Ervin UrVan and Gap Fillers in Christchurch

It has been a busy week, and that coming from a guy who is on permanent vacation. I've been working to get Ervin UrVan ready for the perpetual road trip and that means cleaning cleaning cleaning. I inherited a lot of stuff with Ervin and apparently none of it had ever been cleaned, Ervin was in bad need of a bath himself. I guess that is what to expect from a van that has been lived in by multiple people, including three Canadian guys at one time. At least Melba Malvern had the decency to keep herself clean and well maintained.

Melba set up for touring, I've been riding her around town a lot. Christchurch is bicycle friendly with lots of bike lanes and a lot of people using them. The fact that petrol is $2.17 NZ/litre (~ $6.40 US/gallon) is incentive for Melba to see a lot of use. 

Melba also has mountain bike tires and wheels ready to go, we're going to see a lot of beautiful New Zealand together. I really wanted to try a 29er but couldn't pass up the sweet deal on Melba a 26" hardtail. She was sitting there waiting for me to come and get her. 

I pulled everything out of Ervin and sorted out the junk from the good "stuff". Everything has been cleaned and now it's time swab out the interior; I'll save the exterior for last. All of the bedding had to go except the duvet which got a thorough washing and a new cover. I also got new sheets, cookware, etc. I'll take more photos as he comes together. I'm still not sure what to do about curtains. The red velvet ones are now clean and could be modified to work well but they kinda look like they came from a house of ill repute. Oh well, Ervin needs some character, right?

Ouch, I've got a dent in my nose! Ervin has been a little mistreated along the way and isn't the most handsome fellow around but he only had 197,000 Km (~122,000 miles) on the clock which isn't bad for a Nissan.

Mostly stripped down and airing out

Gotta love the red velvet curtains, we'll see what happens there. 

Not a bad cockpit but hey, the steering wheel is on the wrong right side

Can you say subwoofer? The stereo is a good JVC and my Ipod plugs right in. 

Ervin may look a little rough on the outside but hey, I'm not that pretty myself. He has fairly low Kms and completely old school technology including window cranks, a carburetor, points, no electronic anything, and no power steering. I could brush up my rusty mechanical skills and fix anything on Ervin myself. He does have disc brakes in the front though and all the brakes are new thanks to the Warrant of Fitness requirements that a vehicle be safe before it can be sold. We're getting there. I still have some time in Christchurch before I hit the road. I'm staying through Christmas to get me and Ervin into shape. Lots to see and do in the outdoors here plus sitting still for a while and regrouping is good for my soul. We'll be ready to hit the road in January though and see lots of New Zealand.

 I took a break from working on the van yesterday to ride my bike around town and run some errands.  In the evening I decided a walk would be nice so I took my camera and headed into downtown. All of the empty lots represent places where building were before the earthquake in 2011, actually there were two, the first major quake was in February followed by a major aftershock in June. There are numerous quakes and aftershocks here, almost every day but most are minor; I haven't felt one yet. 185 people died as a result of the 2011 quakes and many historic buildings have been lost. The town is currently in the process of dismantling and rebuilding, not only structures but a lot of the infrastructure. Of course, this will take a lot of time, decades probably, but what an opportunity to redefine Christchurch. Out of this disaster will arise a new modern Christchurch but in the meantime "Gap Fillers" and wall art. It will be interesting to watch the new Christchurch grow.

Tui Bird, I saw and heard a few of these on my first hike in New Zealand, The Coastal Walk from Opua to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, Northlands. They have a beautiful three part song.

Christchurch: Destined To Rise

Gap fillers and wall art are many places that buildings once stood

This area along the Avon River was constructed in 1929. I'm sure it was beautiful before the quake.

Forever in Our Memories

Christchurch Cathedral that will be "Forever in Our Memories"

Dali-esque Wall Painting

185 People died as a result of the quake, this memorial with has empty chair for each of them. 

185 Empty Chairs, including some very small ones; very touching. There is also a wheelchair. All hand painted with two coats. You can sit in any and stay as long as you like. 

Faith Hope Love - hard to see but I liked it, located close to the 185 Empty Chairs

More wall art showing the diversity and creativity of the Christchurch Kiwis. 

That's it for now but I'll be back with more fun and interesting stuff.