Full Moon Hikes

Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington DC - July 2010

2010-08-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Tidal Basins, Washington DC - June 2010

2010-08-21T10:46:00.002-07:00

Cabin John Stream Valley Park, MD May 2010

2010-08-21T10:46:00.001-07:00

This coming Thursday, at 8 pm, we will gather at Lora's house in Columbia Heights -- public transportation accessible from the Green Line and 42, H2/3/4, and S2/4 bus lines -- and from there head north and west to Cabin John Stream Valley Park to celebrate the arrival of the Flower Moon.

As always, wine, transportation, and good company will be provided; friends, relatives, children, pets, significant others, and spice (that's the unofficial plural of spouse, it has come to my attention that such liberties with the language are not universally understood) are invited; please let me know if you can drive.

Robert Watkins Regional Park MD, April 2010

2010-08-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

April is national poetry month. Many of history's great poets were enthusiastic participants in full moon hikes, an activity that is often mentioned in their work. Shakespeare was particularly enamored of the full moon hike, to which no other muse could compare. From his Sonnet 18 :

Shall I compare thee to a moonlit hike?
Thou art less lovely and less temperate

Other famous poems to the full moon include Poe's The Ravine

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I wandered, free and cheery,
Over many a quaint and curious section of forgotten park,
While I ambled, nearly slowing, of moonlight there came a throwing,
As of some orb brightly glowing, glowing in the sky so dark.

and Frost's Stopping by Woods on a Full Moon Evening

The woods are lovely, clear and close,
And I have plans to be verbose,
And miles to go before I toast,
And miles to go before I toast.

Like the famous poets of old, we will meet at Anne's house at 8 pm and from there head out to the wilderness to celebrate the return of the Full Moon. As always, wine, transportation, and good company will be provided; friends, relatives, children, pets, significant others, and spice are invited; please let me know if you can drive.

Turkey Run Park, March 2010

2010-08-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

WEATHER UPDATE 5 pm: I'm now seeing only a 10% chance of rain at 8 pm, not rising to 50% until 11 pm. So we should be reasonably dry from above. I take no responsibility if weather.com is horribly horriby wrong.

UPDATE 3/29: In the DC area, Spring means rain. It will probably be raining tonight. We will be hiking anyway (or at least Ben and I will be). I'll assume that anyone not at Ben's place by 8:05 who hasn't called and told me that they're en route is warm and dry and drinking hot chocolate at home (and not inviting me - for shame!)

Also, some navigational assistance passed on along by our host: "there is an alley at 2411 I St for metro-ers and a church parking lot at the end of Snows Ct across from our house for drivers."

#########
Spring is here!

And we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving ... okay not for 8 more months, but on Monday night, March 29th, we will be going to Turkey Run Park to celebrate the first full moon of Spring, the Worm Moon.

We will meet at Ben, Melissa, and Salsa's temporary quarters at 9 Snows Ct NW, just a stone's throw (that is, if stones could travel through buildings unimpeded) from the Foggy Bottom metro at 8 pm, and from there head across the Potomac to Turkey Run.

As always, wine, transportation, and good company will be provided; friends, relatives, children, pets, significant others, and spice are invited; please let me know if you can drive.

Blockhouse Point Conservation Park, Feb 2010

2010-08-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

This year, I am organizing the full moons around a theme, the "traditional" names for each full moon. I use quotes here because I think it's more likely that some random guy just made up most of the names, but that's okay because that's how actual traditions get started too. This month's full moon is the snow moon, since it is typically the time of year with the greatest snowfall, which for this year has clearly been the case.

This sunday, at 6 pm, we will gather at Lora's house in Columbia Heights -- public transportation accessible from the Green Line and 42, H2/3/4, and S2/4 bus lines -- and from there head north to Blockhouse Point Conservation Park, on the bank of the Potomac, to celebrate the arrival of the Snow Moon.

As always, wine, transportation, and good company will be provided; friends, relatives, children, pets, significant others, and spice are invited; please let me know if you can drive.

