There’s something magical about waking up before the world does, especially when you’re in a place like Penticton, surrounded by mountains and lakes. This morning, I had one of those rare moments: September’s Full Harvest Supermoon was setting over the mountains at dawn.

Welcome back to Oceans Bliss Portal! Today’s post is all about moon timing.

I’ll admit, I don’t always nail the timing. Sometimes I’m out there waiting in the dark, wondering if I got it wrong again. But when everything lines up, it’s totally worth it. The moon, the mountains, that peaceful quiet—it’s one of my favourite things to do.

Quick Tips for Moon Viewing & Photography

I often get asked, “How do you know when to catch the moon?” It’s all about timing and planning. Here’s how I make it happen:

Check ‘Time and Date’ – I always use this website to figure out when the moon will rise or set. It gives me a pretty solid starting point. I then compare it to when the sun will rise or set, which helps me figure out the best lighting for photos.

Mountain Life Timing – Living in the mountains means the moon and sun set earlier than they do on a flat horizon. I subtract about 45 minutes from the online time to account for that early dip behind the mountains.

Prep the Night Before – The night before a big moon viewing, I prep everything—my camera, lenses, clothes, snacks (because, priorities, right?). That way, when my alarm goes off in the early hours, I’m ready to head out and spend time with my best friend… nature and that full, glowing moon.

There’s a certain peace that comes with being out there, watching the moon disappear behind the mountain peaks while the sun starts to creep up. It’s like the world is holding its breath for just a minute.

Bliss xo