The train through Kaikoura

Two weeks ago, I took a ferry ride from Wellington to Picton and then a train from Picton to Christchurch. As the photos waited on my memory card, I was mentally writing a blog post. That blog post was to tell you what an amazing journey it was and that you must come over and experience the open air train car.

This isn't that post.

Four nights ago, we were roused from our sleep by a prolonged shudder. I knew instantly what was happening and I knew it was big. I didn't register how big until later - an M7.8 scarred the south island of NZ and left a number of buildings in Wellington unoccupiable. Unfortunately two people lost their lives - that more didn't is quite amazing.

As I sit here typing, the earth continues to shake. In the first couple of days, the aftershocks were coming several times an hours - M5 and M6 shakes rattling the house. We had 140kph wind gusts the next night too. The tremors have subsided in strength and I'm trying to go about business as usual. To say I'm uneasy would be an understatement.

A short stop by a container home as we waited for passing trains

I wanted to tell you about the train though. I wanted you to come along as it rolled past golden bloomed trees that dotted the hillsides, as a majestic mountain rolled up on the right while the pacific ocean lapped at the left. The Kiwirail Coastal Pacific made for an amazing journey.

Kaikoura Beach by the Railway Station

The train passes through a few small towns, stopping for a stretch at Kaikoura. There you can get out, have a stretch and wander over to the beach. I did just that in Kaikoura. Yes, the same Kaikoura that the magnitude 7.8 quake is named for.

I wanted to tell you to take the train, to come see New Zealand's beauty, to enjoy life on the rails. This isn't that post. The Kaikoura rail line is now decimated - her rails buckled and tossed, hillsides fallen on her path. She won't be rolling any time soon.

If you are in a position to do so, please consider donating to the disaster relief agency of your choice.