Tilden Inspiration Point - Jan 26, 2010

2010-01-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Full Moon Hikers,

So hopefully we have one last one with Ben, Melissa, and Salsa, but it would be great to have a top notch showing here so that we're all confident we will keep the spirit alive while they're gone. Ben suggested Inspiration point in Tilden Park:

I had a hike in mind if you were willing - Tilden Park - meet at Inspiration Point parking lot on Wildcat Canyon Road and hike south up the seaview trail along the ridge to a cool little rock outcropping with 360 degree view. It's probably about a mile and a half each way.

Best to RSVP. Bring anyone you like as usual. We will be departing between 8:00 and 8:10. If it rains all the better.

Will

Briones - Russell Peak, Jan 1, 2010

2010-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

You are cordially invited to start the new year off in proper style with a full moon hike up and around Russell Peak in Orinda. We will meet this Friday, Jan 1, at 7:30pm at the Mariposa trailhead off Panorama Drive for a 3 mile loop hike along rolling grassy ridges overlooking steep canyons. This hike could be a bit muddy since there is some rain forecast so wear some good shoes - but it will be worth it for all the lushness that winter rains bring to the hills. We will have some drinks at the top. As always, please RSVP and do let me know if you need/have a ride to offer. Feel to bring like-minded acquaintances.

Directions: Take the Upper Happy Valley exit off Highway 24, cross under the freeway merging onto Acalanes Rd, turn right immediately onto El Nido Road and left at your first opportunity onto Happy Valley. At 0.6 miles the road will jog left and then right. Shortly thereafter it will dead-end. Turn right on Happy Valley and drive 0.6 miles to Panorama Drive. Park wherever you can (it's a residential neighborhood so keep quiet) and walk to the top of Panorama Drive.

Sibley - Fish Ranch Trailhead, Dec. 2 2009

2009-11-28T19:57:00.001-08:00

The Full Moon is coming to a sky near you this Wednesday, Dec 2. You're invited to join a hike starting at 7:30pm to view the moon in all her glory in the crisp late fall air. We'll meet up at the fish ranch trailhead in Sibley Regional Park to explore a little known portion of the park only recently opened up to the public. Sibley is actually the volcanic center (from some 10 million years ago) of most of the rock that underlays the easy bay ridge line. It's also the site of a former mining operation which flattened some big chunks of the park and leaves it now with a wide-open otherworldly feel. We'll work our way up towards the former volcanic cone, Round Top Mountain, one of the highest points in the Berkeley hills, and host to a rich display of exposed basaltic lava chunks from flows that date back to the ridgeline's original formation.

This is a relatively easy hike of a mile and a half each way -- mostly on paved fire road -- though with some steady elevation gain. We'll have some refreshments at the top. Dress warm - it's that type of year. Feel free to bring along like-minded acquaintances but do RSVP and let me know if you are looking for/needing a ride.

Directions:
Take Highway 24 east through the Caldecott Tunnel. Make sure you are in the southernmost/rightmost tunnel and lane as you head towards Orinda. Emerging from the tunnel, take an immediate exit to the right at the Fish Ranch Rd/Old Tunnel Road exit. After 0.2 miles, Fish Ranch Road will turn sharply right to cross over Highway 24. Don't cross the highway -- stay straight/slight left onto the much less traveled and narrow Old Tunnel Road. Drive 0.4 miles on Old Tunnel Road until you see gate and adjacent Regional Park sign at a hairpin type turn. Park wherever you can and meet at the big gate.

Muir Beach and Headlands - Nov, 2009

2009-10-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

This Sunday Nov 1 at 7pm, please join us for a full moon lit hike up along the headlands above Muir Beach. Late fall gives us a decent chance for a fog-free hike on the coast so cross your fingers that the marine layer will stay away. We'll hike up to Coyote Ridge for some good moon views of the pacific ocean, Mt. Tam, and the headlands and then return back down by way of pirates cove. All in all, I believe it'll be about two hours of hiking, mostly easy but with perhaps a few short steep sections.

