Day 20 | Roan Mountain Highlands pt 1 | Appalachian Trail Thru Hike 2021

[@toneyjohnson8910]

I love the way you girls get the miles in when you need to and stop and enjoy yourselves. That's how a thru hike should be done.

[@celestesuter1148]

The owls hooting, birds singing, sun shining, wind blowing and you hiking! All makes a person realize how beautiful life is! Such a lovely sunset ending. Hope you keep finding joy every day!

[@coughingowloutdoors8579]

Excellent video Kelly. The barred owl hooting, the birds, the flowers spruce and pine. Overloading the senses. You seem an old soul for such wisdom at your age. The small things are treasures there for us all when we take the time to acknowedge them. Glad to see Steph and Huck back in step with you. Magical sunset at Jane bald....hope for a repeat tomorrow morning for sunrise. Hats off for the time lapse on the clouds as well. Keep movin' and feed that inner child!

[@Onewholovesrock]

Definitely. One of my favorite things in this world are the nature sounds of late Spring into Summer

[@judytombaugh2990]

Wow - that sunset was amazing !!!

[@ShowmeMOrocks]

Arkansas is shouting you back Kelly! Your looking good and well. Keep pushing!

[@sally..3242]

I love your attitude! Hanging in my kitchen is a beautiful verse “Be Still And Know That I Am God”......you reminded me of that. You are a special young woman. Be safe out there...,God Speed as you hike.

[@OnMeds1]

I love the same thing about the mornings on trail. Well put

[@lisastapleton8215]

I did not know about your hike when you were still hiking it. I found your channel when you summited Katahdin, and I thought I’d like to go back and watch your journey. I am SO glad I did. You have amazing insight into being who you are and appreciating every minute. I am so happy you made it through your initial health crisis and got back on trail. You are amazing, and it makes me happy to see someone so joyful, not only with the ups but also appreciating the downs. Thanks for sharing your journey. I will continue watching your videos until I see your whole AT adventure. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get a chance to watch your last 200 miles in “real” time.

[@roamingrick8736]

First time post but been watching since the beginning, simple things make one want more simple things, because SIMPLE equals greatness! It makes you wonder, let’s the mind flow into goodness and reminds us of how small we truly are. Nature at its best, thank you for sharing! 😊👍

[@tortoisetrek8318]

Kelly, I haven't heard that you've taken a trail name yet. I've been pondering that as I catch up on your videos after returning from my section hike from Amicalola to Standing Bear Farm in May. (Yes, I stayed with Paul & Bonnie at Your Home in the Woods - they are so delightful and gracious!!!) I've been thinking that 'Overcomer' fits you so much. However if you prefer a trail name that doesn't directly reference your emergency medical situation, I think that 'Joy' would be such a fitting name also. As you mentioned looking for the joy in the little things, and you delight in the wildflowers (those little four-petal purple flowers with a bit of yellow are bluets in this video), mosses, meadows, and varying forest growth, that fits you perfectly! - Tortoise 🐢

[@shmeagand]

I’m glad you’re getting to enjoy the Roan Highlands! I go to school not too far from them and I’m very spoiled to have them so close! There’s nothing like the balds!

[@JaredandTasha]

I love listening to the Birds sing and scramble around in the early morning. With a bowl and coffee

[@narinthebeardedalien2994]

Oh what a lovely shot of those two raptors!

[@SuperUnicorn77]

So glad that it was a pretty day for you at Carver's Gap. I hike there often. Planning my thru hike.....

[@newtonsantos_photo963]

What a Sunset you got there in the Mountains... Speachless... Great journey so far, each day better than the day before !!! Keep safe, thank you, blue skies

[@susankennedy9054]

Oh man....hearing the owl is AWESOME!! Love it!

[@scottcollins9678]

Beautiful scenery! Looks like you're having a great time! Sending you prayers as you continue your hike north 🙏☺️❤️

[@rickcoffey5309]

So much to be found when you can be still and listen. You are in a favorite area to me. I live near the smokies and really like Roan Mtn Area. Done a lot of hiking on both sides of Hotsprings and so enjoy seeing them again

[@Jack-uy6tc]

Thanks for appreciating the simple - small things on your journey --it's cool when you take time to notice the smallest plant life...4:34

[@theresalibby3787]

Thank you for brightening my day and making me realize it’s the little things! You are doing great!!

[@sandrap3047]

Beautiful sunset! Your grateful heart will help you so much during your lifetime! ❤️

[@rosemarymcleod4074]

Absolutely breathtaking views today and an amazing sunset.

[@sawdustysneeze]

Some of the best scenery shots yet! Thanks!

[@nessazee]

Such a pretty sunset!!! And reunited with friends. Looks like a good day to me :)

[@narinthebeardedalien2994]

masterful sunset! there is just so much 'commentable' content in this video!

[@mikeandrews1899]

several yrs ago....The Roan Highlands was my first ever backpacking trip on my 560mi AT section hiking adv. (25% of the AT) .... And it is in my top 3 greatest sections I experienced ...... Highly recommended , a must see 👍

[@TravMaxAdventures]

3:08 is what it’s about. Appreciate how you see the beauty in the flora and fauna in the moment that you run across it. “Carpe Diem” is the best phrase to live by. Also, the time lapse at 13:35... Amazing.

