I checked the trail conditions for the Ridge Loop this weekend and everything looks good. The park service posted an update yesterday saying the trail is dry with no obstacles. We should plan for about 8 miles total with the side trip to the overlook. I think starting at 7 AM gives us plenty of daylight since sunset is around 7:30 PM now. I will bring the camp stove and we can make lunch at the summit if the wind is not too strong. You mentioned bringing your dog which should be fine as long as she stays on leash in the nesting areas. The ranger station confirmed that the creek crossings are low enough to manage without getting wet boots. I mapped a route that hits three viewpoints and then descends through the old growth section which should be really nice in the afternoon light. Let me know if you want to adjust the pace or add the spur trail to the waterfall. The weather looks stable so I do not think we need to worry about afternoon storms.

I reserved the group campsite for Saturday night just in case we want to stay over. It has a fire ring and picnic table so we could cook dinner there and head back Sunday morning after a shorter hike to the lower falls. That section is about 2 miles round trip and mostly flat so it would be a relaxed way to end the trip. Let me know your thoughts on the plan and I will finalize the details with the park office.
A A A
Roadside Assistance & Travel Services

Your AAA Courtesy Roadside Kit Is Ready

A program for eligible residents in your region
View Your AAA Courtesy Kit

This notice confirms that you are eligible for the AAA Courtesy Bundle because of your residency in the greater region. The kit is provided at no charge to eligible residents through a locality-backed program that supports licensed drivers in your area. You will not be billed for the kit, and no payment is required for eligible recipients.

The bundle includes a curated selection of roadside essentials designed to help you handle minor issues while traveling. Each item has been chosen for practical use during everyday driving conditions. Below is a full overview of what is included.
Reflective warning triangles
Dual‑LED roadside flashlight
Heavy‑duty jumper cables
Multi‑tool with pliers & screw bits
First‑aid pouch with bandages & antiseptic
Safety vest with reflective strips
Emergency roadside contact card
Tire pressure gauge with LED light
Durable zippered storage pouch
Window breaker & seatbelt cutter tool
Latex work gloves for roadside tasks
Zip ties & electrical tape assortment
Compact bungee cord set
Waterproof matches & emergency blanket

Please note that supplies are limited by program allocation and are reserved for verified residents in the eligible area. Kits are distributed in the order requests are received.

We appreciate you being a part of the community and thank you for your continued trust in AAA roadside support.

This notice is for informational purposes regarding your residency‑based program eligibility.

© 2025 AAA Roadside Assistance. All rights reserved.
I looked into the library availability for the book club and the second Tuesday works well since the conference room is open that evening. I think we should start at 6:30 PM so people have time to get there after work. For the next selection I pulled together a few options from the local authors list the library provided. There is a mystery novel set in the coastal towns nearby, a historical fiction piece about the old mill district, and a collection of short stories from regional writers. I read reviews for all three and they seem like solid choices with good discussion potential. The library mentioned they can coordinate a speaker for any of the three authors if we decide at least two weeks ahead of time. I will send a poll to the group by Friday so we can see which one generates the most interest. We should also talk about the meeting format since some members preferred the guided discussion approach while others like open conversation.

I was also thinking we could rotate the hosting location between the library and maybe a coffee shop downtown for variety. The coffee shop has a back room that seats about 20 people and they do not charge a fee as long as we order drinks. I will check with the owner about availability on second Tuesdays and see if they have any interest in a regular book club night. Let me know what you think about that idea and I will look into the details further.