I looked into the sourdough starter question you sent over. You really just need a 1:1 ratio of flour to water by weight to keep it active. I usually do 100 grams of bread flour and 100 grams of lukewarm water each morning. Stir it with a wooden spoon and leave it on the counter with a cloth over the top. If you see hooch forming on the surface, that just means it is hungry and needs feeding more often. I found that using filtered water instead of tap made a big difference in how bubbly it gets. Also, if the room is cold, the fermentation slows way down, so try placing it near a warm spot like above the fridge. You can also switch to a whole wheat or rye blend for a more complex flavor. Just expect a darker color and slightly different hydration feel. I usually discard half before each feeding to keep the volume manageable. Once it doubles in size reliably after six hours, you know it is strong enough to bake with. Let me know if you want my full feeding schedule.
I also tried storing some in the fridge for a few weeks and it came back fine after two feedings. So that works too if you want to bake less often. The key is just consistency and not letting it dry out completely. Hope that helps with your baking plans.
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AAA
Reliable support for your journeys
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Your Courtesy Roadside Kit Is Available
As a resident of your locality, you are eligible to receive a roadside support kit through a regional program. This kit is provided at no charge to qualified residents in your area - you will not be billed for the kit.
The program covers the full contents described below, with no payment required for eligible recipients.
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What the Kit Includes
| Reflective warning triangle (folding) |
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| Multi-tool with pliers and screwdriver bits |
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| High-visibility safety vest (universal size) |
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| Heavy-duty jumper cables (12 ft, 4-gauge) |
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| Tire pressure gauge with digital readout |
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| Emergency blanket (mylar, compact) |
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| Work gloves with textured grip palms |
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| First aid pouch with bandages and antiseptic wipes |
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| LED road flare with magnetic base |
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| Zip ties and emergency tape (weather-resistant) |
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| Carabiner and paracord (12 ft, 550-lb test) |
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| Pocket-sized roadside guide with contact numbers |
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Kits are allocated in accordance with program participation levels. Supplies are limited by region and distributed on a rolling basis.
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Thank you for being part of this regional program. We hope the kit serves you well on the road.
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About the weekend hike you asked about - I scouted the North Ridge trail last Saturday and it is in good shape for a moderate day trip. The elevation gain is about 1200 feet over three miles, so it is not too strenuous but you will want sturdy boots and plenty of water. I suggest starting early because the afternoon sun can be intense on the exposed sections near the top. There is a stream crossing around mile two that is easy to step across unless we get rain beforehand. I packed a simple lunch last time and ate at the summit overlook, which has a nice view of the valley. The trail is well marked with blue blazes, though a map helps at the fork near the ridge line. I saw a few deer and a hawk circling, so wildlife is active. If you want to make it a longer outing, you can continue another two miles to the old fire tower for an even wider panorama. I would allow about five hours round trip with breaks. Let me know if you want to borrow my trekking poles or if you have questions about gear. I can also share the GPS track I recorded.