We just returned from a three day trip to Laguna Hansen in the Sierra Juarez. I had checked here and other sites to see if I could find anything beforehand, but came up dry. So, I'll pass on what we encountered . . .

We left Oceanside Wednesday, July 31st, and returned Friday, August 2nd.

The lagoon is about 1/3 full. Water level at the deepest point is about three feet. Since we have had such little rain in the last year, campsites that have trees are at least 50 meters or more from the water's edge. The weather was pleasant (about 72 in the shade) during the day and cooling at night (you may want a sweatshirt). Clouds came in during the afternoon and a heavy rain fell for about half an hour. Upon leaving, via the south road, it rained heavily for about 45 minutes on our drive, and yet the road had no washouts.

Around the lake there were maybe seven other camping groups . . . remember, this was mid-week. There were few mosquitos, lots of frogs at night (though I've certainly seen more), and the common sound of coyotes, and, of course, the cows. The full moon rose about 9:30 allowing for some good star gazing between sunset and the moonlight.

That's about all I can offer. I am interested in other traveler's notes on Guadalupe Canyon, Sierra de San Pedro Martir (La Grulla), surfing from El Tomotal to points north. You can e-mail me at sstmo@sdcoe.k12.ca.us.

Thanks and hasta!