San Fran!

Ashley's post brought back memories of my first trip to the West Coast, which was in December of 2007, so I thought I'd take a short stroll down memory lane..

I had (have? I haven't spoken to him in a really long time) a friend, no seriously, just a friend, named Justin who works for a geology firm. Although Justin worked in Augusta, GA, his company's main office was in California. Every year they have a huge Christmas party and in 2007, Justin decided to bring me along as his date. Free airfare and hotel room? Sign me up immediately! 

We flew in to San Fransisco on a Thursday and decided to do the whole tourist thing of Fisherman's Wharf / Pier 39 before we checked into our hotel room. That is why I look so disgusting in these pics, FYI. :)

No idea what church this is, but I thought it was pretty.

Alcatraz

Of course we had to see the sea lions!

Group shot

This crazy guy in the dog costume (bottom left) charged us $5 to take pictures with his dogs..with our camera! Poor dogs.

Later that evening we checked into the Bodega Bay Lodge. From what I can remember, the room was amazing. Fireplace, big flat screen tv, plush king size bed, etc. I didn't realize how beautiful the view was until the next morning.

View from our room!

On Friday, we did a little more sightseeing and this time it was to see the Pacific Ocean and the Point Reyes Lighthouse! A little history for ya: "The Point Reyes Lighthouse is the windiest place on the Pacific coast and the second foggiest place on the North American continent. Weeks of fog, especially during the summer months, frequently reduce visibility to hundreds of feet. The Point Reyes Headlands, which jut 10 miles out to sea, pose a threat to each ship entering or leaving San Francisco Bay. The historic Point Reyes Lighthouse warned mariners of danger for more than a hundred years." source See, ya learn something new everyday!

308 stairs to get to the lighthouse, which is the equivalent of a 30 story building. They did have resting spots for you on the way down / up though!

Saw these little fella's (girlies?) on my way down.

Pacific Ocean - so pretty!

It was very windy & cold. Not ideal for a beach, but hey, it was December.

Sunset from our room! Would have been so romantic...if I was attracted to my date. I'm sorry, that was mean. He's a SUPER nice & fun guy!

I can't really remember what we did on Saturday during the day, but the big Christmas party & dinner was later that night. Justin and his co-worker, Greg, were appointed the oh-so-important role as the "Shot Cowboys." They would go around to every table during dinner and force hand out shots to people. I was so proud to be his date.....not.

Shot Cowboys (pretty sure the President of the company is at that table.)

Myself & Natalie. Natalie and I actually played soccer together in high school! It was so nice to know someone else that weekend!

This is Frank the Tank. He loved him some Megan.

Sunday was departure day. On our way back to the airport we checked out the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Natalie's date & I grew up in the same neighborhood.

 I had such a fun time, but I was ready to head back to the East Coast!