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Hey thanks for following up about that trail recommendation. I finally got out there last Saturday and it was incredible. We started early around six and had the path almost to ourselves until about nine. The elevation gain was steady but never punishing and the views at the ridge were worth every step. I brought along that lightweight pack you told me about and it made a huge difference. The stream crossings were manageable even with the recent rain. I saw a pair of eagles circling near the summit which I wasn't expecting at all. We stopped for about forty minutes at the top just taking it in. The descent felt quick and we were back by early afternoon. I think you would really like the section through the old growth - the light filtering through the canopy was beautiful. I took a few photos though they don't really capture it. If you want to try it next month I'm definitely in. Let me know when works for you and we can coordinate gear. rCZH5JIXA2ufAc I also picked up a few tips from a ranger about a less crowded alternate route that connects about a mile in so I can share that too.

That book you mentioned arrived yesterday and I started it last night. I was skeptical at first because the premise felt a little familiar but the writing really pulled me in after the first few pages. The main character has this dry way of observing things that I find genuinely funny. I got through about a hundred pages before I had to force myself to stop and sleep. The pacing is steady and there are these small details that keep building a larger picture without feeling heavy. I can see why you said it stays with you. I'm already curious about how the second half unfolds. I'll probably finish it this weekend and then I'd love to hear your thoughts on the ending. I think there might be a twist coming based on a few earlier hints but I'm not entirely sure yet. I also noticed a few references that seem to tie back to an earlier short story collection by the same author so I might pick that up next. Thanks again for the suggestion it's exactly the kind of thing I needed right now.