Why I Left the Pacific Crest Trail | Future Hiking Plans and What's Next

Рет қаралды 24,102

2 жыл бұрын

#pct #vanlife #hiking
In this video I explain in further detail why I decided to post pone my PCT thru hike. I also talk about what my future hiking/thru hike plans include and announce the upcoming adventure I will embark upon this summer.
Follow my adventures on Instagram: / kellyhays23
Tiktok: vm.tiktok.com/ZM8GFd7Bu/
PCT Gear List: lighterpack.com/r/26ev0k
AT Gear List: lighterpack.com/r/7nv8ad
Waymark Affiliate Link: www.waymarkgearco.com?ref=9
Bowmar Nutrition Affiliate Link: bowmarnutrition.com/kelly
Insta 360 Affiliate Link: www.insta360.com/sal/go_2?ins...
If you would like to sponsor my upcoming thru hikes or the content of this channel, I would greatly appreciate it! All the money you pledge goes directly back into the channel, further content creation and thru hiking efforts. Thank you so much for your support.
cashapp: $kellyhays
venmo: @khays23
paypal.me/kellyhays23 (please use friends and family so PayPal doesn’t take a cut!)
If you would like to join my Patreon, I post behind the scenes updates, blog posts, announcements, giveaways, and exclusive live chats. Thank you for your continued support of this channel!
/ kellyhayshikes23
Inquiries: kellyhays_inquiries@yahoo.com

Пікірлер: 193

@clm2417 2 жыл бұрын

Kelly, you owe us nothing! You are an incredible young lady and because of you, at 56 years old, I am going to go on my first hike. So, take care of yourself and know that I for one will be here. Sending love and prayers. ❤️

@daviddavis703 2 жыл бұрын

Hiking the long trails is hard enough at your optimal health and physical fitness. I subscribe to many channels who dedicate their content to hiking... and many have not finished for a multitude of reasons. I really appreciate the content and it makes no difference to me if the trail isn't completed... it's the journey, not the destination. Peace and chicken grease y'all.

@diamondeyethunderbow5678 2 жыл бұрын

Keely, I'm just glad that you called it when you did. That tired and exhausted, in that altitude and heat just seems like it would get dangerous, and more than anything I think everyone is glad you are safe. The trail will be waiting for you when you are ready.

@NickandRachel 2 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to seeing all the places you can go to this year! This time next year you'll be crushing that trail!

@Self_Proppelled 2 жыл бұрын

We all saw you summit Katahdin after surgery! We know you;re strong. We know you have it in you. You have nothing to prove and covid is NOT your fault. Thanks for the update. I'm looking forward to years of awesome outdoor content from you. You're the best 🙂

@happyglamper7412 2 жыл бұрын

Kelly! You’re doing amazing, we’re all rooting for you two lovebirds

@cristinab5615 2 жыл бұрын

I would LOVE a video about eating healthy while living in a van. You're the perfect person to discuss that and I think it would be so useful!

@doowop54 2 жыл бұрын

good to see that you are doing well - the Jordan quote reminds me of Wayne Gretzky saying you miss a hundred percent of the shots you don't take

@TheAdventuresOfDougan 2 жыл бұрын

Kelly, you absolutely don’t disappoint anyone and you do inspire all by your dedication to doing what’s right for you. If you decide to try again in a year, you’ll crush it! But maybe by then you’ll want to do other things. I’ve watched a number of videos covering hiking in the Eastern Sierras. If you wanted to regain your strength, perhaps you could do some videos on local loop trails, not too challenging by your standards but absolutely gorgeous. Places like Thousand Island Lake and Garnet Lake in the backcountry north of Mammoth Lakes are the ones I remember from my backpacking days. It could help keep your followers while recovering and would be much appreciated by those of us who have hung up our backpacking boots 🥾😁

@brandonsanders9674 2 жыл бұрын

You have nothing to prove to anybody. You did so amazing last year hiking the AT even after a major surgery! Have a wonderful summer and we look forward to seeing what you do next and most importantly take good care of yourself! Peace ☮️🌹

@claramullen 2 жыл бұрын

Good for you Kelly I am so happy that you are looking at this situation as a positive learning experience. You can't never fail if you try. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure take care

@schadowolf 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you are safe and taking care of yourself. You owe no one any explanations or apologies. You rock and hope you recover fully soon. Love and Prayers!

@jimmyjenkins9240 2 жыл бұрын

Exactly! Enjoy the van life and keep us posted!

@angelaryu1359 2 жыл бұрын

Girl I'm excited to see you fuckin chill and enjoy life. Watching videos of you driving around and eating good food in california is just as great content as any thru hiking video. Most important to me is to see you happy and healthy.

@joesmith98765 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You for the update. You are doing the right thing. Keep posting and enjoy.

