That owl backpack story is great. I get what you mean about trails feeling different at night, almost like a separate hobby from day hiking. When you're out there after dark, do you notice your other senses getting sharper to make up for less vision, or does the flashlight keep everything pretty much the same?

Actually, the shape of your baking dish matters more than people realize. A shallow or oversized pan gives dough nothing to cling to as it proofs and bakes, so it just spreads out sideways. Next time, try a ceramic or glass dish with higher sides, something the dough can climb up as it rises instead of just sprawling across the sheet. That physical barrier makes a big difference. Your dough might have been fine, just lost without a proper border.

Totally get the 'washing machine full of bricks' thing. When my car started making noises, I learned to just buy the DECENT parts upfront. Saved me SO much headache later.