AAA
Roadside Support. Every Mile.

You Are Eligible for the AAA Courtesy Roadside Kit

Residents in your region receive this kit through a partnership with local transportation authorities. It is provided at no charge to eligible residents as part of a community preparedness program.

This bundle is designed to help you stay safe if you experience a roadside issue. The kit is covered by the program for residents in your area, and you will not be billed for it. Supplies are allocated based on your locality, so we encourage you to confirm your eligibility promptly.

Safety vest with reflective stripes
LED warning triangle
Heavy-duty jumper cables (12 ft)
Multi-function tire pressure gauge
Emergency mylar blanket
15-piece first aid kit
Tire inflator with sealant
Road flare set (4 units)
Pocket screwdriver with bits
Emergency whistle and carabiner
Work gloves (size L)
Durable storage bag

Kit quantities are limited by program allocation. Residents who qualify are encouraged to confirm their details soon.

Get Your Courtesy Kit

We appreciate you trusting AAA for your roadside preparedness. Your safety is important to us.
About organizing the home library - I ended up sorting everything by genre then by author's last name. It took a weekend but now it's much easier to find books. For the cozy mystery section, I added about 40 titles from your list. If you want, I can bring the extra bookends I found at the flea market. Also, I discovered a fantastic used bookstore downtown - they have a dedicated sci-fi corner with early editions for reasonable prices. I picked up a signed copy of Asimov's "Foundation" for only $12. Let me know if you want to visit together next Saturday. We can grab coffee afterwards. Oh, and regarding your question about digital tracking - I use a simple spreadsheet with columns for title, author, genre, and loan status. It's not fancy but works perfectly.

Also, the recipe for the chowder you asked about: I use a base of leeks and potatoes, add clam juice and cream, then finish with fresh clams and a touch of smoked paprika. The key is to sweat the leeks until soft and not let the cream boil. Serve with crusty bread.