2016 ... 2017
01 January 2017 | La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
66° F Partly sunny - Precipitation 10% · Wind 6 MPH

Got to thinking last night (and you know that's not necessarily a good thing). :D
January seems to be a time for looking back to last year, and looking forward into this one. Janus, the Roman god depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions, symbolizes this.
Can it be a coincidence that I'm in limbo here at the New Year (stuck in "La Pause" that I am)?
No, I think not. This is yet another transition period for me. Here we go again...
Observations:
2016 was pretty settling for me. I spent a second year in Emeryville, building relationships with friends and crew. Poppy was established in her role as what seemed to be the perfect San Francisco Bay day-sailer. Yes, two years on the bay gaining confidence in my boat-handling skills, and comfort in my "live-aboard" surroundings. Then comes the wanderlust, the yearning for new adventures, new challenges.
So, here we are, out of cigarettes, holding hands and yawning, look how late it gets (Oops, sorry, this brings a song to mind, I guess).
So, stuck in Lodi (I know I mean La Paz) again.
Forgive my musical ramblings, it's early here.
What I'm meaning to say is... Big Transition - SF picnic-boat bay-sailor to dedicated offshore-cruiser, complete with clothespins on the lifelines.
2016 turned out to be a year of preparation, not contemplation. The trip to Europe, Sailing in Greece, the Baja Ha-Ha, all good training grounds and the necessary experiences to provide comfort in my choice to move forward in the transition.
2017 marks the start of the Grand Adventure, what I'm calling "Poppy's Offshore Challenge". The boat will be ready, all I have to do is keep up. It's fitting that we pause here, at the New Year. My impatience is frustrating, my foot's a-tappin', but it's time for a new mind-set.
Relax, take the load off, enjoy the moment, and a few gorgeous sunsets.