On Thursday evening the girls and I eventually boarded a plane to Cairns. Hooray! (My husband has had to stay behind to work – fortunately he had a quick visit to Cairns a month or so ago so hopefully isn’t feeling too deprived).

So it wasn’t long yesterday before the girls were both taking a dip in the Lagoon along the esplanade.

To make this sewing related, I’ll point out that both girls were wearing bathers that I had made for them.

This was followed by a walk along the pier, checking out the boats at the marina.

But there was one in particular – my brother’s boat. Yes, we are not only escaping the Melbourne cold, but we are enjoying a stay with my brother and his wife. He is one of Australia’s top sports fishing captains.

I’m extremely proud of my younger brother. He is so good at what he does. And what other essential ingredient is there of a Far North Queensland holiday?

Ice creams – what else! So that was day one – refamiliarisation, as it is a long time since we’ve visited. We had a highly enjoyable evening at home with fish and chips for dinner, followed by a movie on DVD. A very relaxing start to our holiday. Today? Maybe a drive up to the Daintree….