Full Moon Sunset Nature Hike

On Friday evening, September 9, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., Ojai author and naturalist Lanny Kaufer will lead a Full Moon Sunset Nature Hike above the Ojai Valley where his group can watch the simultaneous sunset and moonrise. Technically, the moon will reach complete fullness at 2:59 a.m. on Saturday morning, making Friday night an ideal time to view the full moon.

Kaufer’s group will meet at the trailhead at 5:45 p.m. for a 6:00 p.m. start.  They’ll gradually hike about 1.5 miles to a vista point, experiencing some elevation gain on a well-worn, dirt fire road with uneven footing in places. Along the way they’ll stop to meet some valuable edible and medicinal plants, possibly including California Buckwheat, Black and Purple Sage, Toyon, Hollyleaf Cherry, Prickly-Pear Cactus, and, hopefully, the fragrant night-blooming Brickellbush.

After witnessing the sunset and moonrise, they’ll walk back to the trailhead by remaining daylight, moonlight, and flashlight, returning to the trailhead by 8:30 p.m. Kaufer will have copies of his new book, Medicinal Herbs of California, with him for sale and signing before and after the hike.

Light rain will not cancel. Heavy rain or chance of thunderstorms will cancel the hike. No dogs or smoking, please.

REGISTRATION INFO:
The cost for the hike is $35/person. Senior, student and child discounts are available by request. Paid registrants will receive a confirmation email a few days prior to the event with all necessary info, including what to bring, weather forecast, and directions to the trailhead. Afterwards, they will receive a follow-up email with a list of all plants and wildlife seen. Register now at HerbWalks.com or by calling 805-646-6281.

Moonrise photo by Rochelle Castillo.