Ojai herbalist Lanny Kaufer’s March and April Full Moon Sunset Nature Walks were so much fun he’s doing one again on the night before the July full moon. The following night, though technically the official full moon, would have the group out too late for most people on a weeknight. On Monday, July 15, the nearly full moon will rise at 7:30 and the sun will set at 8:09. That provides a nice window of time at the vista point overlooking the beautiful Ojai Valley (Valley of the Moon).
Kaufer will meet the group at the Park-and-Ride lot in downtown Ojai between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m. and carpool to the trailhead to minimize the crowded parking situation there. From there he’ll gradually walk about 1 mile to the vista point, stopping along the way to identify and discuss some valuable native plants including Coastal Sagebrush, Elderberry, Purple Sage, and Toyon.
After witnessing the rising of the moon and setting of the sun, he’ll walk back to the trailhead by remaining daylight, moonlight, and flashlight, returning to the Park-and-Ride by 9:00 p.m.
From there all are invited to join him across the street for beverages, appetizers or dinner at Ojai Valley Brewery. Brewmaster Jeremy Haffner has created delicious lager-style craft beers and ales using some of the same local plants the group will meet on the trail. His brews change with the seasons and reflect the plants of Ojai. At the April gathering, he served his New Moon Oat Stout brewed with Wild Oat Grass, White Pixie Ale brewed with Pixie tangerine zests and orchard blossoms, and Chaparral Ale flavored with White and Black Sage and local Sagebrush instead of the usual hops. Non-alcoholic offerings included an Elderflower-Blackberry Spritzer.
Register now by visiting HerbWalks.com or by calling 805-646-6281. There is no pre-payment required for this walk, just a promise to let Kaufer know if your plans change. If it fills up, priority will be given to those who registered in advance. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with all necessary info a few days prior. No dogs or smoking, please.
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