Feel free to invite like-minded individuals although do RSVP and let me know if you need/have a ride to share. Please wear warm clothes!

Directions:
From US 101 in Marin County, exit Mill Valley/Stinson Beach. Drive north about 1 mile, then turn left at the light (at the junction with Almonte) to stay on Shoreline. Drive about 4.8 miles to the junction with Pacific Way and turn left. Continue to the signed trailhead at the end of the road. We'll meet at the south end of the parking lot near the picnic area and portable toilets.

Chabot Regional Park Towhee Peak - Oct. 2009

2009-10-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

All,

Please join this Saturday night, Oct. 3 for a hike to enjoy fall's first full moon. We'll walk up through the rolling chaparral and eucalyptus covered hills of Anthony Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley and make our way to the top of towhee peak just east of Lake Chabot.

Please meet at the Willow Park Public Golf Course on Redwood Rd. on the backside of Chabot . The hike will be about two miles each way with some climbing but not particularly challenging overall. Please let me know if you plan to join and if you have/need a ride. Feel free to invite like minded individuals. Snacks to share always welcome!

Lunarly Yours,

Ben

PS. If you'd like to play a round of golf beforehand, it's $15 starting at 5pm.

Directions:

Take I580 East to exit 26A Redwood Rd. Turn left after the ramp and drive 2.8 miles to 17007 Redwood Rd.

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park - Sept., 2009

2009-08-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

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 for 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.

Mitchell Canyon, Mt. Diablo State Park - Aug 7, 2009

2009-08-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join on a hike Friday (Aug 7) under the light of the full moon. Leaving the bay fog behind us, we will climb a flanking ridge of Mt. Diablo to attain a high spot called "twin peaks". From there we should have some nice views of the East Bay and delta. We will meet at the Mt. Diablo State Park Mitchell Canyon trailhead at 8:15pm. Please park outside the park gates. Feel free to invite like-minded others and do let me know if you plan to attend and if you need/have a ride. While only a mile or two each way, it will be a steep climb so do bring good shoes. Some light refreshments will be provided at the top. Directions:Take Highway 24 east through the Caldecott Tunnel. continue to I- 680 split near Walnut Creek, then exit #46b onto Ygnacio Valley Road. Travel east on Ygnacio Valley Road about 8 miles, and turn right onto Clayton Road. Drive south about 1 mile, then turn right onto Mitchell Canyon Road. Continue to the trailhead at the end of the road, about 1.5 miles.

Sobrante Ridge Regional Park - July 7 2009

2009-07-02T23:39:00.000-07:00

Please join Tuesday at 8:30pm for a full moon hike up Sobrante Ridge, an undeveloped piece of land just within the Richmond city limits that is now managed by the East Bay Regional Park System and just off I80 (Sobrante Ridge was formerly used to raise horses and cattle critical in the development of the tetanus and diptheria vaccines). We will take a short hike to the top of the ridge, starting at a parking lot that is more than half way up to the 832' high point. Other than a notable manzanita grove, Sobrante Ridge doesn't have much to offer during hot summer days when the Richmond sun bleaches the hills dry. But at night the hillside comes to life -- cool bay breezes, coastal live oaks casting moon shadows, and wide open views of Mt. Tam and Mt. Diablo and the east bay hills. It will be a short hike given the relatively small size of the park but one well worth attending as we expect special guest commentary from visiting members of the New York full moon hike chapter.

Feel free to invite like-minded friends and acquaintances. If you need/have a carpool opportunity, please let me know, and do RSVP in any case so we know to expect you.

Directions:
From Interstate 80, exit San Pablo Dam Road (exit 18). Drive about 3.5 miles southeast on San Pablo Dam Road to the traffic light at Castro Ranch Road. Turn left and drive 0.8 mile, then turn left (into a housing development) on Conestoga Way. Drive uphill on Conestoga Way 0.3 mile, turn left onto Carriage Drive, drive 0.2 mile, and then turn right onto Coach Drive. Take Coach Drive 0.3 mile to the park entrance at the end of the road.

