I went out to California originally just to do some work at the Natural History Museum of LA County. I was invited out to take a look at some very nice ceratopsid material they have in ther collection. While I did get my work done and had a very nice time at the museum, I also decided to take some time to see the sites, since I had never been to California and may never have a chance to go back.

While I was there I stayed in LA with my friend Mike and his girlfriend. I had a room with a view and a day to see the LA sites. I spend the morning walking around Hollywood looking at the stars on the walk of fame and the handprints at the Chinese theater. They were setting up for the Oscars, which were the next weekend, so that was cool to see. After that I drove over to the La Brea Tar pits and walked though their museum, also taking time to walk around the water filled tar pits outside. Afterwards I saw Rodeo Drive, and the Santa Monica Pier. From there I walked to Venice Beach, which was about at 30 minute walk there. It was cool, lots of good music and neat things being sold, even though I was good and did not buy anything. The beach was pretty and it was neat to just sit back and people watch.

After I did my work at the museum I headed down to San Diego to spend some time with my friend Cory. We went to a little cove-like area where seals sun. There were several babies and several adults, reminding me of a crowded beach. Afterwards we went down to the beach near the SCRIPPS pier at low tide to see the tide pools. It was really cool; I saw several star fish, anemones, crabs, a sea slug, and several other odd ocean critters.

Friday I went to Balboa Park and walked around the botanical garden. Cory was at work, so I got a tour of the paleo department at the San Diego Natural History Museum and afterwards went to the Museum of Photographic Arts to see an exhibit of Graham Nash's (of Crosby, Still and Nash). Saturday and Sunday I went to the San Diego Zoo, a place I have wanted to go see for a really long time. It was really nice, as far as zoos go, and I got to see a lot of neat critters: tortoises, hippos, sun bears, gorillas, giraffes, PANDAS. Saturday evening I went and saw Coronado Hotel, following the advice of my friend Steve who really liked the area. It was a cool old hotel, and a nice beach, with sand that shimmered due to what appeared to be a high concentration of mica (?).

It was a great trip, with warm, sunny weather. I had a really nice time and I hope to get back there someday (soon)!