Old Woman

The last exhibit was this old woman tucked up in bed. In contrast to most of the other sculptures she was tiny, smaller than a baby,  which made her seem very frail. 

In Bed

Walking past this sculpture really makes you feel small. The level of realism is unnerving. It sometimes seems as though the sculptures are a little bemused by all the little folk walking around and photographing them. 

Baby

This giant baby girl is one of the talking points of the exhibition. 

Pregnant Woman

This statue is so lifelike that I kept expecting it to move. It also inspired James to ask some tricky questions! It is very surreal to look up at someone so lifelike but so huge. But then I realised it must be quite like how James sees the world. When you are just over a metre tall everyone is a giant. 

Ron Mueck

Ron Mueck creates incredibly lifelike sculptures, some giant sized and some tiny. This is a self portrait and is large enough to cover a large dinner table. Each hair follicle, eye lash and bit of stubble is real hair inserted into silicone flesh. 

Christchurch Art Gallery

This afternoon we went to see the Ron Muerk exhibition at the art gallery. James and I have visited here many times. I don't know how much he gets about the art but he does like the big space to run around in and some of the more weird stuff catches his attention. 

Surfs Up

I think half of Chch turned up at the beach!

Another Scorcher

It's still hot as here so the only cool place to be was the beach. The nor'wester whipped up some big waves at Taylor's so we spent most of the afternoon in the surf.

The wind was blowing big sprays off the wave tops so at times it felt like surfing in warm rain. The sand was blowing everywhere too. All in all a wild afternoon but lots of fun. 

Wild Nor'west Sunset

The hot gusty nor'wester is blowing again and we were treated to a spectacular sunset. This was photographed from our back garden. 

Blackwells Dept Store

On the way home, we drove through Kaiapoi for the first time since the earthquake. The town was badly hit. Blackwells dept store has operated here since1871 but it is now headed for demolition. 

Moonraker

Amberley Beach

After the hot train ride,we went to the beach to cool down. There was a cool sea breeze and the water was lovely. 

Time Flies By...

The open top carriage was a great way to travel on  hot day. 

Heave

The turntable has no power it has to be turned by hand. Amazingly, the engine was so well balanced that it could be turned by 4 people. 

Turntable

While we ate lunch we watched the train turn around on the turntable for the return journey. 

Waikari Station

The train only goes as far as Waikari. The station has been beautifully restored so we stopped for a picnic next to the platform. 

Weka Pass Railway

In winter a steam train is used but in summer that is too much of a fire risk so an old diesel engine is used. We rode in an open top carriage. 

Glenmark Station

Today we are having a trip on the Weka Pass railway. This runs inland from Waipara. The main line has long been closed but a short section is maintained by a bunch of railway enthusiasts. 

Windy Day

This summer we have had some real strong nor'westers. It is really hot and windy so good for kite flying.

More Quake Damage

Outside the bedroom it looks as though the car will need some serious panel beating. I can't believe they haven't knocked this place down yet. 

Room With a View

This house on Sherbourne St was really badly hit. I imagine that was one nasty wake up call. 

Earthquake Damaged Church

Repairs and demolitions are ongoing. Churches seem to have been particularly badly hit. 

Fireman

And they have about 30 old fire engines as well. 

Tram Driver

There are some nice old trams at Ferrymead. 

Steam Train

During summer the steam train runs at Ferrymead Heritage Park. The track is only a few hundred metres long but it's a fun ride.