What Lies Ahead?

World Turned Upside Down, Turned Upside Down.

As the Bay Area edges into Winter, I depart this evening for the Land Down Under, which is fast approaching Summer. Except for a recent couple of days' rainfall, Northern California has been exceptionally pleasant lately, with warm, sunny days and mild, beautiful evenings. The 3 days on/ 3 days off cycle of rain we are normally accustomed to at this time of year has not materialized. Dire predictions warn of possibly the driest year on record. While this may potentially bring great hardship to California crops and drinking water supplies, it cannot be denied that the clear, dry weather has been quite wonderful.

Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the long-term forecast for much of the South Island is: Rain, Rain, Rain.

Temperatures should range between 48 and 70 degrees with daily storms and showers on the menu for at least the next 7-10 days.
Y'know... Like San Francisco (usually) in the winter!
All the rain gear I have not been using here in California is accompanying me and likely will be put to frequent good use. I cannot escape the irony of the situation.  I acknowledge it. But I'm not gonna say I "appreciate" it.

Am I whining before the fact?
Am I not taking in the Big Picture?
Am I making a sow's ear out of a silk purse because, after all. I'm still GOING TO NEW ZEALAND ON VACATION?
Yes, Yes and Yes.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, a family member is reminding me that it’s 19 degrees on the East Coast today. Hmmm... I get it. 60 degrees and rain ain't so bad by comparison. Maybe I should quit my bitchin' and enjoy the ride, huh?
Yeah. OK.

Save for my slight disappointment with the forecast,  I am indeed finally starting to get excited. Haven't had much time to think on it and get all worked up but as the BART train now approaches the International Terminal I will confess that it is finally sinking in. The fact that I don't have much planned out in advance induces some anxiety but, on the other hand, it also heightens the sense of adventure.
Who knows what lies ahead?
Guess I'll find out soon enough.