Instructor Becca Strain & hiking

Mountain-climbing mama

Having hiked all around the world, BYUH instructor, Rebekah Strain, said hiking brings her to a sacred place that feels close to heaven

BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE

Rebekah Kay Strain said her love for hiking helps her to discover herself and connect with nature. Strain said she hikes every week for her mental health and tries to instill her love for nature in her children. She also shared some of her favorite hikes and gives some tips for beginners.

Strain, an instructor in the Faculty of Religious Education, said hiking brings her to a sacred place that feels close to heaven. Being in the wilderness helps her feel “peace, order, beauty and the love of my heavenly parents,” she said.

Strain said she grew up in a rural area of Southern Utah where she developed a passion for exploring nature through hiking. Hiking is still her passion, she said. “If I have a full day with nothing to do, I will definitely be spending some, if not all of it, in the mountains,” Strain added.

Small but mighty

Emily Bradshaw, an instructor in the Faculty of Arts & Letters, said, “Becky is the definition of wanderlust. She is at peace wandering through the woods, seeing which trails connect where. She is a small person, but mighty.”

Bradshaw added, “The best thing about hiking with her is that I know we will hike fast, talk about deep matters and laugh along the way.”

Ann Springer, an assistant professor of the Faculty of Business & Government, said Strain is one of her favorite people, and they share a love of hiking. “She is kind and patient with me. She is always showing me fun trails and taking me on unexpected adventures.”

Springer added, “Everyone needs a Becky. [Someone] who knows when to scoop you up out of your sorrows and take you to a mountain top. … She’s one of a kind.”

Favorite hikes

One of her favorite hikes, Strain shared, is a 22-mile-long hike along the Na Pali Coast of Kauai called Kalalau Trail. The hike, she said, pushed her out of her comfort zone both mentally and physically.

Hiking with a group of close friends, disconnected from phones, work and family was special, said Strain. “We laughed and cried together. I value the time I shared with these sisters of mine.”

Some of Strain’s favorite hikes in Hawaii include Kaena Point, HauulaWaipilopilo Loop Trail, Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail, Laie Summit, Kalalau Ridge Trail, and any of the bunker or pillbox hikes, she shared.

Strain said she has done a lot of hikes outside of Hawaii as well. “Whenever I travel, I always try to find places to explore,” she shared.

Strain said her other favorite hikes include the John Muir Trail and Mist Falls in Yosemite National Park in California, Mount Timpanogos in Utah, Dewey Lake Trail in Alaska, Porth Wen and Snowdonia Slate Trail in Wales, Erawan Falls in Thailand, and Phnom Kulen in Cambodia.

Hiking, she added, doesn’t always have to be in the wilderness. “I have enjoyed hiking the streets of Ghent in Belgium, the shoreline of Dunkirk in France and miles of old cemeteries in London, England. I love hiking through historical sites too.”

Strain’s next challenge is to hike the Inca Trail in Peru, she said. “It is a three-tofour-day hike through the mountains of Peru, following the old Inca highway. The hike ends at Machu Picchu.”

Lessons from hiking

Strain said she has learned about plants, animals, geological formations and weather patterns from hiking. She likes to take time to notice the different plants, insects and animals, she added.

“I am fascinated by the canyons, hills, rocks and cliffs. I love to watch clouds move

across the sky,” Strain shared. “My kids taught me to be curious by always asking questions. When I see something new and fascinating on a hike, I look it up and learn about it.”

Strain said sometimes it is hard to find time to take a long, therapeutic hike. “Sometimes the weather can make things difficult or even dangerous. The physical challenge can be hard, but I enjoy working my body and seeing what amazing things it can do.”

Passing on her passion

Strain said she learned to love nature and hiking from her father. “He took us camping, hiking and fishing whenever he could. I always enjoyed our outdoor adventures. I try to share my love of nature with my children. It is a gift I am keen on sharing.”

She and her husband, Jeff Strain, an assistant professor of the Faculty of Math & Computing, have six children. Nancy, 21, Nathan,19, Anna, 17, Thomas,15, Mindy, 12 and Timothy, 10.

She said she takes her three youngest on hikes about once a month. “When they hit their teen years, spending time with mom isn’t as cool, so I don’t force them because I worry that they would lose the love of the outdoors I worked hard to instill in them. But, they haven’t.” She shared her oldest two children are pursuing college degrees in conservation and natural science. “My daughter worked for three summers at a Scout camp teaching Boy Scouts about wilderness survival, conservation and recreation.

“My oldest son spends his weekends exploring nature. Like me, he has found his time in nature is important for his mental health. I’m a proud mama,” Rebekah Strain said.

Advice for beginners

Strain urged individuals to respect the land and culture because hikers are guests of nature. “Do not harm the plants or animals. Stay on the trail. Shortcuts can cause erosion and harm the mountains. Try to leave as little of a mark as possible. Nature is a precious gift. Treat it with care and love and it will return the favor.”

Strain said, if you are a beginner, make sure you do not hike alone. “Download an app, like AllTrails. Learn about the trail before you go. Read what other hikers say about the trail. Check the distance, elevation and the weather.”

She advised to start small and simple. “Find a short, easy, well-traveled hike. Learn how to use the GPS on your phone in case you get lost. Watch the weather. If it looks like it will be rainy, don’t hike in gulches or on narrow ridges. If it is windy, avoid high peaks and ridgelines.” •

Left: Rebekah Strain said she hikes every week for her mental health and to share her love of nature with her children. Below: Rebekah Strain and her son. Photos by Ulziibayar Badamdorj.