You have been itching for weeks to go for a rambling trail run within this glorious canyon preserve near your home. I won’t mention which preserve for reasons that will soon become obvious, but anyone who is a faithful follower of this blog knows which one I’m talking about. It’s big, well-maintained and typically packed on weekends.
The place has been closed for weeks now due to earlier rains. The gates remain locked and signs are posted at every official entrance warning people to stay out. But you know of a “trailhead” the locals use as a bypass, about a mile from all other eastern entrances. It’s all single track and, far as the eye can see, dry dirt. But, truthfully, the eyes are aided by bifocals now -- bifocals sitting on the kitchen countertop at this moment.
If it’s officially closed, then no one should be policing it for tresspassers, right? But the city’s closed the preserve so the grounds can “heal” after a huge heap of rain, and your entry could spark copycats and cause the delicate ecological surroundings more harm – and further closures. Or, if you’re able to escape unnoticed, what happens if you fall and are knocked unconscious, or break a bone (hey, it’s happened to me) or are attacked by coyote, rattlesnakes or a murderer in waiting? Then again, this town’s cash-strapped and it’s quite possible, you reason, that with the previous week's dry, sunny weather, it's still closed only because there's no one from the city able to get out there to lift the signs and allow us to play.
So, do you go for it?
The place has been closed for weeks now due to earlier rains. The gates remain locked and signs are posted at every official entrance warning people to stay out. But you know of a “trailhead” the locals use as a bypass, about a mile from all other eastern entrances. It’s all single track and, far as the eye can see, dry dirt. But, truthfully, the eyes are aided by bifocals now -- bifocals sitting on the kitchen countertop at this moment.
If it’s officially closed, then no one should be policing it for tresspassers, right? But the city’s closed the preserve so the grounds can “heal” after a huge heap of rain, and your entry could spark copycats and cause the delicate ecological surroundings more harm – and further closures. Or, if you’re able to escape unnoticed, what happens if you fall and are knocked unconscious, or break a bone (hey, it’s happened to me) or are attacked by coyote, rattlesnakes or a murderer in waiting? Then again, this town’s cash-strapped and it’s quite possible, you reason, that with the previous week's dry, sunny weather, it's still closed only because there's no one from the city able to get out there to lift the signs and allow us to play.
So, do you go for it?
15 comments:
Did you:)
Yeah, did you?
I'd probably see who else was running or on the trail and base my decision on that. Otherwise, I'd go for a run in the neighborhood.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Anne!
I probably wouldn't, but I'd sure want to.
So, did you go for it? or should I say did you allegedly go for it?
YES, and you make sure your shoes are OFF for the run home...don't want to leave a trail to your door.
By the way, my guess is you did it!
Do I? I just did it last weekend. I figure it will work until I get caught once, then I can't play dumb anymore.
I'm guessing you did it too, right?
Heck yeah! Bring your cell phone and if you trip and break a bone, the troops can come in and rescue you! :)
In a heartbeat. I've found that it's better to seek forgiveness than ask for permission.
Be careful and post to let us know that you *didn't* slip and fall or break a bone.
I don't even like running on open trails alone, 'cause that will be the time I really hurt myself :P I only go solo when I believe there are enough other people out there to hear my pleas if needed.
Mind you, if I had a couple of trusted rebels along with me, I might.
I am such a goody-two-shoes environmentalist that I actually don't. I faced a similar situation in a canyon in Colorado over Christmas (how's that for alliteration while I'm at this) and opted not to do it. I know - gimme a cookie for being a good girl. Do you get one too?
I hate to say it, but I just did it today and usually cross the "trail closed" sign.. Yeah I know, maybe I'll try better next time..
Well, you know what I think! Look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
didja ever read my blog post from about a year ago about the "run that didn't happen" where I "didn't" run a closed trail? I gave the account of the run as a run that "didn't" happen. I think you get my gist :D
Yes, in this case I would go.
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