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Friends Sally and Emily told me that Monday mornings is the time they like to walk together. “I’m not a first thing in the morning person,” says Emily. “Not at all. So, a little after the sunrise is good for me.
Meh
hen work experience student Tara Wortley arrived at GG HQ, she was quick to suggest a bunch of possible articles.
hen work experience student Tara Wortley arrived at GG HQ, she was quick to suggest a bunch of possible articles.
Utah’s Burnaby tribute
Stuff like searching out Greystones’ snootiest cat, finding out if the Kubrickesque metallic monolith at Burnaby Park is the original of the species, and how the hell is Phoenix Travel still flying…?
All dang good ideas, but it was the Temple Carrig student’s fourth suggestion that truly grabbed us. Namely, what the heck is so amazing about a Greystones sunrise that eejits keep getting out of bed WHEN IT’S STILL DARK to simply go stare at it?
And so it was that early in the morning, our trusty roving reporter grabbed her camera, her notebook and her flagon, and headed down to Greystones harbour…
And so it was that early in the morning, our trusty roving reporter grabbed her camera, her notebook and her flagon, and headed down to Greystones harbour…Sometimes, it’s actually worth not hitting the snooze button…
One such morning had me was walking in Greystones just as the sun came up, and I came across many interesting people who had a lot to say about their experiences of sunrise in this area.
Nine out of the eleven people I interviewed said they had seen the sunrise in Greystones before. Many people explained that they watch the sunrise for peace and serenite, others enjoy it for a break from the children or for the escape it brings.
Nine out of the eleven people I interviewed said they had seen the sunrise in Greystones before. Many people explained that they watch the sunrise for peace and serenite, others enjoy it for a break from the children or for the escape it brings.
A couple of people I interviewed hadn’t seen the sunrise in Greystones before and were quick to stress that they weren’t part of the notorious Dry Robe Happy Pear sunrise swimmers community. A lot of people take their dogs for a walk at this time.
That’s when I thought that taken a snapshot of these early bird Greystonians – along with some actual snapshots – might be a nice way to offer some insight into another part of our ever-growing community.
Charles Egan tells me that he’s a big fan of the Greystones sunrise, having seen it “about a thousand times”. He explained, “We live up high so we can always see the sun rising all the way down there. My wife goes swimming so I have to go on my own. She’s been swimming since she was five, but I’m much big a fan of staying warm. So, we meet up again after…”
Charles Egan
When asked if he thought the atmosphere in Greystones is different in the morning he replied “I never thought of that. I suppose it probably is. I mean, there’s more people shopping out and about later on, you know, and this is like catching a little slice of quiet before that storm.”
Another person keen to make the most of that early morning quiet is Emily Abdu, who walks her dog to catch the sunrise most mornings. It’s the perfect say to spend some alone time, says Emily, even when there are so many likeminded souls there too.
Emily Abdu
“Everybody is really friendly here,” she says, “but around Christmas people are even friendlier. It’s an amazing way to start any day, but right now, that festive spirit is a real inspiration too.” That the sky puts on a light show – “especially just after the run has risen” – gives Emily plenty of inspiration when it comes to her photography too.
Andrew Maguire finds catching the sunrise a major incentive to keep up the jogging routine he began two years ago. “It’s mostly quiet and it’s good for your mind as well,” he says. At this time of the day it’s obviously not as busy and there’s not much going on; just people out enjoying the scenery.”
Andrew Maguire
For anyone interested in watching the sunrise, he explains “if you’re jogging back from this North Beach towards the South Beach and the sun is coming up, it’s incredible. Anywhere from kind of The Cove onwards to the South Beach is prime widescreen magic.”
Friends Sally and Emily told me that Monday mornings is the time they like to walk together. “I’m not a first thing in the morning person,” says Emily. “Not at all. So, a little after the sunrise is good for me. 
The evenings are actually quieter, so, we’ll sometimes hit the harbour as the sun is going down. “We’re just not sunrise people,” says Sally. “We like our deep sleep too much…”
Ironically, I came across another person called Paul Byrne while I was out, walking his dog down at the harbour like many others that day. It’s a firm routine for Paul – drop the kids to school, take his trusty dog for his morning walk. Not that he’s religious about this ritual. “Hey, if it’s raining, we’re staying home…”
Helen Carter
Another big fan of all this Greystones morning glory is Helen Carter, who was walking her dog when we met up. When asked about the difference in atmosphere at this time of the day, she quips that it’s like night and day. “It’s much quieter early in the morning,” she smiles, “and there’s a sense that anything is possible for the day ahead. Even if it just another walk with the dog… “
Catherine Stevens
Today was an exception to the lie-rule for Catherine Stevens, taking in a rare sunrise.“I wish I did get out here every morning,” she laughs, “but I don’t. Just got brave this morning, and got lucky.” Preferring the harbour when it’s quiet, Catherine reckons early morning or late in the evening is the time to take that stroll. “I love it along here,” she finishes. “This new pier is beautiful…”
The bould Anna
For Laura, who gets up at 6am every day, the fact that atmosphere around Greystones is different in the morning is a large part of what draws her each day. “At this time of day, it’s a lot quieter,” she says. “It’s nicer, you know? You don’t have to try avoid bumping into people!”