Desolate

19 September 2012

It was hard to decide whether to go into Christchurch city. It wasn't somewhere I knew well before the earthquakes, nor felt any particular attachment to. There was also this exaggerated Kiwi sense of politeness holding me back - after all, it's rude to stare. But, in the end, we felt it was something we should see, an experience we need a real sense of, beyond the photos and newsreels.

We started off by having coffee at Re:START Mall. It's all bright and cheerful and feels like it should give you hope. But it somehow didn't, partly because it was so empty.

Full of sunshine and bright colours, but not people.

And then you turn around and remember why the mall exists in the first place.

We then walked part of the red zone perimeter. Nothing seems quite real, and yet reality keeps slapping you in the face. Piles of rubble, vast empty tracts, building that look undamaged next to devastation.

Strange juxtaposition of spring; new leaves, punting on the Avon,
a ruined church.

So many buildings gone.

We've seen many versions of this scene, but the reality is raw and painful.

Before long we didn't have the heart to see more. If just an hour in the city affected us like this, how do the people of Christchurch manage to carry on? How do they live with the sadness, the uncertainty, the fear?

Where do they find hope?

More Christchurch photos



Don't mind us

10 July 2012

Nice of you to drop in and see us at Te Puru Holiday Park today.

Of course I'm happy to give you a map and directions to the Top 10 Holiday Park at Hot Water Beach.

Yeah, yeah, while you're here, feel free to let your kids play in our playground for 20 minutes or so.

Oh sure, you may as well use the toilets while you're here.

After all, we're not trying to run a business.

I can't decide

A very clever name or just a bit of a shocker?

Which way next?

22 June 2012

We find ourselves at something of a crossroads.

In the last 18 months we have worked at some wonderful places - and most places we've worked at more than once. There's something special about getting to know the people and feeling you're becoming part of a community.

It would be easy to build up a 'work cirucit', returning to the same places and jobs year after year.

But is this really why we gave up our 'regular' jobs and built a home with wheels?

This time three years ago we were at Outward Bound - an experience we credit with helping us find the courage to make such a big change to our lifestyle.

Having proved wrong our fears of not finding enough work to fund our life on the road, do we now have the courage to let go of our safe options and find work in other places? It's like making a continual series of fresh starts.

One thing we have learned, though, is how much work there is around for people who are willing to ask for it - and just get stuck in and do it.

The South Island beckons. We realise it's not going away, but we'd really like to get there this year. So planning and the job search has started - we'd like to have something organised before taking such a big step.

Mind you, driving over the Desert Road in the snow last week did have us wondering how well the bus will handle a South Island winter.

Walking

11 February 2011

We've been for some lovely walks in the last few days.

The longest was the Kawakawa Bay walk from Kinloch, four hours return. Fairly easy walking, although we didn't wear our boots, so felt the distance more than we should have.

Started mid-afternoon, so it wasn't too hot - but the cicadas were still outrageously loud. Beautiful views and lovely bush.

Glad we had the walking poles, should have worn our boots as well

Kawakawa Bay from the highest point on the track

Not quite enticing enough to get us swimming

No sign of these folk, but freshly washed undies hanging in a tree to dry



A couple of days later we did the Waitonga Falls track on Mt Ruapehu. Much shorter, very different scenery and nowhere near as much noise from the insects.

Better prepared - boots AND sunblock

 

More spectacular after some rain, perhaps!



The mountain with its head in the clouds and feet in the bog

Beautiful tree and welcome bridge

Boardwalk protecting the bog

Determined old bird

2 February 2012

We had a lovely visit from Mum and Aunty Rob last week. At 78, you'd think Mum would be happy with gentle strolls on the beach. But there are better views to be seen if you go a little higher.

So up the hill she climbed, using Craig's walking poles - of course now she has got some for herself.

When I grow up, I want to be like my Mum.



Loving those poles.



She may not have made it all the way to the top, but it's a mighty big hill.

With her beloved Poor Knights Islands in the background.