CLEAR LAKE >> On Aug. 10, a group of 16 paddleboarders led by Mike Conser, owner of Mendo-Lake SUP, embarked on a tour under the August supermoon.
On that day, the moon was at its closest distance to the earth, or perigee, which can make it appear 30 times brighter and 14-percent larger than usual.
The paddleboarders launched near Library Park in Lakeport at the First Street boat ramp and silently paddled northward along the shoreline. In anticipation, they watched the sunlight fade behind the western hills while the moon crept above Mt. Konocti amidst thin wisps of stratus clouds.
The group turned on their headlamps to a softer light setting to keep track of each other and remain visible to motorboats.
As the moon rose above the clouds, the group paddled toward the moon. After a while, they decided to just drift and absorb the somber beauty of the moonlit world and the haunting silhouette of Mt. Konocti in the distance. The water lapped gently against their boards as they took in the night in meditative wonder. Someone broke the stillness whispering, “this is the most spectacular experience I”ve ever had in my life.”
At around 10 p.m., with the moon high above the clouds, the paddlers reluctantly made their way back to the boat ramp.
The Harvest Moon will rise on Sept. 8, and another full moon paddle is planned.
Mendo-Lake SUP is a new company in Lakeport that rents and sells stand-up paddleboards, as well as provides destination trips and coreboarding, combining yoga and pilates on paddleboards.
