Laguna Mountains, California
	7.82 miles 880 feet 3 hours 51 minutes
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This was a really rewarding hike! The meadows were green, the lakes filled, and wildflowers in bloom. It was a great time of year to hike here, especially considering this year's rainy spring. It was immensely enjoyable, even carrying a 35 pound pack for training.

The Sunset Trail portion of the hike was harder than strolling around the meadow alongside Big Laguna Lake. As you travel straight north along the west side of the loop that's where you gain your elevation. It isn't too steep in any one spot; the climbs are relatively short and spread out. But the gains give you a chance to look out over some impressive views. There's some not too big boulders that are also fun to scramble up.

A few great wide views along the Sunset Trail, at places where there's a break in the trees.

Intermittent tree cover along the Sunset Trail.

The Water of the Woods.

There were lots of different kinds of birds.

Happy to spot some wild strawberries! Maybe a few weeks before the fruit is ready...

Beautiful clusters of flowers, some like miniature bouquets.

Wonderful carpets of yellow flowers across the meadow.

This bee was a dreadnought, maybe an inch in length with what looked like shiny black armor.

This woodpecker graciously came halfway down the tree for photos (and to snatch goodies from the trunk).

The lagunas are always nice, but way better when it's still green.

I love the colors on this bird, whatever it is.

At first we thought we heard an owl, but it was just a dove cooing up in the treetops.

A few random shots. These beetles were monstrous, maybe two inches in length, and we saw them everywhere.