Hey Patron,
I‘m back on Elba and Santana for a bit over a month now and I enjoyed late summer sailing and 🥾 hiking as it not that hot anymore.
I often enjoy late summer/early fall and remember that I had a couple of wonderful late summers in Berlin over the years.
The last years I was mainly in the Swiss mountains for October and often the summer thunderstorms had already passed through. The nights in the mountains used to be a bit chilly but days were full of sunshine and a breathtaking view with crystal clear skies. This years I am staying for the first time the entire September and October on Elba. Late August as well as late September was a bit rough though. Lots of wind with changing wind directions and daily thunderstorms with heavy rainfall left me with some rocky nights.
But as soon as the sun came out it was perfect hiking weather and it is possible to be in the Elba mountains throughout the day. I put together a couple of photos for you to share the amazing views and colors of the last months.
If you want, hit reply and let me know how you spent the summer and share your most remarkable memory AND… what are your plans for the next 12 months? Is there something that you really want to see, achieve or experience?
Hey Patron,
I’ve been back on Elba with Santana for a little over a month now, and I’ve been enjoying some late summer sailing and hiking. The weather’s cooled down, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities.
I always enjoy late summer and early fall. Over the years, I’ve had some wonderful late summers in Berlin, but for the last few years, I’ve mostly spent October in the Swiss mountains. The summer thunderstorms had usually passed by then, and though the nights were chilly, the days were filled with sunshine and breathtaking, crystal-clear views. This year, though, is my first time staying through September and October on Elba. Late August and late September were a bit rough—lots of wind, shifting wind directions, and daily thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, which made for some rocky nights.
But when the sun came out, it was perfect hiking weather. I’ve been able to spend full days exploring the mountains of Elba. I’ve put together a few photos to share the stunning views and colors from the past few months.
If you’d like, hit reply and let me know how you spent your summer. What’s your most remarkable memory? And what are your plans for the next 12 months? Is there something you’re really hoping to see, achieve, or experience?
I’ll be in Europe until early December before flying to Tanzania. There are a few things to take care of at the lodge on Kilimanjaro, and in mid-January, I’ll be guiding a group of 9 to climb Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Some of you will be joining me, and I can’t wait to spend that time together!
After the hike, I’ll enjoy some beach time before staying on for another week or so to wrap up preparations. The goal is for Stella to be able to manage the lodge project for a full year on her own. In February, I’ll likely spend some time on Santana, getting her ready for a year of non-stop sailing. April will take me to the Sahara, where the Oasis project is progressing rapidly, and in May, I’ll be back in Switzerland to move everything out of the house in Beatenberg.
After that, Judy and I will move onto the boat full-time. We’re not entirely sure where we’re heading yet, but the plan is to sail south as quickly as possible to avoid the high season around Elba and Corsica. From there, we’ll decide whether to sail east or west from Sicily. We’re torn between exploring the Eastern Mediterranean—Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, and maybe spending some winter time in Tel Aviv—or heading west to see the Balearic Islands, possibly leaving the Med behind to spend winter in the Canary Islands or even sail south to Cape Verde.
What do you think? Do you have any preferences or suggestions?
And by the way, if you’re thinking of visiting us, let us know early! We have two cabins and would love to host a guest or two at any time.
Thanks for being you. Stay safe, and see you soon!
Floh