the making of... Essential Auckland

 The morning did not look very promising. Dragging the feet out of cosy bed early(ish) just to get scolded by gulping hot tea and scratched by the neighbour’s cat, who decided she wanted to come in when I was getting out. Not to mention the pretty good chance of getting a speeding ticket for trying to make it in time for the sunrise. Oh why could I not pick less stretching hobby – as there was anything wrong with chess, stamps or wine tasting clubs…. Wrapped in countless layers of merino, polar fleece and – just in case – a body-warmer I ended up gazing towards the majestic Rangitoto - hot tea in the hand and a lot of hot swears directed towards the big, fat cloud sitting exactly where the sun was supposed to be coming up in 56 seconds. Drizzle came next...