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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW States, federal agencies will seek removal of Klamath dams ... Ashland mulls two lanes through downtown ... Third man may hold key to motive in Phoenix slaying ... States, federal agencies will seek removal of Klamath dams ... Ashland mulls two lanes through downtown ... Third man may hold key to motive in Phoenix slaying ... MY ADVENTURE Solo hiker finds herself on the Pacific Crest Trail Comment By Crystal Hidde for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Crystal Hidde for the Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 1, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Crystal Hidde for the Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 1, 2016 at 12:01 AM --> SHARE YOUR ADVENTURE The Mail Tribune wants to share your adventure. We’re looking for accounts of hikes, climbs, river runs, fishing trips, bike rides, ocean outings, camping t... » Read more X SHARE YOUR ADVENTURE The Mail Tribune wants to share your adventure. We’re looking for accounts of hikes, climbs, river runs, fishing trips, bike rides, ocean outings, camping trips, wildlife encounters and anything else you’ve done outdoors. Email your story (and pictures if you have them) to Mail Tribune features editor David Smigelski at [email protected] . » Social News During the summer of 2013, I began researching local hiking trails. I desperately wanted to learn to hike, and to return to some of the most memorable parts of my childhood; playing carelessly through the woods. I grew up in the Illinois Valley and remember long summer days of exploring the woods around my home and swimming in local swimming holes. I had spent much of my adult life focused on raising my son and earning my degree while working full time. I was suddenly struck with a certain wanderlust to pull me from my daily routine and get out of my comfort zone. While searching online, I came across the Pacific Crest Trail Association. It was there that I learned about the 2,650-mile trail from Mexico to Canada. I also learned that more than 400 miles of the trail stretched across my home state of Oregon. I wanted an adventure, and backpacking across Oregon was going to be the one! My husband was more than concerned when I told him I wanted to go alone. I knew that if we went together, I would allow him to do most of the work for both of us. I knew I was biting off more than I might be able to chew, but there was a part of me that wanted to be challenged, to deprive myself, and to suffer. I also wanted to know if I could do it; if I could withstand such a mentally and physically grueling task of backpacking 430 miles. After all, I had never been backpacking before. It took me two years to acquire enough gear, food and skill to prepare for my hike, and on July 1, 2015, I hit the trail near Ashland. My husband did go with me, for the first eight days. It became clear to us almost instantly that the next month of my life was going to test every ounce of determination and perseverance I had. On the fifth of July, we got caught in an abrupt lightning and hail storm so severe we had to scramble for cover or face hypothermia. He found us higher ground as the entire area began to flood around us. We were soaked to the bone, freezing and had to rely solely on the materials we had on hand and our skill sets. We covered 10 to 16 miles each day, and after a few days we arrived at Crater Lake National Park. From there I continued on alone. Many people thought I was crazy for wanting to solo hike. Everyone was worried that something terrible was going to happen to me. Some blamed their worry simply on the fact that I was a woman. Others were just concerned something would go wrong, and no one would be there to support me. I was never really afraid to be alone. However, there were many times I wanted to quit. I was hurting in places I didn’t know I had. My pack weighed 40 pounds. More storms came without my husband’s company. And the lava fields beat me down. I even lost the trail twice and had to use my map and compass to find my way. But every challenge presented to me was an opportunity to grow and learn, and I stuck with it. Soon I was covering 20 miles a day, and something inside of me felt invincible! I made friends along the way I will never forget. I saw beautiful places I may not have ever seen had I not decided to go on this adventure. On July 31, I crossed the Bridge of the Gods into the state of Washington. I was greeted by my husband, my 15-year-old son, my mother, my sister and my husband’s parents. I had covered 430 miles in 30 days. More important, I had completed what I set out to do. It has been eight months since I returned home. I am currently publishing an adventure novel about my hike called “Oregon Uncaged: A Tale of Two-Sips on the PCT,” and I have begun work on building a nonprofit organization called Roots to Ridges, where the focus will be empowering women through backcountry skill building and outdoor experiences. Crystal Hidde lives with her family in Southern Oregon. She is a teacher and a member of Jackson County Search and Rescue. By Crystal Hidde for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Crystal Hidde for the Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 1, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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