The lowly shipping container has become a pretty important element of post-quake Christchurch. They can be made quite beautiful and it almost seems a shame that they will eventually be replaced with something else.
NZ Day 2, Part 1: Christchurch, Quake City
Even for those of us who have experienced earthquakes elsewhere, it’s hard to comprehend how big a deal the 2010-11 quakes were here until you’ve walked around and seen the city.
NZ Day 1: Christchurch
Arrived in Christchurch on Wednesday mid-day, after a delayed departure from LAX that meant a rebooking on the next connecting flight from Auckland.
NZ Arrival: So this is Christchurch
Even with the delay, I got here before my hotel room was ready, so I wandered around, had lunch and picked up a few things like butane for my camp stove.
NZ: The Packing…
One of the things about packing for a trip half way around the world that involves motorcycling is the bulk of the stuff required.
NZ: Lenses and Stuff
As photography has usually been part of my adventure planning (if not always part of the execution), I’ve been thinking about what to take with me. It needs to be compact, relatively light and convenient for motorcycle travel as well as some day hikes.
NZ: It’s going to be a motorcycle tour
But friends have been telling me for years that New Zealand is the best place on the planet for a motorcycle tour. Lots of lightly-trafficked scenic roads. No real freeways on the South Island where I’ll be.
NZ: Change of Plans
Obviously, my plans in New Zealand have changed. How they have changed remains to be seen, but unless something further happens, I’m still going, still going to enjoy my time.
NZ: Itinerary (Yeah, Right!)
Chances that this works out anything like the way I have it planned: Pretty much zero. But as Eisenhower said, the plans are less important than the exercise of planning.
Why so reluctant?
In the past few years I’ve adventured less. I’ve let myself become consumed with worries about work, career, whether the cats would do OK while I was gone and many other things.