One of my favourite places to run is the Karangahake Gorge. There are so many options when I run there. I can stick to the undulating riverbanks with their spectacular scenery, or I can push into the hills for more of a challenge. There are good tracks where you’ll see quite a few fellow runners, walkers and cyclists, and there are trails barely used, where you’re unlikely to see another soul. It’s nice to have that variety but there is one particular trail that has been causing me something of a dilemma, and ultimately some soul searching.
Following tropical cyclone Gabrielle, several of the tracks were closed and everyone (well nearly everyone) respected that and allowed D.o.C staff to clear trees, repair tracks and remove slips. However, there was one track that remained closed for longer than the others. The signage clearly stated it was closed for our safety while repair work was continuing but the locals claimed that D.o.C had discovered Kauri dieback there. So, who knew when it would reopen. The weeks went by. The website proclaimed that it would be open soon. The weeks became months. Some were frustrated by the continued closure, their previous patience beginning to wear. There really was no need to get frustrated at all, as there was an alternative route that bypassed the closed section.
I followed the correct, alternative track for several months. It wasn’t the easiest track. It was an uphill struggle, with little reward in the way of scenery. The now closed path was far more attractive, and now it was closed that attraction was only increasing. I continued to do the right thing and follow the correct path, and then I noticed that some other people weren’t. I shook my head and doggedly carried on up the hill. On my return trip, I noticed more people using the closed track. “It must be open” I speculated. I decided to check it out next time.
The signs were still there……sort of…. but moved to the side. “So maybe it is open” I reasoned to myself. “Besides it’s clearly not that bad as everyone else seems to be doing it” “And if it was that dangerous it would be properly barricaded off.” I took the easier, attractive route. It was great. Twisting and turning, through the beautiful landscape, and being able to see how the power of nature had changed the riverbank was instantly rewarding. I really enjoyed rediscovering this old favourite, even if I was a bit worried about being spotted by someone who knew me.
Later that evening I checked out the website for any updates. There were none. That section was clearly still tagged as closed. I wasn’t surprised to be honest. I had probably known this all along. And I definitely knew it when I approached that fork in the track a week later. One way was the attractive, easy, wide but closed track, and the other way, the narrow uphill but correct path.
I justified my choice, to myself, with the following spurious logic.
“Remember on the correct track, your Garmin has lost the satellite before – that would be annoying”.
“Also the narrow gate, with the style, on the correct path will slow you down so much”.
“And besides, it’s so early, no one is around”.
I took the closed track. And it was still great.
So why, when I was there the very next day, running with my daughter and her friend, did I instantly choose the correct path? There was no hesitation. We pushed up the hill, negotiating the narrow gate. My Garmin didn’t drop out. It was a very rewarding and satisfying run, apart from the unanswered question still in my head. Why didn’t I take the correct path when I was on my own?
Matthew 7: 13-14 NIV
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it”.
Corinthians 10:13 NIV
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
CHRISTIAN Runners NZ 