South Shore

Today, the weather was beautiful. It was nice and warm, and I'd planned to go for a bike ride. My destination was 'The Spit' at South Shore, my absolute most favouritest place in Christchurch.

I cycled along Avonside Drive most of the way, trying to keep my attention on the road, rather than the river. It was the first time I been 'on a bike ride' for a long time, instead of simply commuting. I'd forgotten my keys, so I brought my bike Sally through the sand dunes and on to the beach.

As soon as I arrived, I was struck by how much I love the place. It feels like a world away from Chch. It was slightly overcast, gulls flew in the air, seaweed and driftwood covered the beach. The lowering tide had left patterns of impossible detail in the sand.

On a busy day, you can look across the water to Sumner beach, and see thousands of people, and yet hear nothing, nor be surrounded by anyone.

In the sand I wrote 'never stop' with a piece of wood.