March Newsletter

What we’ve been up to

Hi there,

At the beginning of February, I (Julie) went to Fuengirola for 10 days to visit my mom and stepdad. It was such a special trip. It had been a while since we’d had some quality time together and I really appreciated the moments we spent catching up. It was also great to see how they’re settling into their new life in Spain now that they’re retired. They’re really enjoying the slower pace and it’s so nice to see them embrace this new chapter. They seem so happy and comfortable in their new home and it truly warmed my heart to see that.

While I was there, I decided to try the famous Caminito del Rey hike. The trail goes through a steep gorge in Andalusia and was originally built for workers who maintained the nearby hydroelectric plants. Now, it’s a popular spot and the views are absolutely amazing. The paths are narrow and cling to the cliffs, with a pretty dizzying drop below. The scenery was stunning, with mountains and rugged cliffs everywhere you looked. It did feel a little touristy at times, but the views made it totally worth it.

However, during my stay at my mom’s, I started to feel a bit off, low on energy. Before I knew it, the flu caught up with me. It wasn’t exactly the way I had planned to spend my trip, but I tried to rest and recover while still enjoying my time with them as best I could.

Back on the boat, Greg had been holding down the fort with our two cats. However, things weren’t so smooth for him while I was away. Unfortunately, he also came down with the flu and was feeling pretty miserable during my absence. It’s never easy to be sick, especially when you’re alone, so I felt for him.

When I got back to the boat, we both ended up spending most of February just resting and recovering. It’s been a bit of a slow month since we were both hit hard by the flu for a while. I spent most of the time sleeping and trying to get my energy back.

Thankfully, as the month went on, the weather started to improve, and we were finally able to get outside and enjoy it a bit more. With the sun out, it was so nice to just sit in the cockpit of the boat, soak up the warmth and relax. We even went on a few short dinghy/paddle trips around the area, trying to spot octopuses (no luck there) and check out some wreckages (we did have some luck with that!). It’s funny how something as simple as a little boat ride can feel so refreshing after being stuck inside for a while.

Despite the flu and the time we spent recovering, it’s actually been a pretty peaceful month. I’m feeling much better now and Greg has recovered too, so we’re both looking forward to the next chapter of our adventures. It’s great to see the weather warming up and I’m hopeful we’ll be able to get out and explore more, while making the most of these sunny days.

Until next time,
Greg, Julie, Nelly & Finn 🐾

If you’d like to read the whole story of our adventures, you can find all the details on Polarsteps!

March Mood Inspiration

March is here and it feels like the perfect time to welcome some fresh energy. This month is all about renewal, optimism and making the most of the sunny days ahead. Whether it’s sparking creativity, changing up your routine or simply enjoying the spring vibes, we’ve gathered some inspiration to help kick things off.

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. – Charles Dickens

Songs on repeat

Music always has a way of setting the mood, and this month, we wanted to share the songs that have been inspiring us. From tracks that lift our spirits to those that help us unwind, these songs have been on repeat lately. We hope they bring some inspiration your way too!

Eddie Vedder’s Society really speaks to me because it makes me question what truly matters in life. The song talks about how society constantly pushes us to want more (more money, more success, more stuff) but in the end, none of it really brings happiness. The simple, raw sound of the song makes it feel even more real. It inspires me to step back, appreciate the little things and not get caught up in chasing things that don’t actually matter.

Li Sem by L’Entourloop always puts me in a good mood because it’s just so full of energy. The mix of reggae, hip-hop and those funky beats makes it impossible not to move along. It has this playful, feel-good vibe that instantly lifts my spirits, no matter what kind of day I’m having. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to turn up the volume, forget your worries and just enjoy the moment.

Ya Nas by Bachar Mar-Khalifé really speaks to me because it’s so full of emotion, even though I don’t understand the lyrics. The way he blends traditional Arabic sounds with modern influences creates something truly special. His voice has this raw, almost hypnotic quality that pulls me in. Every time I listen, it just hits differently…

Aba Tina by Calypso Rose always puts me in a good mood. The rhythm is so upbeat and full of life that it instantly gives me that Caribbean feeling. It feels like she’s singing straight to you, inviting you to dance and just enjoy the moment. The music is so energetic and fun that it’s impossible not to smile when it comes on.

My Boat by Melissa Laveaux resonates with me so much because living on a boat ourselves, it really captures the essence of that lifestyle. Every time I listen, it reminds me of peaceful mornings at sea and the freedom that comes with living away from the hustle and bustle.

February Fun Find

You know that feeling when you stumble upon something totally random, and suddenly, you can’t get enough of it? That’s exactly what happened to me this month. I didn’t see it coming, but here I am, fully invested, telling you all about it. Consider this my official confession.

This month’s unexpected obsession? Let’s dive in. ⬇️

The Octopus

Lately, I’ve found myself completely obsessed with octopuses. It started as a passing fascination, but after diving into The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery, it’s turned into a full-blown obsession. The book beautifully explores the intelligence, emotions and personalities of these incredible creatures, making it impossible not to be enthralled by them.

It all started when I encountered my first octopus in Ibiza. To my surprise, it didn’t just hide, it interacted with me. It moved with curiosity, shifting colours and textures right before my eyes, almost as if it was studying me just as much as I was studying it. That moment stuck with me (quite literally, as it latched onto my GoPro and wouldn’t let go). Ever since, I’ve been completely fascinated by these incredible animals.

