CANCELLED: May Full Moon Sunset Herb Walk & After-Party

George Inness. Winter Moonlight (Christmas Eve), 1866.

CANCELLATION NOTICE: I’m sorry to say that the latest Stay-Well-At-Home order from the Ventura County Health Officer requires me to cancel the May 6 Full Moon Herb Walk and After-Party. I waited as long as possible in the hope that things would improve enough to allow it but that is not the case.

On Wednesday evening, May 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., I’ll lead another Supermoon Sunset Herb Walk to a vista point above the Ojai Valley where we can watch the simultaneous moonrise and sunset.  The full moon will rise at about 7:20 p.m. and the sun will set at about 7:45 p.m., giving us a nice window of time to take it all in. Following the walk is an optional “after-party” at 8:45 p.m. at Azu Restaurant and Ojai Valley Brewery for delicious food and local, native herb-infused beers and non-alcoholic beverages.

We’ll meet at the Park-and-Ride lot downtown between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. and carpool to the trailhead to minimize the crowded parking situation there. Then we’ll gradually walk about 1.25 miles to the vista point, stopping along the way to meet some valuable native plants including:

Coastal Sagebrush
Toyon
Black Walnut
Prickly-Pear
Elderberry
Purple Sage and
Hollyleaf Cherry

After witnessing the rising of the moon and setting of the sun, we’ll walk back to the trailhead by remaining daylight, moonlight, and flashlight, returning to the Park-and-Ride lot by 8:30 p.m.

Then at 8:45 p.m. you’re invited to join me and Rondia across the street from the Park-and-Ride lot at the combined Azu Restaurant & Ojai Valley Brewery where manager Elizabeth Haffner, brewmaster Jeremy Haffner and the chef have planned a special prix fixe Beer Paired Tasting Menu (see below) featuring a flight of 4 beers paired with a seasonal menu. Those who complete payment for the walk will receive instructions for reserving the custom dinner. If they choose not to reserve, they can still order beverages, appetizers or entrees à la carte from the regular menu.

Jeremy’s brews change with the seasons and reflect the plants of Ojai. Three staples you’re likely to find on his list any time of year are Sugar Bush IPA, brewed with wild local Ojai “Sugar Bush” Sumac; White Pixie Ale, brewed with Pixie tangerine zests and orchard blossoms; and an amazing Chaparral Ale flavored and bittered with White and Black Sage and local Sagebrush instead of the usual Hops. Jeremy describes it as “built to mimic the scent on Shelf Road.” That’s where we’ll be walking! Non-alcoholic offerings also change with the seasons and may include an Elderflower-Blackberry Spritzer.

REGISTRATION INFO:

The cost for the walk portion of the event is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors 62-up, or $15 for students 13-17. Kids 5-12 can come along free, one per adult, by prior arrangement.

Please use the REGISTER HERE button at top or bottom of this page to sign up before completing your payment with the PayPal button to secure your space. Once you register you will receive instructions to mail a check if you prefer to not use PayPal. Paid reservations are refundable up to 72 hours before the event. After that point I will try to fill your space but cannot guarantee it.

Paid registrants will receive a confirmation email with instructions for reserving the prix fixe dinner followed by a confirmation email with all necessary info, including weather forecast and parking directions, a few days prior to the walk. Light rain will not cancel. Heavy rain will. They also will receive a follow-up email afterwards with a list of all plants and wildlife seen. No dogs or smoking, please.