@trnrbrnr 2 жыл бұрын

Have a nice summer, and I hope to see your future adventures here. Chris

@jasonjones5213 2 жыл бұрын

You made the right decision.I'm glad you're still posting videos.

@robertmccoy347 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the update Kelly! You seem like you are getting stronger everyday!

@tandyjenkins7495 2 жыл бұрын

Good to see your are doing so much better. Continue to enjoy your time off.

@lennynichols6809 2 жыл бұрын

I am glad you are taking care of yourself. I look forward to future adventures.

@MrEllio7 2 жыл бұрын

Wish you nothing but the best in the future. Looking forward to following your future adventures.

@jimhenderson387 2 жыл бұрын

You're a trooper, Kelly! I'm looking forward to keeping up with you future endeavors.

@pronetowander2153 2 жыл бұрын

We are all glad to see you, best of all you made a lot of friends here Have a awesome summer.

@lennycat8780 2 жыл бұрын

Perfect. Great plan!

@michaelmullen4683 2 жыл бұрын

Looking ahead to your next journey………can not wait, YOU ROCK GIRL !! Get healthy and stay safe.

@BootsAndPearls85 2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad that you'll still be posting on KZfaq, I've been following for a couple of years now and I really enjoy all of your adventures, you have such an uplifting attitude and I appreciate your perseverance through all the speed bumps you encounter. I'm quite partial to the van life adventures so, looking forward to more of those! Enjoy the summer and your travels!

@lenoredisman3192 2 жыл бұрын

Nicely said Kelly, good luck

@DavidDeFord 2 жыл бұрын

Great choice. We look forward to your future adventures.

@candacetoms4927 2 жыл бұрын

I subscribed for the hiking, but I’m honestly really looking forward to the videos about your travels and van life! You will enjoy the PCT so much more when you get back there feeling better, and we will enjoy following that hike more knowing you aren’t suffering through it. Rock on Kelly!

@jacquikostige4001 2 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you're going to be posting on this channel. Keep us updated on you and James also. Rooting for you two.

@allencrider 2 жыл бұрын

Well, I appreciate all the work you did making these videos.

@martinwelch5774 Жыл бұрын

All good things to you and yours 🙏

@sherriewoods9538 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah you! Stay safe and enjoy vanlife!

@antoniabaker7770 2 жыл бұрын

So glad your looking after you. Will keep watching you lovely. Enjoy.

@richiepoole2188 2 жыл бұрын

I am looking forward to watching some Kelly Hays van life videos!

@markplunkett959 2 жыл бұрын

You are amazing and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Some of us only dream about what you make a reality. Thank you !

@marthainthewoods1279 2 жыл бұрын

Have a blast of a Summer!!!

@johnsandell4501 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you are doing fine. Enjoy your life experiences on and off the trail.

@wendypelaez9305 2 жыл бұрын

Beautifully said!

@josepcook5923 2 жыл бұрын

I love it that you are smart enough to listen to your body and have the courage to make the tough choice. Maybe see you on the PCT next year.

@1attempting2bkind52 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful that you’re enjoying good food, and such! Nice to see you, and hear from you. I hope you continue to enjoy. You rock! Looking forward to seeing what ever you want to do. Thanks again. Please take care.

@timo2422 2 жыл бұрын

Kelly , sorry you didn't get to finish your pct , but I think you looked much healthier than the APT. I am 64 and hiked 77 miles when I was in boy scouts in 1976

@MyMondoMan 2 жыл бұрын

Great attitude Kelly. You're a joy to follow. By the way I got Covid too about a month ago. You're definitely not alone in that category. Looking forward to following your channel. You're a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.

@donmcondit6100 2 жыл бұрын

You go girl!

@1903A3shooter 2 жыл бұрын

THE smart move is most times the correct move, Good for you and best wishes from Va.

@TheHybridHunter307 2 жыл бұрын

Good Journey!

@lynnpike988 2 жыл бұрын

Keep us posted on your road trip. Good try at the PCT.

@debraonthego3960 2 жыл бұрын

Good for you Kelly!! That’s the best attitude to have about this experience and life! Have fun travelling around! I am hoping to be on the PCT in 2023… I hope you are there too and we get to meet!! Lol! Best wishes and prayers to you girl. Take care!

@josesoto48 2 жыл бұрын

Rest up and take care of yourself! Do it next year if you can. Thanks for sharing your journey.

@billthompson4197 2 жыл бұрын

You have nothing to be ashamed of. You did great under the circumstances, and we appreciate you sharing them! I also have been struggling with the post Covid fatigue and doing many things to help conquer that.

@judyrobinson9556 2 жыл бұрын

Wise decisions, Kelly. Our bodies let us know when they need some healing time. So nice that you're visiting the Grand Canyon and have future van travel plans. Eat lots of veggies, get rest and exercise. You'll do fine. Take care.

