Opua; the only news
Opua; the only news
The only story in the New Zealand news these days is the earthquake that struck Christchurch earlier this week.
While it was less strong than the quake the hit that city last September, this one occurred at the middle of a work day rather than the middle of the night, and devastated the city center. The death toll is over one hundred and may go much higher. More than a third of the buildings in downtown Christchurch have been destroyed.
While I was waiting in the Auckland domestic terminal for my Kerikeri flight, frequent public address announcements told anyone arriving from Christchurch who needed assistance to approach any Red Cross worker or policemen.
New Zealand has such a relatively small population, It is difficult to explain this in U.S. terms. A radio announcer said that every New Zealander personally knows someone affected by the quake. I don’t know that that is literally true; but it is closer than would be the case in the United States if the center of Los Angeles were destroyed. Or, rather, when it is destroyed. Both LA and Christchurch are on Pacific rim of fire fault lines.
Reportedly some people whose homes have been damaged have moved aboard their boats in nearby Littleton Harbor.
A friend in Australia sent me these links to these photographs.
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/02/christchurch_earthquake.html?s_campaign=8315
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I walked up the Opua hill this morning. Having been more sedentary than usual following my eye surgery, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it without pausing, but I did. The above photo was taken as I walked back down. Nothing special. THE HAWKE OF TUONELA is the dark hull in the lower center. The roof is the Opua Cruising Club.
Back on HAWKE I fixed a partially broken step on the companionway; sanded and oiled the teak around the companionway and the tiller; and failed to discover why the deck level navigation lights aren’t working. I’ll have to trace the wiring, which runs all the way to the stern for one light and almost to the bow for two others. Not a task I look forward to.
Another perfect afternoon: sunny; 70s; light wind.
Last night I slept with the hatches open.
Saturday, February 26, 2011