This Saturday, September 5, please join us for a hike above the Valley of the Moon. No ordinary full moon hike this one; we will be ascending Bald Mountain, high above Sonoma Valley in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park to look out over the valley that Miwok legends suggest is the source of the moon. The hike will be a bit long-ish and a bit steep but worth every bit of exertion. We will see a range of vegetation -- from wide open chaparral of live oak, bay, and madrone to forests of maple and pine and fern-covered ground. From the top of Bald Mountain, we will have one of the more rare and exceptional views anywhere. As the name of the mountain suggests, there is little to obstruct views in all directions -- from Point Reyes Wittenberg to Mount Diablo to Mount Tam and the Golden Gate Bridge to the Desolation Wilderness peaks of the Sierras. And with a bit of distance between us and the bay area, we will escape much of the fog, ambient light, and smog that otherwise plagues our skyward gazing.
The hike will start at 7:30pm. We'll be meeting at the campground so please look f
or parking in that area. Wine will be provided at the top but please bring your own water bottles, good hiking shoes, and jackets. Do RSVP in advance as I am not sure my cell phone will be working. Please carpool - let me know if you can drive or need a ride!
Directions:
From US 101 in Sonoma County exit #488b onto CA 12. Drive east on CA 12 toward Sonoma for 1.5 miles, then turn left on Farmer's Lane. After about 1 mile, turn right onto Fourth Street/CA 12, drive southeast about 8 miles, and turn left onto Adobe Canyon Road. Drive east 3 miles to the entrance kiosk and then continue a short distance to the campgrounds. If you arrive late or can't find us, head for the parking lot at the Lower Bald Mountain Trail and start hiking briskly uphill.
