It doesn't really matter how good or bad my day was today - it was all put into sharp, cruel perspective when I arrived home after work to the news that, mid-afternoon, there had been another massive explosion in the Pike River mine and there was now no hope of bringing any of the 29 men out alive.

All hope. Gone. Forever. There's talk that they may never be able to bring the bodies out as the atmosphere in the mine is so volatile. They intend, however, to continue trying.

It's hard to begin to imagine how the families and friends must be feeling tonight.

My thoughts are with you all. Kia kaha.