Photo of supermoon rising over Topa Topa Bluffs in October 2023 by Carla Cahill

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On Wednesday evening, October 16, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., my wife Rondia and I will lead a uniquely Ojai Supermoon Sunset Nature Hike to a vista point above the Ojai Valley where we can watch the sun set and the full supermoon rise. A “supermoon” occurs when the moon is unusually close to the Earth, making it appear very large. This is the third of four supermoons this year and will mark the moon’s closest proximity to the Earth.

Registrants will receive instructions by email on where to park. From the trailhead we’ll gradually walk about 1.5 miles on a well used dirt road with gradual elevation gain to the vista point, stopping along the way to meet some valuable edible and medicinal plants including, among others:
Purple Sage
California Buckwheat
Toyon
Brickellbush
Passion Fruit
Aleppo Pine
Blue Agave
Yucca and
Prickly-Pear

After witnessing the setting of the sun and rising of the moon, we’ll walk back to the trailhead by remaining daylight, moonlight, and flashlight, returning to the trailhead at about 7:00.

Optional After-Party: Then, if participants are interested, at 7:15 p.m. you’re invited to join me and Rondia on Bryant Street at Ojai Valley Brewery‘s heated outdoor dining area where brewmasters Jeremy Haffner, Griffin Davis, and their staff will be pouring their amazing local herb-infused beers, ales, stouts and non-alcoholic beverages. Big Mann BBQ will have a truck there with food for us to enjoy as we gather and watch the supermoon continue to rise in the eastern sky.

Ojai Valley Brewery beers change with the seasons and reflect the plants of Ojai. Three staples you’re likely to find on the 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 hiking! Non-alcoholic offerings also change with the seasons and may include an Elderflower-Blackberry Spritzer.

My 2021 book, Medicinal Herbs of California, will be available at the trailhead for sale and signing. Afterwards, participants will receive a follow-up email with a plant list and other notes.

In addition to the adult tickets ($35), tickets for students 13-17 ($25) and children 6-12 ($15) are also available. One supervising adult must accompany each child 12 years old or younger.

Weather Policy: Walks and hikes will go on RAIN OR SHINE unless there is a steady downpour on the morning of the event, probability of thunderstorm, or a solid forecast of either the day before. Light rain or drizzle will not result in cancellation on my part. I will update registrants by email and text, as needed, and issue refunds if I need to cancel because of the weather.

Cancellation Policy I will refund your payment if you notify me up to 72 hours (3 days) before the start of the event. After that I will make every effort to fill your space (and I’m usually successful) but cannot guarantee.

REGISTRATION

Please REGISTER HERE FIRST before completing payment below.

TICKETS

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Note: Online payment includes a PayPal fee. If you prefer, when you register you can request instructions for mailing a payment of $35/adult, $25/student, or $15/child (one per adult) as long as there is still time for mail delivery.

Cancellation policy: I will refund your payment if you notify me up to 72 hours (3 days) before the start of the event. After that I will make every effort to fill your space (and I’m usually successful) but cannot guarantee.