southern sky

Today was a crazy weather day in Christchurch.  We took a long walk in the afternoon into the city to the giant Hagley Park.  Bret went for a run while I did some yoga and pilates.  Between leaving the flat and getting to the park, the sunny and warm weather turned ominous and thundering.  It was the first time we had ever heard thunder in Christchurch.  We managed to finish our workouts before the long walk back in sprinkling and cold rain.  Once home, the most intense thunderstorm we had experienced here hit Christchurch, with lots of lightning, thunder, and heavy rains which made the lights in the flat flicker.  The whole time I couldn't help but wonder if New Zealand has tornadoes, because I have never seen a basement...  The intense lightning and rain even made the national NZ news!

The storm definitely chilled the air, and after babysitting the night sky was so clear.  We could see hundreds of stars, and even a few shooting stars.  We found several familiar upside-down constellations and the little dipper was distant and tiny.  The milky way dazzled across the sky and it was a beautiful night!