@anneoconnor3614 2 жыл бұрын

You are an amazing young woman !! Keep posting - I love your videos .

@davidminkle5838 2 жыл бұрын

Kelly you are awesome and strong you have nothing to prove I enjoy your content I look forward to seeing your next video stay safe and enjoy Thank you for sharing

@stevenagle615 2 жыл бұрын

You are a winner 🏆 Look forward to you and James 2023 PCT

@dickclough1168 2 жыл бұрын

All the best to you. I'll be watching. Take care and God bless.

@LuckyLarry 2 жыл бұрын

For those who understand ,no explanation is necessary, for those who don’t understand no explanation is possible….I love this quote….I UNDERSTAND! It was obvious to me that you needed to get off trail and care for yourself. Your struggle was very apparent. Your description of the heat/ fatigue situation has helped me understand why I have been so wiped out here in sweltering NE Georgia a week after finally testing negative. Good for you that you decided to care for yourself and future health . You have done a great deed by showing to viewers that self sacrifice doesn’t equate success. It demonstrates supreme common sense which is a real gift. Love to see what y’all do next!

@jerrybailey634 2 жыл бұрын

Took me a long time to get my strength back but finally it did. Keep on hiking!

@rhousto1 2 жыл бұрын

Total respect for you....your attitude will get you there. A friend of mine is currently hiking the PCT after a 10 year break. She has hiked over a thousand miles and is doing well. She is tough just like you. You are successful already.

@sandrap3047 2 жыл бұрын

No need to explain! It’s your hike, your decision & your life Kelly Hays! You are definitely not a failure either! Look at what you did last year! You hiked the AT after major surgery! Covid is serious! Some people are having a harder time with the lingering symptoms than the actual time they were sick with the virus. You gave it a heck of a try after covid! You’ll be stronger & ready next year! Glad you & James are on a road trip! Hope y’all have a blast you van lifers you! 👩‍⚕️

@MesronPG 2 жыл бұрын

Not sure if this is the best video to post an update but wanted to let you know that since I posted on your AT videos about wanting to get back into Camping/Hiking...this weekend myself and a few friends did exactly just that....nothing too crazy but its a step so thanks you for motivating me to push myself! As always I will continue to see where your hikes lead you!

@ginasmall6817 2 жыл бұрын

Pretty sure anyone that follows you, supports you no matter what. No one here thinks you failed. We are glad you made a decision that was best for you and your health. You and James enjoy your new ventures and heal your body mind and spirit. 😊

@davisgrove8931 2 жыл бұрын

Well said!

@waltermaner5265 2 жыл бұрын

Look forward to your winter hikes and seeing you in a hammock

@adlhikes3159 2 жыл бұрын

Makes complete sense. I too am looking for more hiking this year; maybe Oregon since I’m there now 🤷‍♂️. Thx for the ride - so far.

@markhite4782 2 жыл бұрын

It’s good to see you smiling again. A very tough decision to have to make, but not endangering your health and wellbeing (and potentially others) is the primary concern. But it’s not over & out… it’s not a failure, it’s just an expedition to be continued, because there’s always next season. Rest up, eat healthy, get fit and well in mind and body, and then back into nature’s beauty and her bounty with all your normal passion. Keep smiling tiger.

@jduggan4129 2 жыл бұрын

You super awesome. Give yourself the time to get better. The trail will still be there. Take care of yourself. Love you guys. California Joanna

@freeman47 2 жыл бұрын

Take care of yourself. You made the right decision. Wishing you the best

@winkhvac62 2 жыл бұрын

You the best KELLY

@carlfields Жыл бұрын

100% correct decision. That trail will be there when you are healthy. You do what's best for you. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure. Safe travels!

@kellyhays23 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Carl!

@gracemccoy2874 2 жыл бұрын

You make yourself so accountable its very sweet but you have no shame in making the decision you made. I enjoy your videos and you make me happy watching your adventures not because you completed a thru hike but because you enjoy life and its great to see! Keep on doing you and have fun doing it!💕👍

@sperrytops 2 жыл бұрын

You are AWESOME!!!

@fitcwebb 2 жыл бұрын

I couldn't even believe you started the PCT in the first place, after what you went through less than a year before. Looking forward to the next adventure, whatever it might be

@lynnpike988 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@aBluegrassPicker 2 жыл бұрын

GOOD PLAN

@brenthiteoutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to seeing your vanlife videos! I am also looking for a van also! See ya out there!

@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677 2 жыл бұрын

You’re young and there’s always next year or the year after!! Feel better soon!!

