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08.7.08

Full Moon Fever

Sure, Marin is a great place to play on a weekend afternoon. But have you been there at night? The next full moon is August 16. And we’ve got full moon fever!  

 

Marin Moonshiners

Night Hike with the Moonshiners

It started out as a way to impress his dates. But today John Benus invites anyone to his full-moon hikes on Mount Tam. The group—known as the Marin Moonshiners —meets at the Pelican Inn on Highway 1 for introductions and carpool arrangements to the trailhead. Blankets and flashlights are handed out, then it's off for a leisurely 3-mile hike along trails lined with rustling eucalyptus and moon-filled views of the Marin Headlands. At the halfway point, John and his sidekick, Lee, disappear. Uh, what? Not to worry! They've gone to set up blankets and lanterns for a private picnic on Moonlight Hill, the best place for watching the moon rise. (Bring your own food and wine.) Afterwards, everyone heads down the mountain for a bonfire on Muir Beach, where John provides the marshmallows and fresh watermelon. You are now an official Moonshiner.

Reservations required; call 415-331-0100. Hiking with the Marin Moonshiners costs $15 per person. The next outing is Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008. Other dates include Sept. 14, Oct. 15, and Nov. 15. Dress in layers, pack a picnic (alcohol is permitted), and bring a flashlight or headlamp. Blankets provided. No dogs.

Activity
Hike
Region
North Bay
Hawk Hill Sunset Moonrise

High on a Hill

Hawk Hill might have been where Tony Bennett was sitting when he penned "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." We don't have any evidence to back that up, but it's hard not to wax poetic as you gaze back at the city from high atop the Marin Headlands with bird's-eye views of the Golden Gate Bridge. To get there, drive past the throngs of tourists who park at the lower lookouts on Conzelman Road to watch the sunset (if they only knew!). Keep going to the top of the road, park, and follow the trail for five minutes to the top of Hawk Hill. Grab a bench or spread a blanket in the far northeast corner, where you're more sheltered from the wind. Then watch as the sun descends and the moon emerges behind veils of fog, eventually becoming clean and bright, beaming over the city. Ahhhh, we can hear Tony crooning now…

Arrive 30 minutes to an hour before sunset. Pack a blanket and wear layers—it can get chilly. If the gate closes while you're there, exit by descending Conzelman Rd. past Hawk Hill and turning right onto Bunker Rd. (map).

Activity
Relax
Region
North Bay
Sea Trek Full Moon Kayak

Silhouettes on the Sea

When the moon is your spotlight and Richardson Bay is your stage, a kayak becomes your star vehicle. Sea Trek, a staple of Sausalito, has been taking night paddlers on gentle waters for 26 years. Their guided tour in two-person kayaks explores the shoreline, passing fabled houseboats, friendly waving tourists, and harbor seals relaxing on piers. As the sun goes down, pink and peach lines spread across the horizon and the prominent profile of Mount Tam rises to the north. Sailboats darken in the distance, their silhouettes bobbing with the moon-waves. Glowsticks attached to paddles help to light the way back.

Sea Trek; 415-488-1000. The next full moon kayak is August 16. The cost is $75 per person; tours last about three hours.

Activity
Water
Region
North Bay
Patagonia Big Summer Sale

Patagonia's Big Summer Sale

Mark your calendar because it doesn't happen often. Patagonia is gearing up for its big Summer Sales! Want good savings on premium products made from the highest quality fabrics?

Freightliner — No-nonsense travelers will appreciate the durability of this nylon bag sporting the same wheels as those found on the world's best in-line skates. The sturdy, stylish, and roomy Freightliner is built to withstand tosses and tumbles en route, and it's even weatherproof. With two main storage areas and a large end-cubicle, this smart design is built to last. Was: $295. Sale price: $175.

Men's Synchilla Vest — When a jacket is too much and a shirt isn't enough, this core warmer is as versatile as the weather is finicky. Wear it as a layer on foggy nights or over a T-shirt when going for a morning coffee stroll. The lightweight Synchilla vest has zippered hand-warmer pockets for extra comfort. It's also recyclable through Patagonia's Common Threads Recycling Program. Was: $70. Sale price: $30.

Patagonia 2008 Summer Sale: August 12 to September 2 — 40–60% off current retail price
Patagonia San Francisco, 770 North Point St., San Francisco; 415-771-2050.
Patagonia Palo Alto, 525 Alma St., Palo Alto; 650-329-8556.

Patagonia 2008 Labor Day Sale: August 29 to September 1 — 40% off storewide
Patagonia Outlet Santa Cruz, 415 River St. #C, Santa Cruz; 831-423-1776.

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