Right: View from one of the hiking trails on the slopes of the mountain. I visited in late December, and there was a little snow on the ground.

Above: Lake Henshaw, a pleasant diversion on the way back to San Diego.

The Palomar Observatory sits on top of the summit of Palomar Mountain, about two hours drive north of San Diego.

There is a viewing area inside the observatory where visitors can inspect the telescope.

Acorns, stuffed into cracks in tree trunks, presumably by squirrels.