Every so often, about midway through the month, it happens. The sun goes down, the full moon glows a bright bluish white in a dark, endless sky, and millions of Americans plant their butts by the TV. Not me. I'm thinking about getting my heart rate up, maybe somewhere outdoors, and believe it or not, I'm not alone. Outdoor activities and fitness of all kinds take place every month under a full moon, suiting unrepentant night owls like me just fine.
Back in January, this diehard city dweller new to nature-crazed San Francisco (after several years in nature-deprived Manhattan) took on what seemed a challenge—to find an outdoor activity to jive with his paternally inherited, New York-reinforced, nocturnal temperament. It was easier than I thought. I found a guided full moon snowshoe hike near Lake Tahoe and tried my hand (or rather, foot) at the winter activity for the very first time. [1] I was hooked.
Inspired, I typed out "full moon" and "outdoors" and clicked "I'm Feeling Lucky," ending up in in Western Canada, where the Full Moon Adventure Co. is planning its 8th Annual Full Moon in June [2] adventure race. On June 3 and 4, co-ed teams of four will navigate a 36-hour course through the inhospitable and windy backcountry of historic Crowsnest Pass, in between trekking, mountain biking, white water rafting, and fixed ropes. More than a bit strenuous for my taste, I kept looking, and found countless outdoor options for those of us lured outdoors during the brightest lunar phase. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Go horseback riding under a full moon in California, [3] Colorado, [4] or Hawaii. [5]
Join (or watch) a group called the Moonduneloonies for sandboarding—like snowboarding, only warmer and much drier—in Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park. [6]
Learn kayaking 15 minutes outside of Fort Lauderdale from the Full Moon Kayak Co. [7] Beginners are welcome, and some outings include bonfire stories.
Choose from backpacking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, paddling, and kayaking with guided and instructional tours operated by Outdoor ESCAPES New Hampshire. [8]
Lastly, mellow out and rejuvenate under a full moon in Austin, Texas. Free full-moon yoga and meditation classes [9] are ongoing, and currently meet at the scenic Chappell Hill overlook, with views of Lake Austin and downtown.
Photo credit: NASA [10]