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08.13.09

Night Moves

When the sun sets on Marin, the outdoors come to life in a whole new light. Grab your fleece and flashlight and check out the North Bay’s dark side.

Mount Tam Sunset Hike and Dine

Sundown Tamorama

He could be a character straight out of a Mark Twain novel, but John Benus thinks of himself as just a regular guy with a passion for hiking Mount Tam, enjoying wine with newfound friends, and sharing tales of the outdoors. Sound good to you? Luckily, you can join John on his bimonthly Saturday Sunset Hike and Dine. The night starts around 6 p.m., when John and other hikers gather at the parking lot across from the Mountain Home Inn. Carpooling details are sorted out, then it's off to a secret starting point (hint: it's high on Mount Tam). From there, you hike along unsigned trails with IMAX-sized views of San Francisco, Stinson Beach, and Bolinas. Along the way, John shares nuggets you might otherwise miss: fragrant bay leaf trees, the rusted remnants of a getaway car used in bootlegging schemes in the 1930s, stonecrop succulents, and much more. After a few miles, the wine and snacks are brought out just in time for the sunset. John always knows the right spot for setting down the blankets and relaxing. Chat with your fellow hikers, then follow John on the easy stroll back to the secret starting point. Tamilicious!

The next Saturday Sunset Hike and Dine is this Saturday, Aug. 15. RSVP on the website or call John at 415-331-0100. It's $15 per person. No dogs.

Activity
Hike
Region
North Bay
Mount Tam Astronomy Program

Star Trek

Mount Tam is a popular hiking destination by day, but at night it reveals its more intimate side. The mountain's high elevation and distance from city lights create the ultimate stargazing platform. The problem: Mount Tam is off-limits at dusk. The solution: the Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association's (MTIA) star-watching party. Once a month from May to October, the MTIA gathers at the outdoor Mountain Theater high on Tam. Some 200 people, from curious locals to star-junkies, set out their blankets and seat cushions and enjoy a talk and slideshow by passionate professional astronomers. Star-shaped gingerbread cookies are part of the festivities, and so is the location—the best seats in Marin for heavenly views of the night sky. Afterward, in Rock Springs Parking lot, get up-close-and-personal with the stars through powerful telescopes, courtesy of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers. Count your lucky stars.

The next Mount Tam Astronomy Program is Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009. There are also programs Sept. 19 and Oct. 24. Admission is complimentary, but donations are gladly accepted. No dogs.

Activity
Relax
Region
North Bay
Kayaking Tomales Bay

Moon Glow

Salty silence surrounds you as you paddle across the gently rocking waves into the moonlit waters of Tomales Bay. It's all part of the experience on Point Reyes Outdoors' "Sunset to Starlight Paddle." On this four-hour excursion, you paddle by the bay's nucleus, Hog Island, where eucalyptus and conifer trees scent the air and pelicans, loons, and double-crested cormorants feast. As the sun melts into the Pacific, Tule elk graze on the golden hills of Tomales Point and big brown jellyfish, small sharks, and rays move about beneath your kayak. Halfway into the evening, nose up to shore and chow down on fresh organic strawberries, homemade brownies, cookies, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. On the paddle back, savor the spectacular bioluminescence—with every stroke, plankton glow on the surface, leaving a trail of stardust in your wake.

TIP: Stay overnight in Point Reyes in a contemporary Tree House. Those looking for simple and inexpensive accommodations should check out Motel Inverness, with clean rooms, bay views, and a warm lobby with a fireplace and pool table.

Sunset to Starlight paddles happen each Saturday and Sunday night. Exact rendezvous times and places change from month to month. Point Reyes Outdoors (415-663-8192) will provide you with detailed directions and times when you book. The cost is $89 per person.

Activity
Water
Region
North Bay

No Looking Back

Ever talked to someone who's flown Virgin America? It usually goes something like, "Loved it! I'm never flying another airline again." It's this kind of word-of-mouth that has recently earned Virgin America a second year as the Best Domestic Airline by Travel + Leisure. What's the buzz all about? To start, you're traveling in style with entertainment literally at your fingertips. Every leather seat (yep, they're all leather) has a touch-screen where you can order food and drinks when you want, watch a movie on-demand, channel-surf live TV, and play games. Plus, Virgin America has Wi-Fi on every plane. And with low fares starting from $49* one-way to L.A., Orange County, and Seattle, a business trip or weekend escape is easy on the wallet. It's all a part of the reason that once you go Virgin America, you never go back.

Find flights to L.A., Orange County, San Diego, Seattle, or Las Vegas starting from $49 one-way at VirginAmerica.com. Travel must occur between Aug. 18 and Nov. 18 with a three-day advance purchase. Black out dates? They don't apply. This is how to fly.

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