Q1. In January, after celebrating the New Year in Arcos de la Frontera, we explored parts of Valencia and Andalucía (west of our home), mainly driven by concerns over the low rainfall levels. Neither trip led us to seriously consider a move but we’ll continue to monitor the situation. (Ten months later, serious flooding in our province of Málaga, and – on a much larger scale – Valencia made international headlines.) At the end of the month we join Ian’s colleagues from JA Consulting and their partners for a fabulous experience at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons. In February we enjoyed our first round of golf together for 2024 and caught up with Gordon and Cathy during their annual visit to Almería. They introduced us to Padel Tennis, and upon returning to Tolox we met up with some local expat friends who had already been playing, resulting in the creation of a new local group. Now, we regularly meet on weekends for an hour and a half of fun on the court. How to book this? Simply WhatsApp the Mayor of course! March began with Felisa officiating at the wedding of a young English woman and a young Andalusian man in Tolox. And at the end of the month we had the pleasure of attending the marriage of Molly and Alex in the Cotswolds. In between, we squeezed in a round of golf on a new course, Ian wrapped up his involvement in a work contract and Felisa committed to writing a book about health.
Q2. As April unfolds, Ian heads to Cornwall to prepare Tot a Rum for its maiden voyage under MacGillivray ownership, while Felisa returns to Spain, eager to refresh aspects of our home. Her first project is the formidable task of repainting the internal walls, assisted by mobile scaffolding borrowed from friends. In mid April she returns to the UK and we enjoy a cautious but highly satisfying sail from Penmarlam to Plymouth, having also enjoyed becoming acquainted with the charming town of Lostwithiel. Afterwards we return to Tolox to reconnect with friends, spend quality time together, and host Irene in early May, who visits again, this time with one of her sisters. Ian subsequently returns to the boat, now out of the water, for a period of preparations that eventually leads to a delay to the start of the planned multi-season circumnavigation of Great Britain. Meanwhile, Felisa continues to progress home projects, such as establishing a plunge pool for those hot summer days, updating the mezzanine flooring and storage (with a special shout-out to Steve Smith for his professional expertise), and her long wished-for enclosure of our terrace area. Ian, meanwhile, enjoys catching up with the Coulsons, who offer solace from boat-related stresses just 25 minutes away. A few sightings of his “old ship,” HMS St Albans, entering Plymouth on Saturday mornings lift his spirits further, and at the end of June he also enjoys a delightful day in London with some of his best friends from school.
Q3. Ian returns to Spain at the start of July, not least to spend time with Felisa on her birthday. Soon afterwards we both head to England for a trio of social events: we attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed Ball (an annual tradition for some of the JA Consulters); we catch up with our friends Shirley and Andreas, along with some of their friends; and we join the Duffys for celebrations at their Southsea housewarming. Ian also represents us at another celebration in Portsmouth – of Alan and Ranji’s Civil Partnership. Meanwhile, things are looking up for Tot a Rum, with plans moving forward to take the boat east from Plymouth. On the last day of the month, Felisa flies out from Spain, and on August 2nd—after a few last-minute concerns with electronics—the circumnavigation adventure begins. What follows is a fabulous couple of weeks sailing the boat to Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, on the way anchoring, mooring or berthing in or around Salcombe, Brixham (for Ian’s birthday), the Rive Exe, Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Lulworth Cove, Poole, Newtown Creek and Bursledon. During that last stop we receive the tragic news that Felisa’s niece, Asia, passed away aged just 23. Felisa heads back to Spain after we enjoy a nice wedding anniversary dinner in central London and Ian is able to catch up with HMS NEWCASTLE shipmates Gerry (with Laura) and David, as well as with friend (and yachting companion from many years previously) Paul (with Jane and Tilly). He then entertains first his cousins and then his Mum on day trips from Gunwharf Quays, the second of which has the boat arrive in Chichester Harbour. In September, Felisa travels to Canada to be with her Sister following Asia’s passing. Later, in England, Justin and Stephen join Ian for a rather blustery trip within Chichester harbour, which is where the boat will stay over winter. While the 2024 boating season has been more modest than originally planned, it still feels like a satisfying and important beginning to the adventure. Later in the month we spend a weekend exploring the scenic Rías Baixas region, flying in and out of Santiago de Compostela. We understand why people rave about it—especially the Albariño wine, which is delicious. Still, like our earlier visit in January, we’re not yet persuaded to move from Màlaga. Towards the end of the month, Felisa travels to the Philippines to spend time with her father.
Q4. Felisa returns with Domingo days after his 97th birthday, in October. Although he is frail, he makes remarkable health improvements during his five-week stay with us, thanks to Felisa’s caring dedication and expertise. Meanwhile, Ian settles back into work and begins a three-year term as a Trustee of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Afterward, he heads off for a much-anticipated “boys’ holiday” in Turkey, where a highlight is daily Padel sessions that bring immense enjoyment. Before flying back to Spain, Ian attends The Rest is Politics (Live at the O2) with the Palmers. While the company is fantastic, he feels a bit let down by the showmanship overshadowing substance in the event itself. Later in the month, a short work trip keeps Ian away as Felisa endures heavy downpours in Spain on her own. But Ian is soon back to experience similar events in early November before heading to London for more IET meetings. By mid-November, we’re both back together in Spain and reflecting on the level of back-and-forth travel: driven by the boating project alongside Ian’s work and IET needs; and for Felisa three inter-continental journeys – to the Philippines and Canada. We decide to spend a relaxing night in Malaga, enjoying each other’s company in a city of which we are both very fond. December brings welcome stability as we enjoy Tolox’s annual Amor y Fuego festivities and instigate the pruning of our olive trees. Ian’s last work-related trip to England allows him to join colleagues for a Christmas celebration. On 23rd December we headed to Portugal to spend Christmas with Ian’s Sister and Mum. We enjoyed our first turkey dinner on 25th December in seven years – on this occasion preceded by a refreshing dip in the chilly Atlantic Ocean. We end the year beginning a two-week holiday in Costa Rica, from where this is typed. Wishing good fortune and good health to all in 2025!
