Bondi Surf - Apr11

The surf conditions lately down at Bondi have been quite spectacular and wild. I normally pop down to the beach around once a week - almost always without my camera. After missing some potentially amazing shots, I went down one weekend recently armed with the 100-400mm telephoto lens. It was good to get the lens out as this one has been dormant for some time.

I love the way the perspective is flattened especially at the 400mm end!

Once again, click on each image to enlarge.

Christchurch Trip (Post Earthquake) - Mar11

Jenn and I were supposed to go over to Christchurch for my Dad's 70th birthday celebrations on 25th February this year. However on Tuesday 22nd February, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck, causing widespread damage across the city with almost 200 fatalities.

My parents were ok, although their property has sustained some damage - the subsequent aftershocks have caused them considerable distress but luckily at time of writing, most of their amenities are back.

We postponed the trip but went over late March instead. On a fine Saturday, my parents, Jenn and I drove across to Lyttelton (adjacent port town), plus visited the suburb of Sumner - both were hit quite hard. We also went to other spots around the city - the CBD has been badly affected and currently there is an army block off around the city so no-one unauthorised can go in.

Here is a sample of photos which gives just a small idea of how bad it was. Note: click on images to enlarge.

Below: Old building in Lyttelton



Below: An example of the various cracks and damage to the pavements and roads







Below: Completely buried car underneath rubble



Below: This property, in Sumner, was featured on the news a few times



Below: An RSA building in Sumner - a huge boulder flattened it



Below: The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrement building - substantial damage to this and the dome will be removed. Note that this was the closest we could get to it due to it being co-ordined off