Inspiration Point, Tilden - June 2009

2009-07-02T23:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone.

So Ben and Melissa are out of town for the upcoming full moon, so I was honored to be asked to organize our monthly luminescent expedition.

It's not especially creative but I've never been to Inspiration Point in Tilden on one of these, so that seems like a good spot. I'll be coming from a weekend away at Desolation Wilderness, but perhaps RSVP.

Meet at the parking lot of the Inspiration Point Trail in Tilden Park at 8:30. Hope to see a good first days of summer turn out.

Here are some directions:

Once you're In Berkeley take Martin Luther King to Marin. (MLK turns into "the Alameda.")

Go RIGHT up Marin.

It's a little tricky when you hit "the Circle", but stay on Marin

Right on Grizzly Peak

Left on Shasta

Then shortly after, inside the park gate, RIGHT to stay on Shasta Rd.

Veer LEFT on E Park Drive (About a mile)

At Wildcat Canyon Rd. slight left and you should be there.

Hopefully there's no curfew, but we've worked around that before. Even if there is our cars won't get locked in. Refreshments will be provided.

umm, Lunarly yours,

Will

Alpine Lake, MMWD - May 9, 2009

2009-05-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join a full moon hike this Saturday. We will meet at 8:00pm for a hike along the shores of Alpine Lake and up into the hillsides of the Marin Municipal Water District. The green hills, redwood groves, and spring wildflowers will be soaked in the full moon's light. Sweeping views of a moonlit lake, Mt. Tam and the Marin mountains can be expected. The weather forecast calls for warm, clear skies. What more could one ask for?

The hike will be on the long-ish side (~5 miles) but the pace will be leisurely and a comfortable stopping point midway will afford an opportunity to rest, reflect, and refresh. Good walking shoes and a jacket or long sleeves are encouraged. Feel free to invite like-minded individuals but do RSVP with your need-a-ride/have-a-ride information.

Directions:
Take Highway 101 North to the Central San Rafael Exit. Make a left turn on Third Street. Stay on Third. It will turn into Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Stay on Sir Francis Drake until you get to Fairfax town limits. You will go over a small hill and as you head down look for a “Valero” gas station on your left. Make a left immediately after the gas station at the wooden “Fairfax” sign (the cross-street is Pacheco). At the stop sign make a right onto Broadway. At the next stop sign make a left onto Bolinas Rd. Go up Bolinas road approximately 1.5 miles (you will pass the Deer Park Villa restaurant). At 700 Bolinas Road there is a wooden sign on your left saying “Lake Lagunitas”. Make that left turn onto Sky Oaks Road; go up approximately 1/4 mile (If you miss the Sky Oaks Road turn-off and you get to the Meadow Club golf course you have gone too far). Once past the entrance kiosk, drive about 0.4 mile, and turn right (to Bon Tempe) at a signed junction onto a gravel road. Drive about 0.3 mile to the trailhead and parking. If access at the entrance kiosk is blocked, seek parking wherever convenient.

Marin Headlands - April 8, 2009

2009-04-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

The moon's light is fast gathering strength; we expect it to be full this Wednesday night. You are invited to join in a hike to enjoy the Moon's luminescence over the sweeping landscape of Marin's Headlands. Meeting at 6:45pm at the Headlands Center for the Arts, we will hike up the Miwok trail from the lagoon towards Gerbode Valley. If lucky, we may be able to catch both celestial orbs in the sky at the same time. The hike will be a stiff climb with sweeping views of the coastal spring -- green hillsides and flowering lupines, monkeyflower, and paintrush -- as well as views of moonlit Marin and the San Francisco Bay.

