Even if you don’t believe in the folklore of full moons (that the full moon makes people go insane and/or grow excessive amounts of body hair and long fangs perfect for piercing the flesh of live prey tackled in the woods, or that spirits rise again on these nights to haunt the locals), there’s still something pretty marvelous about gazing up at that bright orb in a dark sky. Maybe it reminds us of where we are in space and time – and that there’s a whole never-endingness out there, which is mind-boggling all on its own. Maybe it’s just nice to wonder over.
The full moon is also a fine time to be outside – paddling the marsh, hiking a trail, or wandering the dark streets of an historic village. And you can do all of these things on Friday, June 9, when the full moon makes its grand appearance. The June full moon is also known by other names – Strawberry Moon, Green Corn Moon, Planting Moon, Birth Moon – and this year, it’s also a minimoon, because the full moon will reach its peak when it’s farthest from Earth (although those of us in Maine won’t get to see it at it’s full mini-ness, even if we were able to tell the difference between the usual moon size and the minimoon, which is 14 percent smaller. As lay people, we probably wouldn’t notice the difference). More on all of this on space.com.
So, how about we get out and enjoy the June full moon:
Full Moon Paddle
7-10 p.m. June 9
Sebago Trails Paddling Company, 1311 Roosevelt Trail, Raymond
Free with your own kayak, $20 to rent (call in advance to rent)
www.facebook.com
Join the good people of Sebago Trails Paddling Company for a paddle under the moonlight. You’ll launch from the shop’s new location in Raymond (there’s a put-in right there! So handy!). Bring your own kayak, paddle & PFD. You can also rent for just $20 (but let them know ahead of time if you need a kayak by calling 207-894-4696. More group paddles all summer. Check sebagotrails.com for more.
Full Moon Canoe Tour
8-9:30 p.m. June 9
Scarborough Marsh, Maine Audubon Center,
$14, $12 for members
FMI: maineaudubon.org
Climb into a canoe as the sun is going down, then paddle the marsh under the light of the moon. You’ll experience the sights and sounds of marsh creatures and watch for black-crowned night heron along the bank or snowy egret flying back to a nearby island for the evening. Pre-registration is required, so call 207-883-5100 to reserve your spot (and plan on arriving 30 minutes early). Full moon and sunset tours continue all summer!
I checked it out last year: Sunset and full moon canoe tours on the Scarborough Marsh with Maine Audubon
Full Moon SUP Paddle
8-10 p.m. June 9
Scarborough Marsh
Free (bring your own SUP)
FMI: www.facebook.com
Join this informal group paddle with Southern Maine SUP on the Scarborough Marsh. Parking is available in the Eastern Trail lot, just past the Maine Audubon Center on Pine Point Road. The group will depart promptly at 8 p.m., so be sure to arrive by 7:45. This paddle is open to all skill levels. Bring your own board, leash, paddle, PFD, headlamps and proper apparel.
Full Moon Walk on the Eastern Trail
8-9 p.m. June 9
Two locations: Southern Maine Health Care, Biddeford and Pine Point Road, Scarborough
Free
FMI: www.facebook.com
The Eastern Trail Alliance is hosting two evening walks to see the moon from the trail. It’s free to join and the walks will be on flat terrain and last about 60-90 minutes. All ages welcome, but please leave the flashlights/headlamp and pets at home. Both locations meet at 8 p.m. For the Biddeford walk, meet at Southern Maine Health Care’s back parking lot off W Cole Road and join biologist and ETA trustee Joe Yuhas. For the Scaborough walk, meet at the Pine Point Road Eastern Trail crossing parking lot and join ETA Executive Director Carole Brush.
Full Moon Haunted History Tour – Damariscotta
8 p.m. June 9
Downtown Damariscotta
$15 adults, $7 under 12
redcloakhauntedhistorytours.com
A full moon Friday seems like the perfect time for some haunted history. Join The Lady in the Red Cloak for a lantern-lit walking tour of Damariscotta and hear ghostly tales, like “Grandpa’s Ghost,” learn of the Mystery Ship and experience a one-of-a-kind evening in this 1750s village. It’s a moderate walk that lasts approximately 90 minutes. All ages, and advanced registration is required.
There are also tours this night in Bar Harbor, Hallowell, and Camden. See the full schedule.
Full Moon Hike at The Pike Lands
7:30-9 p.m. June 9
The Pike Lands Conservation Area, Lubec
Free
FMI: www.facebook.com
Soak up the light of the moon from the rocky shores of the Pike Lands! You’ll take a short hike down the Cove Trail to the beach to watch the moon rise over Cobscook Bay. Pack a picnic for a late dinner and share a drink with old friends and new. Bring flashlight/headlamp for the bike back, bug repellent and appropriate footwear/apparel. No glass containers, please! For more info and directions, see the Facebook event.
Full Moon Sail
And if you’d rather just relax on a sailboat on look at the moon while drinking a glass of something special, well, I won’t argue with that. Go on a Full Moon Sail aboard the schooner Olad in Camden, a Strawberry Full Moon Sail on schooner Alert off Bailey Island, or Full Moon Rise Cruise aboard the Oquossoc Lady or Gray Ghost on Rangeley Lake.
