When the sun sets this summer, take heart—we’ve got the moon. Step into Marin and see how a little less light can be twice as nice.

The secret to hiking beneath the moon on Mt. Tamalpais lies in knowing the right people. Rob Ross, for example. Ross has been moon-hiking on Mt. Tam for 13 years. Every month on the Saturday nearest a full moon, from April through October, Ross leads a two-mile mountainside hike sponsored by the Mount Tam Interpretive Association. "You're out there on the mountain in the moonlight…there's an energy that's just contagious," says Ross. After joining the Ross-led loop at the Pantoll Ranger Station, you'll move at a relaxed pace, stopping a half dozen times to absorb the night sounds and the glowing moonlit mountainscape. Along the way, Ross will regale you at the Mountain Theater with his story "How the Maiden Came to Be." Need further incentive to dance with the stars? The trip is free, so as Ross says, "it's the ultimate cheap date."


For more information, click here. The next trip is July 28, meeting at 8:30 p.m. at Pantoll Ranger Station. Dress in layers and bring a small flashlight. Directions: From Hwy. 101 in Mill Valley, take Hwy. 1 toward Stinson Beach, and after 3.6 miles turn right on Panoramic Hwy. Continue 5.3 miles to Pantoll Ranger Station, on the left side of the road.

Collect some wood, grab a few blankets and a guitar, and get to secluded, bonfire-friendly Muir Beach. Redwood Creek spills into the Pacific here, and rugged bluffs to the north and south protect the beach from any serious buffeting; the wide-open sands stretching past gentle breakers provide a dramatic seaside locale. Arrive early—at least a couple of hours before sunset—to snag one of the designated bonfire pits; then take your time roasting marshmallows and howlin' at the moon (and if it howls back, that's the coyotes singing along). At nine o'clock, park rangers will pay a visit, remind you that the beach is closing, and put out your fire. (Note: If there's no park ranger, make sure to put out your own.) In the event of untimely rain or fog, just scoot a minute down the road to the Pelican Inn. You can warm up by the fire in the classic Tudor-style pub, tip a few pints, and howl some more.

Pelican Inn, 10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach; (415) 383-6000.

Muir Beach closes about an hour after sunset (nine o'clock in the summer months). Directions: From Hwy. 101, take the Hwy. 1 exit and head north. Continue up the highway for 6 miles, and look for a sign marking the left turn for Muir Beach.

Perched on a remote promontory 124 feet above the ocean, with its dramatic setting and expansive views, Point Bonita Lighthouse lures day-visitors throughout the year. But on full-moon nights, ranger-led tours reveal an even more dramatic place. Waves crash below and the city shimmers to the south over the moonlit sea. The quarter-mile walk to the lighthouse is safe, but heady: You'll follow a wide gravel path along a cliffside traverse, pass through a tunnel, then cross a breezy suspension bridge. Along the way, the knowledgeable rangers will spin tales from the lighthouse's history, while the moon spins its own mysteries around you.

Note: This trip is so popular that summer tours are filled, but sign up now for full-moon tours at the end of September and October—our true summer!

Full-moon tours are offered year-round; to make a reservation, call Marin Headlands Visitor Center at (415) 331-1540. (If you prefer to visit by day, tours are offered every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from noon to 3:30.) Directions: From Hwy. 101, take the Alexander Ave. exit and turn right at the stop sign. After 150 yards, turn left toward the tunnel on Bunker Rd. Continue on Bunker Rd. to Field Rd. and turn left. Follow the signs to Point Bonita Lighthouse.

Photo 1 courtesy of oaxoax. Photo 3 courtesy of Mrs. Terry.

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Ray King likes big waves and big sales (like 40% off...see below).

Hometown: Santa Cruz, for now....
Best Thing About Surfing: "No lift ticket required. Open water. And learning something new every time—from how an otter eats to the way porpoises follow each other in calculated paths."
Number of Patagonia Surfboards: 14, including several of Patagonia's custom boards: Mako, Gun, and the big, easy longboard.
About the Patagonia Wetsuit: "The interior is a wool-polyester blend with a checker pattern that lets water drain through and holds just enough to keep you warm. It's slow-washed instead of chlorine-washed so it's super-soft and is dry by the time your lunch break is done."
Favorite Surf Spots: Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz and Ocean Beach in San Francisco.
Taking Off the Wetsuit: "For traveling I love Patagonia's Micro D-Luxe Hoody pullover because you can layer it or wear it on its own – the fleece is super soft (with a 100 percent liftetime guarantee)."
THE SALE: The Santa Cruz outlet (which already has discounted prices) is having a huge sale. Everything in the store is 30% off! July 20 - 29 only. Bring in this email, and get an additional 10% off – that's nearly 50% off their retail store prices! (Contact info requested upon purchase.)

Patagonia Outlet Santa Cruz, 415 River St. #C, Santa Cruz; 831-423-1776.

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