Hey, I saw your message about the weekend. I think Saturday works better for me if we are still aiming for that hike near the reservoir. The loop trail you mentioned sounds perfect, maybe a moderate four or five miles. I can pick up sandwiches if we want to make a proper day of it. Also, I heard the leaves up there are starting to change, so the view should be great. Let me know what time works best for you. I am flexible on the start time if you need to run errands in the morning.

I also finally got around to fixing that old camping stove I told you about. It just needed a new valve and now it fires up perfectly on the first try. We could bring it along and brew some coffee at the halfway point. There is a spot with a few benches overlooking the valley that would make a good rest stop. I will bring my backpack and plenty of water. Hope your week is going well and that you can make it out on Saturday. Just let me know.

Oh, I completely forgot to tell you about the dog adoption event I helped out at last weekend. It was honestly one of the most rewarding Saturdays I have had in a while. There were so many sweet dogs just waiting for someone to take them home. I ended up spending most of my time with this older retriever mix who had been at the shelter for almost six months. He was incredibly calm and just leaned against my leg the whole time. I almost filled out an application myself, but my apartment building doesn't allow pets.

The funniest moment was when a volunteer brought in a tiny dachshund puppy to cheer everyone up. That little guy zoomed around the entire hall like a rocket and stole a squeaky toy from the donation bin. He would not let go of it no matter what anyone tried. Everyone was laughing so hard. I am definitely going to volunteer again next month. If you are free on a Saturday, you should come along. It is a really great way to spend the day and help out some deserving animals.