Distance today = 34.66 km; Total distance = 766.48 km; Location = Woodend –  43 18.657′ S, 172 40.341′ E; Start time = 0832, Finish time = 1336

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/141702806

A planned shorter day today, which will set me up for a big week in which I need to get to Picton at the northern end of the South Island, for a ferry to Wellington on Saturday afternoon. If all goes to plan, I should cover the 313 km from Woodend in five and a half days.

I ran through the centre of Christchurch today and was amazed at just how much damage had been done by the earthquakes, and how much of the city is still closed down and inaccessible. Already we have experienced about ten tremors, including a 5.1 magnitude last night. It is really quite scary to be woken by an earthquake of that magnitude. I can only imagine how frightening it is when one of the really big ones hits.

NZ TV3 came out and met me on the road today, filming a piece which aired tonight on the national NZ news. I think Carmel will be posting a video of this later on.

I would like, once again, to thank Bek and Steve for their hospitality in providing accommodation for the night. We’re just back from pizza and beers  with them at the local microbrewery down the road – a lovely evening. Steve has a very nice Takamine cut-out acoustic guitar, which could see some action at the conclusion of this blog. Bye.