The Headlands offer an open yet rugged landscape where earth meets sea. This month's hike will be part of the proJECT Space Walks series curated by Genine Lentine with the Headlands Center for the Arts and will include a demo and presentation of the Civil Twilight Collective's Lunar Resonant Streetlight. Bring warm clothes as it is often windy. A pad of paper and pen are also encouraged on this hike for those interested in reflective writing or moon-lit sketching. Feel free to invite like-minded individuals but do RSVP with your need-a-ride/have-a-ride information.

Directions:
Take Highway 101 North to the Alexander Avenue exit just after the Golden Gate Bridge. Bear right, toward Sausalito. Take the first left turn to the tunnel. Follow Bunker Road for 2 miles. Fork left onto Field Road. Take the first left onto Bodsworth Road and another left onto Simmonds Road. Headlands Center for the Arts, Building 944 is the second building on the left hand side of the road.

More info:
Civil Twilight Collective
ProJECT Spacewalks

Ring Mountain, Tiburon - March 10, 2009

2009-03-05T22:11:00.000-08:00

This Tuesday, those among us who are willing and able, are invited to join in a hike up to the top of Tiburon's Ring Mountain. Soaring 600' above the bay, Ring Mountain affords one of the better moon views of the inner bay area, with solid 360 degree views of Mt. Tam, Mt. Diablo, the San Francisco skyline. The hike will wind its way up a jeep road past open grasslands with oaks and manzanita arriving at an open perch on a ridgeline ringed by gigantic serpentinite boulders. It's a relatively short hike but with a good steep pull up the hill. This outcrop of wilderness in the middle of the bay area is the relic of an impressive anti-development campaign on the part of local citizens and the Nature Conservancy in the early 1980s. Local neighbor Shira Katz will lead the hike and be available for Q & A.

We'll assemble at 7:30pm in the parking lot of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church of Tiburon. Bring warmclothes as it's often windy; feel free to invite likeminded others; and please do RSVP if you plan to attend to let me know if you need/have a ride. Drinks will be served at the summit.

Directions: Take 101 North over the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County. Exit at Blithedale Ave/Tiburon Blvd/Highway 131. Turn right on 131/Tiburon Blvd and travel 1.7 miles. Turn left on Trestle Glen Blvd and travel .5 miles. Turn left on Shepherd Way and look for the church parking lot immediately on your right.

Fort Funston, SF - Feb 9th, 2009

2009-02-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

You are invited to join on a full moon-lit hike along the beach at Fort Funston this Monday, Feb 9th. Fort Funston is located along a rugged stretch of coastal headlands, sand, and dunes south of ocean beach in San Francisco. Formerly a battery emplacement and Nike base, it's now a part of the GGNRA. We'll hike through the Fort south toward San Mateo County onto the beach to enjoy the ocean air and moonlit waters. Please plan to arrive at 8:30pm; our hike will not be long -- probably a mile each way with little to no elevation gain. Refreshments will be served at the turnaround spot. Feel free to invite like minded individuals. The weather forecast calls for some cloudiness, some winds, and perhaps some light showers so dress appropriately. However, despite the inclement weather, the moon is scheduled to make an appearance and we will look forward to finding a good spot to enjoy that view.

Directions: Take I280 southbound from San Francisco to Exit 49 for Junipero Serra/John Daly Blvd. Turn right (west) on John Daly Blvd and drive 1.4 miles to CA 35 (Skyline Blvd). Turn right (north) on CA 35 and drive past John Muir Drive, then take the first right (signed Fort Funston). Bear right and continue to the parking lot. click here for Google Map

Purisima Creek OSP - January 10th, 2009

2009-01-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

All,

You are invited to join on a full moon hike this Saturday evening. We'll meet at 7:30pm at Purisima Creek Redwoods in the mountains above San Mateo to hike, talk, and enjoy the light of the full moon on the mountains around us. "Purisima" means most pure; the early spanish believed this area to have a purifying effect and named the creek and associated canyon to honor the virgin mary. As for us, we will walk moon-shadowed by towering redwoods and enjoy occasional views of the coast and Half Moon Bay.

