I keep meaning to tell you about that trail I hiked last weekend, the one just past the old water tower. The gravel path forks after maybe a quarter mile and the left side gets really narrow with all those ferns leaning over the edges. I went a little after noon when the light was still coming through the trees at an angle and it made these long shadows across the ground. Definitely bring a bottle with you because there is no fountain past the first marker and the walk back can feel longer than it really is. My shoulder was a bit sore the next day from carrying my pack too high but other than that it was worth it. I saw maybe four other people the entire time so it stayed pretty quiet, which I liked. There is a bench near the top where someone carved initials into the wood years ago and now the bark has grown around them in a strange way. I sat there for a good twenty minutes just listening to the wind move through the upper branches. If you go early on a weekday you will probably have the whole place to yourself and that is the best way to enjoy it honestly.

We are thinking about doing a small potluck next Sunday after the community clean up so if anyone has extra cucumbers or tomatoes from their garden that would be great. My neighbor gave me a bag of basil last week and I already made a huge batch of pesto so I can bring that with some bread from the bakery on Third Street. Someone mentioned bringing those little stuffed mushrooms that everyone liked at the fall gathering and I think that would be a nice addition. We should probably decide on a start time by Friday so people can plan around errands and whatever else they have going on. Last time we ended up staying outside until almost dark because the weather was so mild and the kids were playing in the yard with the sprinkler. I will bring a folding chair and maybe an extra card table in case we need more space for dishes. Let me know if you want me to pick up paper plates and cups on my way over or if you already have enough from the last get together.