Weather: sunny with occasional clouds – around 17/18 degrees Accommodation cost (only) €27 We set off to explore the island. The island known for its coloured wooden houses, birdwatching, its rocky village building and, of course, duty-free. We wait a while until high tide makes disembarking a little easier and then walk through the lower village. We score the long-cherished wind and waterproof blue jacket for Robin at the boat and clothing shop and a 20-metre thin line for our little Keesje. We buy some mouth caps anyway from a not too friendly shop lady as it is highly encouraged (freiwillige mundkapfverpflichtung…which means: voluntary mouthpiece obligation) and eventually find a ‘basic ball’ to use for our ‘Keesje’. (found out what it is yet?) We have lunch at a ’typical German’ restaurant (Wiener Schnitzels mit kartoffeln und salat) and then leisurely stroll back to the port. On the way, we end up in wonderfully enthusiastic German folklore music, which we listen to for a while over a proper cup of coffee. After all, we have no shore power (so we save on everything), so a real latte machiatto on land was magic to our mouths. Patty is still living on aspirins, but taking a walk and eating well helps. We chill out further on board, Robin ties ’the Keesje’, we watch Max’s qualifier, eat a burger, prepare for tomorrow’s trip (6.00 departure for the Elbe and then basically Brunsbuttel unless…..) and go to bed at 10.00pm. #birds #islandlife #harbour

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This week, Mitsu's 91-year-old mother, Chiharu, has joined us in Buren Bay. It's only the second time I've met her. The first was a few months ago when she came sailing with me aboard *Wahine*. Since then, Mitsu has become Wahine's owner and skipper, while I've remained here continuing my research into what it means to age well in this tiny island community. Day One After the long drive from the airport, we spent the evening sitting outside around an unlit campfire. It was simply too warm to light it. Chiharu picked up her ukulele, we sang together, shared a meal, and enjoyed one another's company. But what stayed with me wasn't the music. It was watching a 91-year-old mother and her adult son enjoying each other's company as genuine friends. I often think about the difference between a linear view of life and a circular one. In a linear world, older people gradually move to the edges. Here, Chiharu was neither being looked after nor simply being included. She was right at the center of the circle. Tomorrow: Radio Taiso at 6:30 a.m. PS Spending a week with Chiharu is something I've genuinely been looking forward to. She still lives independently, and over the coming days, you'll discover why she's become such an inspiration to me, from her music and morning routines to the way she relates to family, friends, and the community around her. These are simply small observations from everyday life. But perhaps it's in ordinary moments like these that we begin to understand why some people age so well. Please follow along on YT and Instagram for more short insights, and for a deeper dive, check out the blog at https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ or the Defying the Red Zone Substack https://japansolo.substack.com/ #AgingWell #Longevity #community

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Nice day on Puffin II, a little sailing a couple miles east of downtown Chicago.

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