I think the best approach for the raised beds would be to go with cedar this year. It holds up well against moisture and doesn't need any chemical treatment. The dimensions we talked about last week—four feet by eight feet with a depth of about ten inches—should be enough for the tomatoes and peppers on the south side. For the north side, I would keep the beds narrower, maybe three feet wide, so you can reach the center without stepping into the soil. The soil mix I use is about forty percent compost, thirty percent peat moss, and thirty percent vermiculite, which gives good drainage while keeping enough moisture for root development. If you want to start seeds indoors this spring, you will need a heat mat and some grow lights because the natural daylight in that room is not quite enough for strong seedlings. I have a spare tray setup you can borrow if you need one. Just let me know when you plan to start and I can drop it off.

For the hiking trip next month, I think the Broken Top Trail would be a solid choice if everyone is comfortable with about eight miles of moderate terrain. The wildflowers should be peaking around that time and the views of the Cascade lakes are really something else. You will want to bring trekking poles for the last section because it gets rocky and the path becomes harder to follow. I usually pack extra water filters because the streams are reliable up there but you never want to run short. The trailhead requires a permit now, which you can reserve online about two weeks ahead. I would book a campsite at the lodge campground for the night before so you can get an early start. The elevation gain is just over a thousand feet so it is not too punishing but you will feel it in the last mile. I can send you the gear list I use if that helps with planning. Let me know if you want to carpool.