Port Douglas as a tourist

We bought an investment apartment in Port Douglas when we sold Kuramar and settlement for the apartment was on the 30th June.  We decided that we would spend a week living in the apartment to work out where we would start on the upgrade, and believe me it needs it!
The apartments were built in 2002 and in those 18 years I don't think a single thing has been changed including the inevitable spa bath that seemed to be so popular then.  The apartment definitely needs to be painted inside because at the moment it is a nondescript yellow/cream.  White throughout is called for so that is the first thing we will change.  Next will be the kitchen and lastly we will get rid of the spa!

Our trip to Port Douglas had a dual purpose though because Philip had put his name forward for a bike ride from Mareeba to Almaden.....around 140km.  He drove to Mareeba with three other cyclists as passengers and from there they cycled to Almaden.  They arrived in time for lunch at Almaden and then they boarded the train that took them back to Mareeba.  He loved it and he pulled up remarkably well after quite an epic ride.  He said that the majority of the ride he had a tail wind which certainly helped on the long uphills.

While Philip was doing that I did............absolutely nothing!  I had a very relaxing day poolside listening to numerous podcasts.  It was bliss and something I really needed.  Our days in Port were mostly leisurely.  We did have doctor and dentist appointments and I managed to fit in two yoga classes with my old teacher.  Other than that we ate lots of really good food at different restaurants each day.  Our favourite meal was at Mamman where I had one of the best Atlantic Salmon dishes ever.  I almost cried when my meal was finished!  We also ate Tapas and Paella at Seabean Restaurant and delicious Aussie Burgers at N17 Burger Joint.  Paddys Irish Bar was also a favourite because who doesn't like the people watching it affords.

I walked most mornings around the Marina/FourMile Beach circuit.  Philip did a couple of hill walks but too many steps for me! Most afternoons we strolled along Four Mile Beach as it is almost the perfect beach to walk on with its very flat surface.  Sometimes we even grabbed an ice-cream to enjoy along the way.

View from our Balcony looking towards the mountains and our old home at Julatten

It really was great to have a break from moving into Paringa and we have returned to Palm Cove very invigorated.  I have to tell you that as we walked into our new home we both commented on how absolutely it feels like home.  We love it.