Before my dog died, 
I used to go to Stinson Beach every year on New Year's Day, regardless of the weather.
Being the good dog that he was, my dog always came along gladly and braved the weather with me.
This year, without my beloved four legged companion, I traveled with my two legged companion--my fiance--instead.
We stopped at Parkside Restaurant (not the cafe with the burgers, but the restaurant next door) because they have always had GREAT food at good prices. AND they always let us sit on the patio, even if the patio was "closed" because they liked us and our dogs so much. Well, unfortunately, Parkside is under new ownership and new management and staff. And it is nothing like it used to be. It was an all around disappointment.
Stinson Beach itself, however, did not disappoint. Rather, it was spectacular! It was warm (!) and sunny and the clouds were putting on quite the display.
Weather permitting, I like to walk all the way down from the easternmost Stinson Beach entrance all the way down to Bolinas and back.
Well, the weather not only permitted it, but blessed us with some natural beauty that we are still talking about today (which is less than a week later and quite cold and stormy).
When we got back to the parking lot, there was an ominous sign that reminds us that when we swim in the ocean we are shark bait. The ocean is pretty cold at Stinson, so it has to be a pretty hot day to go in the water anyway. Nonetheless, the beauty of the place and everyone playing in the water (even on New Year's Day) belies the potential dangers.
Before I go, you may want to enjoy some of the local color... (that's right, a giant disco ball!)
And, if you are groovy enough, you can just take off your pants and do yoga on the beach in your underwear...
or you could just be a cute little girl, wearing a pink jacket and singing to yourself while snapping your fingers...
I have to admit, it was such a spectacular day that I was feeling pretty groovy myself. However, I did not take off my pants and do yoga in my underwear.
Rather, I was a bit more like the little girl, just happy and feeling lucky enough to live in such a beautiful place and feasting my senses at every turn.
What a great way to start the year!
I hope it is an omen for days to come, as I sprained my ankle yesterday and am very happy for blogging -- which can easily be done when on crutches. :)
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