Dark Sky Photography / Stargazing Hike at Goat Rock (Near Jenner, CA)
Details
Join CDARC for dinner and a night hike on our first ever community outing!
On the trip, we hope to get to know each other, take some amazing photos, and enjoy a magnificently dark sky. 🌌☺️
This is a free event. All ages are welcome but please read below for important safety information.
Itinerary:
- We will meet for a sunset dinner at Fishetarian Fish Market in Bodega Bay at 6:15
- We will then drive 15 minutes north and meet at the Shell Beach parking lot.
- Around 7:30, we'll use the fading twilight to hike into Sunset Boulders via the Kortum trail (~1.3 miles each way). There are many scenic locations near sunset boulders and folks will be free to explore and find own their ideal photo spot(s)!
- By 9:00 it should be very dark. We plan to return from sunset boulders around 10:00.
What to Bring:
- Money for your food at Fishetarian if you plan to join for dinner
- Red flashlights / headlamps. It will be very dark and you will need reliable light to hike on the trail. White light destroys your night vision (which takes ~30 minutes to build up) and is highly discouraged except in cases of emergency. If you don't already own a red light, we recommend a dual mode red/white headlight, not a hand flashlight. You can use it in red mode or white when necessary, while also keeping your hands free.
- Layers and blankets. We will check the weather closer to the outing date, but generally expect it to be cold by the ocean at night! Multiple layers, jackets, gloves, hats, etc. are a must - not just for comfort but for safety.
- Astrophotography / Astronomy Gear (optional). All forms of astro gear are welcome at CDARC events, but since this outing involves hiking over a mile each way, keep portability in mind! We'll be bringing cameras, tripods and binoculars, not telescopes. Expect to meet both enthusiasts who love to chat about gear, as well as folks who are interested in simply enjoying the night sky.
Notice about Weather-related Cancellations:
Due to the unpredictable nature of clouds and rain, and their influence on our ability to see the night sky, this event may be subject to rescheduling or cancellation. Please check the event page the morning of the hike for a final go/no-go advisory!
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The event organizers have extensive night hiking experience, and are happy to offer guidance and answer any questions on how to show up well prepared for this outing.
With that being said....
Safety / Liability Information:
- Please note that this outing will involve hiking in the pitch dark in a wildlife area. It may be very cold. You may not have cell phone service on the trail.
- You will be responsible for getting home safely (driving in the dark) after the outing concludes.
- This is a community meetup between peers. You and any guests you bring are responsible for their own safety at all times.
- When you RSVP yes to this event, it should prompt you to check a box which indicates you've read and agreed to the liability waiver at the bottom of this event description. Members who do not agree to the waiver are not invited to participate in this outing.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to the organizers with any questions you have about this event. We'll see you in the dark! 🪐✨
-The CDARC Team
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Safety / Liability Waiver:
- I acknowledge that hiking and walking activities involve risks, including but not limited to slips, trips, falls, and environmental hazards. I agree to follow all safety guidelines and instructions provided by the organizers.
- I understand the physical demands of the activity and confirm I am in suitable health to participate.
- I release the CDARC Meetup group and its organizers from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur during the activity.
- I understand that CDARC is a title for a meetup app community and not an entity and I do not need to follow their instructions.
- I understand and agree that the organizers of this event are to be held harmless and indemnified of any and all claims against various liabilities, including personal injury, death, and property damage or loss.
- I affirm that any guests I bring to this event have also read and agreed to the terms of this waiver.