Sunset / Moonrise Hike [Full Moon, Wilder Ranch]

Join Tuesday’s impromptu hike, and help me plan ahead for next month’s hike farther up the coast, where we can see the sunset better: Read July’s proposed hike and let’s chat on the trail!

June brings the Strawberry Moon, named for the woodland strawberries which begin to ripen this month, and also for the tint of the moon if viewed through rose colored glasses.

The Wilder Overlook is an excellent perch to watch the moon rise as the sun is setting. (In the summer, we won’t have a direct view of the sun dipping into the ocean. Pray for reflective clouds.)

We will stop to enjoy the expansive view, and share snacks, at the picnic table overlook. Feel free to head back while the sunset is still bright (it’s mostly a straight shot, so no map required). Or, even better, bring a jacket and linger to enjoy the skies while the full moon rises in the East (ESE). Let’s discuss past and future hikes, health, and a friendly game of poker?

The deets:

• Alltrails map. Meet at Overlook marker
• Forecast: clear skies, 65(F) to ~60(F) after dark.
• You may wish to bring a flashlight, but consider letting your eyes adjust and letting the moonlight guide you home. (The trail is wide but has occasional rocks and gullies, so judge for yourself.)
• Bring snacks, and layers for the temperature drop after dark.
• Meet on the south (Santa Cruz) end of the parking lot along Hwy 1, just before the official entrance to Wilder.
• Cell service should be ok.
• I’ll leave my number in the comments.
• Bathrooms are available at the main parking lot, but it is a > 5 minute walk each way.

Historical Note: This overlook area is where we spotted the comet Purple Mountain ATLAS, back in October! Well, almost. We were a little farther down the trail, heading home, thinking that we had missed it, when all of the sudden, as it got darker and darker, after dusk had faded, we saw the freaking big comet on the horizon! Next time we will do it up right. So, this trip is also partly reconnaissance, for when the next comet, or meteor shower, or alien landing calls. We'll be ready to party with the aliens!

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