After an early start - even managed the hotel breakfast that ends at 9:00 for the first time - called Shaan Hurley and arranged a visit to Autodesk. They are in San Rafael which is north of the bridge which presented a slight problem as I haven't bothered renting a car here. I was dangerous enough on a bike (keeep right!).
After a little bit of scheming figured the Larkspur Ferry would get me close enough to sort out the rest of the journey as I went and it did. Shaan kindly offered to pick me up but as I got off the ferry a bus pulled up with "San Rafael" on it. That got me to within a few miles, and a short taxi ride, of the Autodesk Offices.
Shaan met me at reception, looking just like his blog pic, and gave me a tour of the development offices. I got to meet many of the AutoCAD/DWF team that are familiar names on the forums. I now have some idea of the process and effort that goes into creating the software. It was great and I appreciated the time especially as all were getting ready for Thanksgiving and next weeks AU. Shaan also showed me some really cool stuff that's coming up especially.... well, I'd tell you if I could.
He kindly dropped me back at the ferry and made the mistake of hanging around to talk while the ferry docked. We both laughed at people getting off the ferry and sprinting across the car park to their cars. I later read that the Shaan was probably still gridlocked in the park as I got off the ferry in town 30 minutes later then still had to face the rush hour traffic to get back to the office. Sorry Shaan, guess I owe you a drink or two in Las Vegas!
Had a look around the Union Square shops but many were closing due to the holiday. Saw some nice stuff but as usual everything I liked was expensive; in US dollars. Why is it always like that!
Tomorrow I'm meeting Ginny for Thanksgiving assuming I work out the Cal-train system. Haven't been on public transport this much in years.
Photo stolen from Between the Lines :-)
