Monksville Full Moon Paddle
by Melody Wenger
Monday, June 29, 2026
Trip Leader: Melody Wenger
Meet Time: 7:00 PM
Put‑in: South Boat Launch, Monksville Reservoir, Ringwood, NJ
Boats: 9 paddlers — 2 canoes, 7 kayaks
Conditions: Warm evening, calm water, no mosquitoes
Moon: Strawberry June Full Moon, rising around 9 PM
Nine HRCKC paddlers gathered at the south boat launch of Monksville Reservoir for a serene full‑moon paddle. The group prepared their boats with lights before launching into some of the calmest water imaginable — warm to the touch, glassy, and perfectly still.
The group paddled across the reservoir to the far shoreline, enjoying the quiet and the mirror‑flat water. Once gathered, everyone rafted up and shared an assortment of finger foods brought by the paddlers — a floating picnic under the twilight sky.
Around 9 PM, the Strawberry Moon began to rise. At first, it was partially hidden behind low‑lying clouds, giving it a soft, muted glow. Once it cleared the cloud layer, the moon brightened dramatically, casting a silver path across the reservoir. The moonlight was so strong that the group paddled back without needing their headlights.
No mosquitoes — a rare and welcome gift.
Back in the parking lot everyone helped each other reload their boats onto their cars and continued to enjoy each other’s company and the uniqueness of such a special evening sky.
Thank you to all participants: Ken B, Robyn L, Phil B, Martin W, Peter W, Naomi G, Bob Z, & Stefanie B.
Melody