An enchanted glade

We came back to the city this morning, as I have two more days of work before I have two weeks off, when the Tsukens will be here from Sydney (actually the Blue Mountains). Before we left I was able to record a greenfinch eating the seed we put out yesterday.

This afternoon, I went to Te Tokaroa (Meola Reef) for my second run of the year. This was part of the path on which I ran.

Te Tokaroa is the original name for this area; it translates into Engish as The Long Rock. Legend has it that the reef was constructed by Patupaiarehe (the Fairy People) in an attempt to escape from attackers. They took too long and were caught in the hot sun as they tried to complete a causeway across the Waitemata River; this seriously weakened them and they were vanquished.

Maori used the reef and its surrounds for gardens, trapping birds, catching fish, collecting shellfish and gathering flax. The area continues to have strong spiritual, environmental and social significance.

The reserve was once used for rubbish disposal by way of "landfill". That stopped in 1976, when the landfill was covered with soil and grassed for grazing. More recently, planting of native shrubs and trees has begun as attempts are made to restore the original ecosystem. The reserve is a Conservation Zone.

No fairies were seen or harmed during my run.