According to the Observer's Inn website, the fires in San Diego county
caused severe damage. The guest houses were destroyed in addition to the
Leighs' home. The observatory remains standing, however. The Leighs have
been safely evacuated and are not in any danger.
Christine and I stayed at the Observer's Inn on the evening of July 21st.
It was a wonderful experience. Mike Leigh conducted a sky tour, as he does
every clear night, in his observatory. Although tailored to beginning and
novice amateur astronomers as well as the general public, I found the sky
tour to be both interesting and entertaining. Mike and Caroline Leigh were
gracious hosts and helped make our stay very enjoyable. The grounds were
both scenic and peaceful by day and the skies were dark at night. The
nearby town of Julian was quaint, charming and historic.
It is truly a shame to lose such a nice vacation spot, and I wish Mike and
Caroline the best in getting their lives and business back together.
-Kevin