There will be a few miles of hiking and some elevation climbing so bring some good shoes and some warm clothes for our ridgeline restbreak. Feel free to bring like-minded others. Drinks will be provided at an appropriate half-way point. Please RSVP to let me know if you need or can offer a ride.

Directions:
Take Highway 92 west from the San Mateo Bridge (if coming from the east bay) or from I280 (if coming from SF) to the Skyline Boulevard, highway 35 exist. Travel south on Skyline for 4.5 miles. Turn right into the parking lot at Purisma Creek Redwoods Preserve (if you get to the Redwood Trail turn off or Tunitas Creek Road junction you've gone too far).

Claremont Canyon - Dec. 13, 2008

2008-12-11T23:47:00.000-08:00

Winter is upon us - the days are short and the nights are long and cold. However, there may be cause to venture forth at night. Please join Melissa and me for a hike up into the east bay hills under the full moon's light on Saturday December 13th. The hike will start at 6:30pm and will commence in the hills just above Berkeley's Claremont Hotel. The hike will be steep and stiff but, weather permitting, will offer us a majestic view out to the moonlit bay area with only a half hour hike each way.

For those looking to recover from the hike -- or unable to join the hike -- we will be offering some nighttime refreshments and winter cheer (and limited backyard moon viewing) at our new house starting at 8:15pm. We look forward to a good housewarming! Please do RSVP if you can make either component.

Although a full moon happens every month, this one will appear about 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than the other full moons seen so far this year. The full moon will be the closest lunar perigee since 1993, at 221,560 miles (356,566 kilometers) from Earth. [The moon's farthest apogee for the year will occur a couple weeks later on December 26, when the natural satellite will be 252,650 miles (406,601 kilometers) from Earth.]
Directions:
Full Moon Hike (5:45pm) - From Highway 24, take the Claremont Ave exit. Turn left on Claremont and drive 1.6 miles. When you pass Ashby and the Claremont Hotel, the road will narrow down. Look for Stonewall Road. Turn left and park. The trailhead is about 200 meters past Claremont.

Las Trampas - November 13, 2008

2008-11-18T22:19:00.000-08:00

The full moon WILL rise tonight and we look forward to greeting her at 8pm at las trampas near danville. We will climb the corduroy hills trail to Eagle Peak.

Directions: Meet at the intersection of Camille Ave and Camille Lane in Danville.

Mott Peak (Briones) Full Moon Hike - October 18, 2008

2008-11-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

You are invited to Briones Park this Tuesday evening for a hike up to see the full moon. We'll climb some easy grassy trails up to the top of Mott Peak (elev. 1424) to catch moonrise over Mt. Diablo with a panoramic view of the sacramento delta and the east bay hills.

The hike will start at 8pm sharp. Should be about a half hour or so each way, a little longer going there, a little shorter coming back. Feel free to bring like-minded friends and acquaintances. Please let me know if you are attending and/or if you have/need a ride. Some refreshments provided.

Directions:

Take Highway 24 through the Caldecott Tunnel, exit Moraga/Orinda (exit 9). Drive north on Camino Pablo Road for about 2 miles, then turn right onto Bear Creek Road. Drive on Bear Creek about 4.4 miles, to the park entrance on the right side of the road. After passing the entrance kiosk, continue to the parking lot.

Lake Merritt - September 15th, 2008

2008-09-14T21:31:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is summer's last full moon. We'll enjoy it from the shores of lovely Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA. Lake Merritt is actually not a lake but a tidal estuary and has the distinction of being the first wildlife refuge ever created in the United States (1870). It remains very popular with a wide range of birds, including pelicans, egrets, cormorants, herons, and a strain of Canadian geese that have given up their migratory habits due to the favorable environment found there. It is also favored by those in the East Bay with lunar interests as it provides the rare eastward view of the rising moon over water with the Oakland skyline, East Bay hills, and "string of pearls" street lamps as backdrop.

