Greeting the sun

For the first time in many months I went to the summit of Maungawhau (Mount Eden) on my run this morning. I stopped on the way there a couple of times for photos, and barely made it in time for the sunrise.

A couple of weeks ahead of the winter solstice, there were others already there with cameras, and taking photos. I have chosen this particular shot to blip, because of the inclusion of other sun watchers at a look out a little below the summit.

Maungawhau is a popular destination for tourism operators. Also for local residents who use it for the daily walks. And for others like me, who run. I become a walker on the way up. 

Residents have formed a group to try and protect this important volcanic cone. Important because of its history as a place of importance to pre-Colonial Maori, and as a vantage point for seeing the city, and both its harbours. There is concern at the damage that arises from the numbers of visitors, and from the silly behaviour of some who ignore the signs and descend into the crater, damaging the structure and the vegetation. 

People like me wish to continue to have free access, often early in the day. Not today, but on other occasions I have arrived before the barrier blocking vehicular access has been opened. A person on foot is able to get past on the footpath. There are moves to stop all vehicles from going to the top; that will only be fair if there is provided some transport for the disabled, for older persons, and the unfit. While not high by the standards of fell runners, it is a challenge to many. 

Continued reading of agenda papers today. Almost finished.