Hi, this is Vanessa, your ENLIGHTENMENT salon host.

Did you know that just up the road from us is the smallest mountain range in the world?

Yes, that’s the Sutter Buttes, the compact group of peaks you pass if you’re heading north on I-5 or Highway 99. It’s all private land but between late fall and early spring, the owners open the gates for a few people to go on day hikes, led by the education nonprofit Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes. One of the most special hikes is the Moonlight Stroll — and I have 10 tickets for the one on January 31.

Experience the change from daylight to evening on the Dean Place. Witness the sights, smells, and sounds of the encroaching night during a comfortable evening walk under the nearly-full Snow Moon.. Watch it rise, then hike by its light as you walk among the shadowy oaks and wander the rolling hillsides.

The hike is 3-4 miles, with less than 600 feet of elevation. Bring a headlamp or flashlight., and hiking poles are a good idea if you’re concerned about balance,

The cost of the hike is $45 per person. If you’re interested in participating, please sign up here to show that you’re interested, and I’ll contact you shortly with details on paying, meeting place and carpooling options. .Because there are only 10 spots, the first who pay (via Venmo, PayPal or Zelle) are the first ones to get them.

This is the first of a few “ENLIGHTENMENT Experiences” I’m planning for 2026, so come join me to explore one of the world’s most beautiful places - Northern California.