The full moon, one of the year’s “super” moons, rises on Monday, Oct. 6. It will appear larger as it coincides with perigee, the point at which it is closest to the earth. The Farmer’s Almanac refers to this moon as the harvest or hunter’s moon, as the extra brightness allows for additional farmwork and hunting. A small meteor shower, the Draconids, peaks on the same day, but the moon’s brilliance will likely drown out any falling stars.
The woods and waters grow quiet as many creatures begin their seasonal migration to warmer southern climates. Meanwhile, year-round residents are busily feeding on acorns and berries to pack on calories to sustain them through the winter. Fall colors line the roads and trails, from splashes of scarlet poison oak to piles of golden-brown bay leaves. California bay nuts are beginning to ripen, the fleshy outer coating transitioning from yellow to green to deep purple. Once purple, the coating peels away from the tasty nut. In coast redwood forests, fall colors are provided by the sunny yellow big leaf maple trees dropping their leaves.
With the government shutdown, national seashore visitor centers, the lighthouse and possibly some roads will close. Check the park website, nps.gov/pore, for updates.