Day 4- we headed up into Port Hills, SE of Christchurch and followed the narrow, winding road up into the elevations where sheep could be seen grazing on the hills. Sumner Rd. which has scenic walking trails is still closed due to rockslides from Feb.s earthquake but we followed the alternate route, taking us to Governor's Bay with it's breathtaking views. As we approached Lyttelton (one of the hardest hit areas) we could see large cargo ships laden with boxes in the working port. Signs of the EQ damage were quite evident and most of the quaint shops and waterfront cafes have not re-opened. Talking with one shopkeeper, when asked about the rebuilding efforts, he said "there is no rebuilding, just demolition". Both buildings on either side of him are set to be torn down. When I asked him how his building fared, he replied "it has more wire holding it up than his Grandmother's corset". We decided to take the road tunnel back towards Christchurch and find some place to eat lunch. After stopping at a pub for meat pies and a beer, we returned to our cottage for the day. Soon will be the one year anniversary of the first EQ on Sept. 4th and people here say things will never be the same as before. Thousands of people have moved away from the Christchurch area permanently, schools have reported a 20% decline in enrollment and 100,000 homes have been damaged. Yet the people who remain are very resilient. More later.
Sorry to learn damage so severe in area we loved. Your dad loved the museum in Ly-Hbr. Sounds like you are all around Sign of the Kiwi roadhouse IF it still exists. Does it? I felt earthquake a little but was in bed. Most in MA didn't feel a thing but after 4 quakes I might be more sensitive. Hurricane probably will end as T.S. but heavy, heavy rain. Love, PJ
ReplyDelete