Today began at 7.00am with a wander out onto the balcony of our beachside Air BNB.

This place is an excellent find.

Beautifully appointed, two story, two bathrooms, four bed, looking out over the water, pool within the compound, Netflix and wifi. Thanks Kath.

The day was crystal clear, blue skies, no wind.

Warm enough. T-shirt weather.

I could hear the soothing sounds of the ocean not 100 metres away. Calling.

A walk along Four Mile beach was in order.

It’s a stunning place Port Douglas.

Serene, calming.

Put aside thoughts of creepy crawlies, snakes and crocs, and you can’t help but feel incredibly blessed to be alive. And here.

It’s currently peak season – May to September – but every other time I have been here in June the air is warm but the skies are grey. I guess I’ve been unlucky.

This week, I am not.

The sun is shining and looks to be set like that for the week.

Port Douglas is 70km north of Cairns, within a spits breath of the Great Barrier Reef and just south of the Daintree Rainforest.

Estimated to be 135 million years old, the Daintree is the oldest natural living rainforest on earth.

The type of thing that we Aussies can take for granted.

Here on our doorstep.

Just in front of our place are kite surfing lessons.

They are on THE LIST, although it would mean I have to get my hair wet.

I dipped my hands into the water.

The average sea temperature in June is 24.5, today it is 23.

I’m not complaining.

Even thinking about getting out the togs.

My walk on the beach ended at the playground, conveniently located in front of our temporary home.

I can’t possibly walk past a playground without having a swing.

Every adult should let go of thoughts NOT to play on a playground and just swing.

Totally good for the soul.

After breakfast we headed out to the centre of town in search of coffee and to book our activities for the week.

It’s changed a little since I was here last, a few more shops, a little more activity.

The Marina remains a pretty cool place to drink a soy latte and watch the marine dwellers.

Back to the unit for a well earned rest and perhaps a chance for four adults to make use of what appeared to be a child free playground.

Yep, we all had a swing.

Later we headed out for some live music at the local pub, The Central.

3.5 hours listening to two women with the most amazing harmonies and their guitarist play straight from our favourite Spotify playlist.

I came home without a voice and feeling just a little sorry for those seated near us although Team Port Douglas was responsible for getting an otherwise shy crowd slightly out of their comfort zone.

Living the dream.