@critterstrails2755 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Kelly, I am sorry to see you take a brake but, I planed on completing the A.T. this year and Life got in the way. I also did not fail, I plan on continuing next year or this fall doing some more miles.God Bless you and James, take care and see ya soon, take it easy,later critter

@MTknives 2 жыл бұрын

Take care of yourself and enjoy the journey! :)

@scottye1925 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, ok. Feel better

@kmannewyork 2 жыл бұрын

Kelly I am very very proud of You. The right call was made and you are safe and getting more healthy. No one can judge your wise decision and you have no reason to feel bad about it. It’s better to live and fight or hike another day. Enjoy your road trip

@gariauretta9482 2 жыл бұрын

In my opinion you are a super women! !! It's amazing what you hsve gone through just on the A T. I had the covid cold. Not bad. You are feeling all the long haul effects of covid. I still hold you up as an example on how to get thru the tough times. Looking forward to your next adventure. ...

@lauraelliott6909 2 жыл бұрын

This is the ultimate example of listening to your body. Such a bummer this happened to you this year but I believe you will have a more enjoyable time by allowing yourself to heal and recover. The trail will wait.

@dannythecamper4186 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video, so let's keep on hiking.

@sally..3242 2 жыл бұрын

Kelly, you DID NOT FAIL, you contracted Covid. So happy to see you. Take care and will be waiting/watching for you. Safe travels to you and James!

@gaylewalker4239 2 жыл бұрын

Just keep being you. Keep trekking. 😀

@stoicodysseys6352 2 жыл бұрын

I respect this. Hopefully you keep training and come back stronger next year. You're young and you'll be ok. The trail will be there. I'll stay tuned. Great quote. You are one beautiful, intelligent and strong woman. I believe.

@woodenshoes554 2 жыл бұрын

You did more than most people. Covid kicked me very bad also in January. You did the right thing. You did what is best for you and no one else. Good luck this next year and look forward to following your adventure next year. Northern Superior trail is awesome in the fall or Northern Trail across the northern midwest.

@rondagipson2184 2 ай бұрын

I feel heartbroken for you but I have watched enough of your videos to know you will be back on the PCT someday! You are a very strong and inspirational person! You have to take care of you and like you said, "the trail will always be there." Chin up! This too shall pass!

@vincentc6919 2 жыл бұрын

We’ve all had setbacks. We’re here for the long haul. Keep posting and get healthy.

@briannation8530 2 жыл бұрын

Swimming is an excellent exercise to help build up lungs and heart-so if you can go to the city pool every day just for an hour or so it will help greatly with your recovery. Swim happy!

@roamingoldredneck2819 2 жыл бұрын

Health is the most important thing. I have no doubt you will get back out there and ENJOY that trail. It ain’t going nowhere. Hope to run into you somewhere on the Arkansas trails.

@garylindenmuth7468 2 жыл бұрын

Do not see this as a failure see it as a learning tool and plan for a positive hike next year, good luck and God Bless

@Travel-yl9sx 2 жыл бұрын

really love the view

@pudster1960 2 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed you trips thus far and hope to see more. I have done a few triple crowns and one of my secrets has been not taking any big pharma meds and fasting (not whilst hiking) just completed a three week fast to clean my crystal. 🙏

@Sara-Smile 2 жыл бұрын

Hell yea!

@MaxZomboni 2 жыл бұрын

People always say, never quit on a bad day, but I would have to strongly disagree. That might make some sense if you are near the end of the trail, to just push to the end. But if you are still near the beginning, just cut your losses, re-group and start over again in a year. This was a good shakedown hike for you. I look forward to watching your hike next year.

@williamtownsend3279 2 жыл бұрын

The desert is brutal even under optimal conditions. No worries. Doesn't have to be 3,000 miles for us to enjoy your hiking. Day hikes and overnighters would be fun too.

@celestesuter1148 2 жыл бұрын

It was surprising that you went back on trail right after you had Covid! Glad you are taking a break to get back to optimal health. I had Covid in early May and was lacking energy for several weeks. I was able to hike 20 miles of the AT this week! Not too bad for a 62 yo somewhat-fit flat lander. So I have no doubt you will be able to get back out there as your heal. Because you are 9 Lives! All the best. A smaller hike in the fall you might want to think about is the Superior Hiking Trail. Can be done in about a month. Rugged but beautiful!

@larrypeake7632 2 жыл бұрын

Kelly, if anyone had any doubt about your ability to hike long distances, they need to watch your Appalachian Trail Thru Hike! Thanks for this video because this is why I adore you.

@backpackingbushcraft6391 2 жыл бұрын

I had covid back in October and still don’t feel 100%. Good for you to recognize you’re not 100%. I’m heading south in two days hoping my lungs are good to go. Get better girl!! Hike on….

@roamingrick8736 2 жыл бұрын

An attempt at achieving something, anything and not making it to a goal isn’t a failure, it’s a setback. Failure is when you stop attempting something, anything and giving up. You sport the demeanor that you will continue the attempt and not fail! Simply it doesn’t matter what it is, it’s how you face it along the way. You only live life on this earth once, so get everything you can! ✌️