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08.19.10

Night Light

When the sun sinks and the moon rises, head to the East Bay and have yourselves a good shine!

Full Moon Hike on Mount Wanda

Moonlight Wanda

A wilderness icon's old stomping ground is yours to explore under a full moon: Just south of John Muir's historic farmhouse in Martinez, Mount Wanda (named after one of his daughters) is now run by the National Park Service. During summer, park rangers host free monthly moonlight walks up to the 642-foot peak. The trail ascends gradually through grasslands with deciduous oak trees that branch out to humpback hills. Along the way a ranger will stop to recite famous John Muir quotes that sound even more poetic on a night hike through his former estate. With good timing you'll be near the top to see the sun set just as the moon rises above Mount Diablo. For an up-close look at the moon (is it really made of cheese?) peer through a 10-inch reflecting telescope set up at the summit by a volunteer. Stay awhile and enjoy the views. Then head back down the way you came, with the moon as your lantern.

Mount Wanda is part of the John Muir National Historic Site. The next full-moon hike is Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. There is no fee to attend. Reservations are required: call 925-228-8860. Visit the Web site for directions. Bring a flashlight or a headlamp—some sections are not moon-filled. No dogs.

Activity
Hike
Region
East Bay
Full Moon Kayak Oakland Estuary

Night Journey

Altogether now: When the lights go down in the city, and the moon shines on the bay, I want to be there in my kayak, oh oh oh oh, paddling away. Create your own soundtrack on a night journey in the Oakland Estuary. California Canoe and Kayak offers a full-moon kayak trip starting at Jack London Square. They'll get everyone outfitted with warm gear, and go over the basics. Then follow the path of tiny lights coming from the paddling entourage as you glide over glassy waters. The combination of moonlight and industrial light provide more than enough illumination as you pass by large barges, weathered tug boats, and the USS Potomac, a retired Navy vessel that was formerly FDR's yacht. The cranes at the Port of Oakland (rumored to have inspired George Lucas' AT-AT walkers in The Empire Strikes Back) spill silvery shadows on the water. Paddle for 45 minutes until reaching the grand view of the evening: San Francisco twinkling in the distance as moon rays bounce off the gentle waves. Sit and bob for a while, take a quick picture, and catch a tailwind back.

California Canoe and Kayak, 409 Water St., Jack London Square, Oakland; 510-893-7833. The full-moon kayak trip is $49. The next trips are Aug. 21 and Sept. 24.

Activity
Water
Region
East Bay
Dinner Movie Universe Chabot

Star Date

Whether there's a full moon, half moon, or new moon, a visit to the Chabot Space and Science Center will have you mooning over their intimate evening program, Dinner, a Movie and the Universe. It's a three-tiered extravaganza, starting with a four-course prix fixe meal on the second floor near the armillary sphere; the space maxes out at 20 people, creating an intimate and conversation-friendly experience. Afterward, wander to the nearby planetarium for the next event: Chabot's advanced digital projection system spans a 70-foot dome and displays an amazingly true-to-life picture of the night sky. Sit back and relax to soothing celestial music as you discover the easiest way to find the North Star, and learn how to identify constellations like the Scorpion and the Bear. Finish things off with a visit to three giant telescopes, Leah, Rachel, and Nellie, all housed in large domes on the panoramic outdoor patio. Sneak a peak at whatever they're pointing at: favorites include the moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and eclectic star clusters. You'll be beaming the rest of the weekend.

TIP: This Friday is 10000: A Skyline Party. Combine live music, cosmos—and cosmos! Tickets are $20.

Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland; 510-336-7300. Dinner a Movie and the Universe happens Friday and Saturday nights. The dinner has two seatings, at 6 or 8 p.m. It's $18 per person, plus the $15 entrance fee. Reservations are recommended. The movie schedule rotates; check the Web site for details.

Activity
Relax
Region
East Bay
Vancouver Island surfer

Supersize My Vacation

Not far away there's an island teeming with some of Earth's biggest natural beauty. Ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top islands in North America, Vancouver Island is a short ferry ride from mainland British Columbia. Plan your great Canadian escape in one of the world's most diverse ecosystems and get ready for big: Big rainforests. Big rivers. Big mountains. And big spaces to roam. This sparsely populated area has so much unspoiled wilderness that bears and bald eagles are more common than t-shirt shops. One hundred years ago the legendary West Coast Trail was a rescue route for shipwreck survivors; today it's a stunning coastal hike along the seashore and through old-growth rainforest; do the entire 75 kilometers on a backpacking trek or just dabble in its beauty by hiking a section. To see one of the coolest (literally) surf breaks, head to Tofino and one of its many beaches, where the swells are huge and the vibe is laid back. Long Beach is just down the road in Pacific Rim National Park where mist covered trees, wide sandy beaches, and untamed waves meet in spectacular fashion. For a kayaking paradise take to the turquoise waters of the Broken Islands and glide by otters, sea lions, shore birds and other wildlife.

BONUS: Supersized dreams can come true. Enter for a $20,000 vacation at HelloBC.com/tripideas

Visit HelloBC.com/tripideas to find trip itineraries for families, foodies, and outdoor adventurers.

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