Chocolate sea and blue sky

Other than the very brown water flowing from the Moutere River into the sea you wouldn't know we had had 180mm rain. The sun is shining, a light breeze. Slightly cooler but pleasant.

We spent most of the morning catching up on flood events. Thankyou for your kind thoughts for us. Our flood water problems a drop in the bucket compared to everyone else. The water had all drained away from our backyard by this morning.The worst damage mostly in the western hills where slips have cut off access, gone through houses, washed out bridges and roads- major roads too, including the Takaka Hill. 6000 people reside over the hill and they are stuck there with major damage to the road. Supplies will go in by boat. I hear planes and helicopters flying over as they assess the damage from the air.

We did get a visit from the TDC stormwater officer and I was able to produce photos (again) of  where and why the flooding occurs. Surprise expressed on his face. I think he is new and he wanted me to email him the photos.

This afternoon I did get out to see what was happening at the estuary and inlet and it was full tide- all brown. A little cricket was singing its heart out, there were butterflies and birds so all is well in the world- unless you have a ton of mud through your house.