After weeks of knitting sessions and photographing, I swapped wool for warm sunshine and headed to Madeira and what a glorious change of pace it was. The island greeted me with 30‑degree heat and bright blue skies.

One of the highlights was a rib boat trip out on the Atlantic, skimming across the water with the warm wind whipping past. We were incredibly lucky: a pod of dolphins appeared, weaving in and out of the waves beside us, completely unbothered by our excitement. There’s something magical about seeing them in the wild — playful, effortless, and so close you could hear the splash as they surfaced.

Back on land, I tried one of Madeira’s most iconic experiences: the Monte toboggan ride. Hurtling down the steep streets in a wicker basket, guided by two Carreiros in their immaculate white uniforms, is equal parts surreal and hilarious. It’s fast, it’s bumpy, and it’s absolutely brilliant. I don’t think I stopped laughing the entire way down.

To balance the adrenaline, I spent time exploring the island’s mountains. Madeira’s walking trails are breathtaking — dramatic ridges, lush greenery, and views that seem to stretch forever. Even in the heat, the air felt fresh, and every turn revealed another postcard‑worthy moment. It’s the kind of landscape that makes you slow down, breathe deeply, and just take it all in.

Coming home, I felt sun‑warmed, sea‑sprayed, and wonderfully reset. My knitting needles were waiting, of course, but it was lovely to step away for a little while and gather new inspiration, even if it came from dolphins, toboggans, and mountain paths rather than yarn.