We'll walk along the western shore of Lake Merritt, meeting at 8:30pm Monday at 27th and Grand and walking down to the outlet at 12th Street. Feel free to bring along like-minded individuals. This trip is public transit friendly (start is at 19th Street BART, departure is from Lake Merritt station). Please RSVP. Refreshments provided.

Directions:
If not taking BART, from the Bay Bridge take 580 East to the Grand Ave exit. Turn right at Grand Ave and travel about .7 miles. We will meet on the Lake side of Grand Ave just east of 27th Street. There is streetside parking.

Hiddenbrooke Trail - Full Moon August 2008

2008-08-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

You are invited to beat the fog this Friday for a hike up Vallejo's Hiddenbrooke Trail to see the full moon. We'll climb rolling grasslands that offer vast views of San Francisco and San Pablo views and the great mountains of the Bay Area - Diablo and Tam.

The hike will start at 8pm sharp. We will climb about 500' so bring some good shoes. Feel free to bring along others. Refreshments will be provided.

Directions:

From I-80 northeast of Vallejo, take American Canyon Rd. exit east onto Hiddenbrooke Parway. Immediately turn right (south) onto McGary Rd. and park along McGary or on Hiddenbrooke near the trailhead parking lot.

Redwood Regional Park (eastside) July 2008

2008-07-26T12:08:00.001-07:00

Join Friday evening at 8pm for a hike in the Oakland Hills. We'll be on the east side for a view looking towards Mt. Diablo. We'll have a steep hike up for 1-2 miles.

Directions:

From Hwy 13, take the Redwood Rd exit. Head east up the hill, past the stoplight at Skyline Blvd. Continue a couple miles past the stables, MacDonald Gate and Redwood Gate. Take Pinehurst Rd on your left for about 1 mile to the Pinehurst parking lot. If you get to Moraga, you've gone too far.

Wine will be provided. Please invite other like-minded individuals.

Mt. Davidson Hike, June 18th, 2008

2008-06-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

All,

With summer almost here, this Wednesday evening offers the choice celestial twofer of a sunset and moonrise separated by only a matter of minutes. We will plan to enjoy this delightful solar/lunar dance from the summit of San Francisco City/ County's highest aerie -- Mt. Davidson. Though the whopping 927' of elevation will not cause any nose bleeds, it will offer one of the City's best views (fog willing) of the downtown skyline and the bay. It will also allow you to admire up close and personal the 103' cross that stands at the top.

The plan is to meet at the end of Mollino Street at 8pm, walk up a very short trail to the top of the mountain and enjoy the view and stroll down again after the moon comes up. Refreshments provided. Bring warm clothes in case the wind comes in. Feel free to bring along friends and like-minded acquaintances but do RSVP, particularly if you have/need a ride.

Directions:
From downtown San Francisco, take 280 south toward Daly City. Exit on Monterey Blvd and travel .9 miles. Turn right at Foerster St, travel .3 miles. Turn left at Los Palmos Drive, travel .2 miles. Turn right at Bella Vista Way, travel .2 miles. Turn left at Molimo Dr and travel .2 miles. Park at the end of the road. Might be good to print a map. See: Google Map

Windy Hill Hike - May 20th, 2008

2008-06-07T18:46:00.001-07:00

All,

The full moon is rising as the summer sun is setting; it makes for some excellent evening hiking. This Tuesday please join us out in Portola Valley for a looping walk around Sausal Pond in the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. We will stretch our legs over rolling hills of oak and madrone, gaining a bit of elevation for a spectacular 360 degree view which will include the moon rise, but not covering many miles. Refreshments will be provided. Please do RSVP and let me know if you need/have rides to offer. Of course, feel free to extend an invitation to others to join.

We will meet at 8pm Tuesday evening at the east entrance to the park, a parking lot off Portola Road in Portola Valley.

Directions: From Highway 280 in San Mateo County, exit Alpine Road (exit 22), near Stanford University. Head west about 3 miles and turn right onto Portola Road. Drive about 1 mile and turn left into the parking lot.