This is a picture of Harita running with the majestic Mount Taranaki in the background. It is an iconic landmark that can be seen from all around the local area.
Mount Taranaki (Māori: Taranaki Maunga; also known as Mount Egmont) is a dormant stratovolcano in the Taranaki region on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island.At 2,518 metres , it is the second highest mountain in the North Island, after Mount Ruapehu.
The name Taranaki comes from Ruataranaki, ancestor of the local Taranaki iwi. The Māori word tara means mountain peak, and naki may come from ngaki, meaning "clear of vegetation." It was also named Pukehaupapa ("ice mountain") and Pukeonaki ("hill of Naki") by iwi who lived in the region in "ancient times"
Our team arrived at the crack of dawn and were surprised that the carpark was already nearly full with predawn hikers!
We were blessed with a beautiful day and thrilled to witness a spectacular sunrise beside the great Mountains Ruapehu, Ngarahoe and Tongariro.
The walk started off fairly easy, but quickly got steeper.
The silent profundity of the mountain reminds us of our own origin: peace in infinite measure.
-Sri Chinmoy
Climbing up "The Lizard"
There was even snow and ice near the top!
The 360 degree view from the top was spectacular!
It was freezing in the wind, but beautiful to sit and meditate!
We met many eager Peace lovers!
Safely back down at the bottom we met these enthusiastic park wardens.
A big thank you to Carolyne from Hawera Central Motor Lodge for accommodating our women's team- we thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
We arrived in Hawera in time for a beautiful sunset dinner and meditation- what a blessed day!
He became what he saw:
A sea of peace,
A sky of light
And a mountain of delight.
-Sri Chinmoy
