I have always walked with a little hustle in my stride, it
may be the long legs and the size 13 boots I wear and if I’m fit I tend to push
it even more. I had been running consistently for a few months before we hiked
up Organ Pipes and I was doing well, fitter than the rest of the team.
As always, we left Cathedral Peak Hotel at first light, 2
experienced hikers, one novice and someone joining us for their very first
hike. As we reached the bottom of the Camel I fondly remembered my first time
up this pass and this time it thought would be no different. Day one saw us reach the top and set up tent with no issues –
except for this niggling thought about what would happen if I slipped and fell. I have had
this sort of thought before, so assuming it to be like all other times I
dismissed it.
Day 2 and we started to descend, stopping to soak in the majestic views. Being that I was strong at the time, I sped ahead, leaving the group
in my dust. Again having that niggling thought about falling, and again I
dismissed it. It was only at lunch when we reached the bottom of the Camel that
Shaun suggested that I slow it a bit – He was right. I was feeling very strong,
but the fast pace had left the team in a less than comfortable position.
A little after lunch, coming to the bottom of the last major
hill and a chill ran down my back as I heard the shout from above: “Catch Kyle”. Shaun was walking at the
back with Kyle just in front of him and Kyle slipped. I had already followed
the path as it cut back and I was heading back toward them, 15 meters
below. I rushed forward to try and grab Kyle as he came rolling down in front
of me, but I wasn’t fast enough with the pack on my back. The tree slowed him
down while pushing him away from the ladder that had been put up. I would hate
to know what would’ve happened if it wasn’t for that tree – we got let off
lightly – a broken ankle and a few scratches and bruises, not to mention that
we were just 2 KM from the hotel. 2 hours earlier, with us being a lot higher
this sort of fall would have had a very different outcome.
I am grateful Gods
protection and for the team that we had, who pulled together, mustered up what
was needed and got Kyle out without further injury.
As I look back and think about what happened and more
importantly why it happened I am left with this sinking feeling that it wasn’t
just an accident, but something that I, as one of the leaders of the hike, could
have prevented.
In Luke 8 Jesus tells the parable of the sower; some of the
seeds fall on the rocky soil and although it starts out strong, it does not
have the roots to last. This is the risk of not pacing yourself - of moving
forward faster than your roots are able to sustain you.
God is gracious and can supernaturally grow us faster than
we can imagine, but there always seems to come a time when we need to trudge
and allow our foundations to be strengthened. This is time consuming and we
need to be willing to take the time to walk this through, enjoy the journey and
let God do what He needs in us.
