California

It was a FABULOUS weekend... for me, anyway. Thursday morning found me at the nearest airport, getting ready to board a plane headed straight for San Jose, California, where it was slightly rainy, cloudy, and probably about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. I think the exciting part at that point in time (approximately 7:15 AM, mountain time) was that I was getting on a plane-for the first time in my X-amount of years of life! TRUE STORY! My friend was with me, and she hadn't flown since she was little, and she barely remembers what it had been like, so it was a kind-of first for her, too! We had so much fun.

This was for a class. My Marine Biology class from school (accompanied by the teacher) had been invited, and about 14 kids went. With the teacher, his friend (who also happens to be a teacher) and the friend's grandchild, that added up to a grand total of 17.

The first thing we did (once off the plane and with the rental cars) was go to Ano Nuevo, which is where the seals (elephant seals, to be specific) breed at this time of year. Goody. Now, I can cross that off of my Bucket List. Those things are HUGE!!! They were slightly intimidating, but not very much. It was a little too warm for them, and they were being a bunch of beach bums (say THAT three times fast!). It was not very exciting.

Anyway, once we had checked into the hotel, it was dark. Everyone was in for a good night's rest.

The next day, Friday, we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. That was even MORE exciting! I love zoos, aquariums, museums (et al), and when I go with my family, it's not very fun. They're just rushing me, and wanting to get to the end. Since we didn't have anything else really planned for the day, we decided to just take our time. We got there at about 10 o'clock, and then we were just let loose. I don't think I left until after 2. There was so much to see! Sea otters, jellies, penguins, flamingos, star fish, sharks... the list goes on and on! It was very fabulous.

Saturday, we went hiking, and then saw a little bit a tide pools. Those were way fun, and if you're ever in the area, I HIGHLY recommend it. There are tons of things to see! All right, enough for now, more later. (And hopefully the pictures will come through).