Octopuses are unlike any other animal on the planet. They have three hearts, blue blood and the ability to change color and texture in an instant, making them the ultimate escape artists. Their problem-solving skills are extraordinary. Some species have been known to open jars from the inside, use tools and even recognise individual humans. The more I learn about them, the more they seem like alien beings living right here in our oceans.

What’s truly mind-blowing is their intelligence. Even though their nervous system is completely different from ours, with the majority of their neurons located in their arms, they still demonstrate curiosity, playfulness and even what seems like emotion. Reading Sy Montgomery’s book gave me an intimate look at how these creatures interact with the world, forming connections with humans in a way that feels almost mystical. The stories of octopuses showing affection, learning through experience and even expressing moods make them seem less like sea creatures and more like otherworldly minds that we’re only beginning to understand.

Beyond their intelligence, octopuses are just so cool. They can squeeze through the tiniest openings, vanish into their surroundings like shapeshifting wizards and exhibit behaviours that challenge everything we think we know about marine life. Everybody’s probably seen the movie My Octopus Teacher, which beautifully showcases the deep bond that can form between a human and an octopus, further proving how extraordinary these animals are. Every new fact I discover about them pulls me deeper into the mystery, making me want to learn more, watch more documentaries, and, if I’m lucky, one day even meet one again up close.

“Sometimes, the smallest moments leave the biggest impact.”

Little joys / favourite moments

I wanted to share a few of the small moments that made last month feel special, so here are some of my favourite bits and pieces from the month. I hope they bring a smile to your face, too!

𖤓 I spent 10 days in Fuengirola with my mom and stepdad and it was such a great time. It’s been a year since I last saw them, so it was so good to finally spend some quality time together. 

𖤓 Greg had free rein in the galley while I was away for 10 days, so he could cook whatever he wanted. Especially the things I don’t like.

𖤓 We were lucky enough to catch a seaplane in action the other day as it scooped water from the bay for an exercise. It was so cool to watch! The plane glided in smoothly, its pontoons skimming the surface of the water, then dipped down to scoop up a huge load before lifting off again with ease. Such a unique and fun sight to see.

𖤓 We took the dinghy out for a few exploration trips around the bay, hoping to spot some octopuses, but no luck there. On the bright side, we did come across some cool wrecks on the bottom of the bay, which was pretty interesting to see. We also had an awesome moment when a school of barracuda swam by us, looking sleek and fast. All in all, a great experience, even without the octopus sighting!

𖤓 I wasn’t feeling great, but the sun was out, so I decided to sit in the cockpit with my watercolour set and just paint. It was so relaxing and peaceful, the sun on my face and the gentle rocking of the boat made everything feel calm. It was exactly what I needed to take my mind off things.

𖤓 I love how Finn (our cat) sleeps in my arms. He curls up so comfortably and I can feel his little purrs as he falls asleep. It’s such a calming feeling, having him there.

𖤓 Finn is totally obsessed with the seagulls. Every time they swoop down near the boat, his eyes go wide, and he’s completely fixated on them. Sometimes, he’ll sit by the edge, staring at them for what feels like hours, and if one gets too close, he’ll stand up, tail flicking with excitement. It’s funny how the seagulls seem to notice him too. I love his curiosity. He’s so fascinated by them, always watching with such intensity, like he’s trying to figure them out. It’s one of the things that makes him so unique.

𖤓 The other day, I went paddle boarding, and the sea was so calm it looked like a mirror. It was beautiful, but I couldn’t completely relax. I kept thinking about the dolphin that sometimes pops up in the bay, wondering if it might swim by. It’s funny. I always imagine how I’d react if it did, but I’m not sure I’d actually be able to do anything in that moment! Still, it was a peaceful time overall. Just me, the sea and my paddle board.

𖤓 We had lunch in the sun that day with a cheese platter and it was just perfect. The weather was amazing (warm with clear skies) and the sun felt great. Everything on the platter tasted so good: the cheese, the fresh bread and the little fruits. It really felt like the perfect summer day (although it’s officially still winter) and everything just came together so well. The warmth, the flavours and Greg made it feel like nothing could top that moment.

𖤓 We finally got to have spare ribs at El Negre, something we’d been craving for ages. We actually went there the week before to have them, but they were all sold out, so we were pretty disappointed. The ribs there are incredible, so we were really looking forward to it. Benjamin and Isa made a reservation, and it turned out to be such a great evening. The atmosphere was perfect, the food was as amazing as we remembered and it was just the kind of night we needed. We enjoyed every bite and had a lot of laughs, making it a really memorable night. Totally worth the wait!

𖤓 I jumped in the sea for the first time this year. The water was still pretty cold, leaving me with chilly toes, but I felt so refreshed and reborn afterwards. The warm shower that followed was definitely a treat. It felt amazing! Even with the cold, it was such a great feeling to finally be back in the sea.

New episode highlights

The third part of our Mallorca sailing adventure!

Come along as we explore this beautiful island during the last month of the year! Winter brought calm seas, quiet anchorages and a whole new perspective on this incredible island.

Next episode will become available on 02nd of March.

Ask us anything

Got questions about sailing, travel or life on the water? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment to this blog and we’ll happily answer all your questions. If anyone wants to mention anything or share a story, feel free!
We’d be more than happy to hear about other people’s adventures.”