February 22 - Lake Tekapo to Fairlee - 43 km & Christchurch Update

A short day today.  When we got up we thought the weather had improved enough to head out, so off we went.  Just out of town we hit headwinds, which lasted for about 20 km until we got to the top of Burke's Pass.  Burke's was a non-event because, at 709 meters, it is only slightly higher than Lake Tepako.  The general landscape was scrubby grass and low brush with a few trees.

The downhill from Burke's to Fairlee was a nice ride with no wind but by now steady rain.  We arrived at Fairlee and decided we had enough, so we grabbed a room.

We were just getting settled in when we felt the Christchurch quake, about 150 km away.  It was strong enough to be noticable and to swing all the clothes that were on hangers.  Laura felt one of the aftershocks later but I was out on my bike and didn't notice it.

I got out for a look around town, and took a few photos.  The first is James MacKenzie and (more importantly) his Collie dog.  Also, a shot of the main street.

These last two photos were taken at the local museum.  The first is a gyrocopter - the top rotor is free wheeling - it gets its lift from the forward motion provided from the propeller.  Anybody want to ride in this contraption?  the other photo is a well restored wagon.  The museum also had  a restored "night cart" with an explanation of what it did (before sewers were installed - enough said).

Our plans are in a bit of limbo with the earthquake.  Its obvious that the best we can do to help is stay away.  We will be going to Geraldine tomorrow and then possibly north, but skirting Christchurch.  Luckily, we have enough time to be flexible. 

February 23 - Earthquake + 26 hours.  We're in Geraldine now, 46 km from Fairlee towards Christchurch, after a wet morning ride.  Although things are a mess downtown, I think Christchurch will be stabilized in a few days.  Their biggest problems are:  Water (80% of CC without), sewer (public pleas to not flush toilets) and power (a lot is out - this is where underground power distribution is a disadvantage).  The airport is operating and will certainly be busy for a while as they catch up.  

We are heading to Methven tomorrow, following an inland route that will eventually take us near Darfield (the site of the September 4 quake), but 40 km or more from the epicenter of yesterday's quake.  I think we will be far enough away to not be a problem - if we are we will move further away, but are constrained by mountains.  We may or may not eventually get a flight our of Christchurch (or peddle to Picton and fly out of Wellington).

A big thanks to everybody who is watching out and being concerned for us.