June Strawberry Moon Paddle
by Melody Wenger
June 21, 2024
Plan was to meet the group at 7:30 in the Monksville Reservoir South parking lot. The rain I drove through stopped as I pulled in to see several paddlers standing around with umbrellas or rain gear.
With a positive weather attitude, a dozen boaters (1 canoe, the rest kayaks) pushed off the concrete boat launch and paddled towards the setting sun. The sky did not disappoint with sunset colors lighting up the clouds that still remained above our heads. On the way out, Martin spotted NJ's own pear cactus blooming on an overhanging rock (see photos). The water was flat the entire evening allowing us to easily raft up and share yummy treats (even strawberries!) that people had tucked inside their boats. Our lit boats started to stand out as it grew darker, and we waited for the 8:50 pm moon rise.
By 9:15 our group was still frantically searching for the moon thinking that the cloud cover must be really thick up there. But then the cry was heard... "Over there!!!" At 9:25 an orange full moon*, unobstructed by clouds, slowly started peaking over the tree covered hills. We watched for 15 minutes or so as it continued to rise and eventually started entering some clouds.
Then in darkness we followed the lights of our fellow boaters as we paddled back to the put in. Working together in the dark, we all reloaded our gear and boats. I was one of the last cars to leave the lot when it started to rain again. We certainly lucked out with the weather!
* the moon was yellow-orange not red. A June moon is called a Strawberry Moon because that is when the strawberries ripen.
Thank you to all who participated: Naomi G, Sumonnat K, Al G, Martin W, David M, Rob S., Jeri C, Bob C, Peter W, Yvonne C, and a special guest - Kris L.
Special thanks to my photographers: Martin W. & Bob C.
Melody