Full Moonshiner!

Guided moonlight hike on Mount Tam in the North Bay

It started out as a way to romance his dates. But today John Benus invites everyone to his fantastic full-moon hikes to Moonlight Hill on Mount Tam. He usually hosts the hikes on weekends, and the next one is this Friday, September 16. Ready to become a Marin Moonshiner? Okay! First, RSVP (details in italics below). Then plan to meet at the Safeway parking lot in Mill Valley for introductions and carpool arrangements to the trailhead. Blankets and flashlights are handed out.

Soon you’ll be off for a leisurely 3-mile (round-trip) hike along trails with moon-filled views of the bay and the headlands. At the halfway point, John might disappear. Uh, what? Not to worry! He’s gone to set up blankets and lanterns for a picnic on Moonlight Hill, one of the best places for watching the moon rise. (Bring your own food and wine.) You are now an official Moonshiner. Cheers!

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BONUS: Afterwards, everyone’s invited to the No Name Bar in Sausalito, where you'll hear some great jazz with no cover charge!

Marin Moonshiners Full Moon Hike and Picnic usually happens on weekends of the full moon. Reservations required due to limited space. Sign up online or call 415-331-0100; $20 fee (pay at the meet-up) includes blankets, lanterns, flashlights, cups, plates, and utensils for your picnic. Bring layers and a small backpack with your picnic dinner, favorite wine, etc. If conditions are really foggy, the hiking location and route may change. This hike is not appropriate for kids. No dogs.

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