Big River Full Moon Paddle

“I did not wish to take a cabin passage, but rather to go before the mast and on the deck of the world, for there I could best see the moonlight amid the mountains. I do not wish to go below now.”

— Henry David Thoreau

Big River is amazing after dark. Of all the things we do each day, there's one thing that rarely happens to us. That we find ourselves paddling up a beautiful, silent river canyon as darkness descends. The experience is a mixture of awe, beauty, and anticipation of the full moon rising. It does get dark, but as your eyes are allowed to slowly acclimate to the lowered light level, all is still visible, courtesy of the moon. As the moonlight casts it's glow, the reflection of Big River canyon along with the stars in the sky is seen as a mirror image on the waters surface.

Your knowledgeable guide, Rick Hemmings has worked on Big River for 20+ years and will safely guide you and your loved ones using GPS navigation. This way, flashlights are not necessary and your eyes remain dark adapted and able to see the subtle details of all that surrounds you. The ultra stable 9 person outrigger is reassuring because the tipsy feeling of a canoe or kayak is completely absent. Steady paddle strokes help keep you warm as the outrigger approaches the halfway point. Once there, hot apple cider is served with an organic cookie from the Ravens Restaurant- yum! Often times on the return trip it's possible to see the phosphorescent plankton subtly glowing underwater. The bright light of the nearly full moon reduces the brightness of this bioluminescence (see our Bioluminescence Tour).

“We loved the moonlight paddle. The full moon lit everything up, very romantic..” — A. Collingsworth

Special Info: Dress warm with layers, and take note that sky conditions can be variable. Being the middle of the dry season, rain is highly unlikely, but it could be foggy. The moon is still there, but it's light is diffused. Great trip either way! note: Full moon Paddles are conducted only three times in 2013. June, July, and August. A very special experience! This tour is based on pre-registration and must be booked in advance.

Quality life jackets and paddles provided. This tour includes hot organic apple cider and cookie.