Sunrise......

Hubby and I stood against a cool breeze with our beanies, gloves and jackets on and watched the new dawn begin, quietly and calmly over the Pacific Ocean.

The area is known for its wild, scenic and natural character with high cliffs overlooking an extensive lagoon flanked by coastal broadleaf forest. The native plantings attract our native birds and their calls mingle with the sea birds below.

An area rich in cultural history as the Hurunui River Mouth was an important food source for the pre European Maori who travelled along the east coast between Kaikoura and Kaiapoi.

An area of beauty, peacefulness and isolation.

Little did we know, we would be driving to the main road to get cellphone reception to see if Daughter E was okay after the 1pm earthquake at the end of this day of beauty. We needn't have worried she was fine, making homemade pizza for her girlfriend who was staying and enjoying having the house to herself. We made a quick call to mum who also said all was fine, Daughter E was fine and both said 'Don't come home' - but my heart went out to all in Christchurch going through this torment again and again. Daughter E and mum said it was violent, mum was gardening and hung onto the letterbox to stay upright - I hope all Christchurch blippers are okay, have been thinking of you and will catch up soon :)