[@judytombaugh2990]

Love your thoughts on being in the little moments of joy ! Also love the little blue flowers - brought me a moment of joy in my day 💜

[@denis65366]

Yay your traimily is back. Stepahnies dog is cute. Your totolly right little things are what make life grand.

[@kelliesharpe1067]

That really loud bird at the very beginning of this video is a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Just a ridiculously beautiful bird. I love sunrise on a mountain with the Lord so much that I don't even have to set my clock anymore. I just wake up. Even when it's super early like it is right now. Other than having my kids, it's literally the best thing I've ever done for myself.

[@tacklebill4835]

From begining to end , you had a great attitude . You are awesome!

[@1moremile845]

The forest birds have a morning meeting every day 😊 it is awesome to experience it with them ❤️

[@AJ-pq7qh]

Great mindset. This type of thinking is one that leads to a grateful heart and mind. I love the scenes . Calmness and serenity being connected to nature is awesome is it not? I’m so happy for you you slowed down slightly and really enjoying the experiences and surrounding in your journey. This will also expedite your body’s healing process. Thanks for sharing.

[@rolandor.moreno7498]

Ms.Hays , great way to start the day. Just listening. Such wisdom for so young. Make sure you have a blessed day.🙏🏽🤙🏽 California love

[@lonihardin2173]

Arkansas misses you!!! I hiked some of the BRT yesterday and you crossed my mind! So you’re like on these trails in spirit!

[@funtimevideos2160]

Amazingly beautiful sunset. Thanks for sharing !!! I love your videos.

[@chrispalm5455]

Wow! What a sunset❤️

[@alanmartin4381]

This was a great post. It is what we all wish for. Hiking adventure and then enjoying breaks with your friends. Keep rolling.

[@mb692100]

Lie on your back in the city and you would be considered crazy. Lie on your back in mountains and you're envied. Man made the city and God made the mountains. And you can sure see the difference. The best things in life after all are those that are are simple and free.

[@robbinwhaley9378]

Beautiful spot to camp. The sunset was amazing!! 🤩❤

[@flowerpower1980]

Oh my favorite place!! Learned to drive in that parking lot at the Cloudland Hotel site! And oh y’all are brave to camp on the balds!!! But what views!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@rvrratjill]

You are a joy, and so inspiring... be safe

[@gratefulhikes]

Morning Kelly! What a morning view! It seems the birds have been extra loud this year, other hikers have had captured amazing bird sounds too. It is so important to try and find the joy in all things especially the small things. Life is mostly made up of small things and it you focus on just the joy from the big stuff you miss out on so so so much happiness ❤️ glad you were listening to the band! Was that a little Jack Straw? I love the Pisgah Forest. Great biking there! Seeing you twirl and bounce your troubles away is awesome. Crazy how the universe can right the ship in a month! Welcome back Steph!!!! The bands back together!!!! Let the mayhem commence! Jane bald is one of the most magical places on the planet. And you got one hell of a show from the universe! Even though we have all seen the trail in many other videos, it is different to see it thru your eyes and experiences. There is something different about it, maybe it is the joy and happiness you bring to your vlog. Whatever it is, we are all so fortunate that you have chosen to share this with us. Thanks for bringing us along today. I hope tomorrow’s miles are kind. Keep truckin’ and be well. -Grateful

[@lalasteen3860]

Amazing sunset!!

[@jtp755]

Kelly...I barely missed you all up there. We had a carryout rescue from Grassy Ridge Bald and walked right through where you set your tents up. We came through headed down about 7:00-7:30pm.

[@stephendaniel168]

Of all the hikers I think I like yours cause you seem the happiest doing it.

[@janebrommet7942]

Early in the morning its like the earth slowly wakes up..... Best part of the day

[@timellithorpe8388]

Been watching the journey since day one! You are awesome, my wife and I will be in Roanoke, VA hiking McAfee Knob for our one year anniversary June 6...I will laugh my ass off if you guys end up there that week.

[@scottymoondogjakubin4766]

I think there used to be a resort hotel on top of roan mt. - if you dig around you can find handmade nails from when it burned down ! I came face to face with a bear about a half mile to the top ! i clanked my tent poles together and scared it away !

[@wilbertolugo8700]

thank you for sharing your awesome journey. be safe its all about the journey. better to enjoy the journey than to arrive.may you be happy, may you be happy.May you be peace. Asta Luego the MTS are calling's I MUST GO. Buen Camino

[@matthewfinn4762]

Another Great Video . . Thanks for bringing us along.

[@timothydiehm9584]

" Be still and know that I AM." My fave area of the AT. I am not a good thru hiker because I like to be still and take it all in, every view, sound, smell. One with God and His creation. Good to see trail Steph back! You all are awesome! I am sooo jealous right now!

[@AT-Bluebird]

Thanks for the shout-out! -Jasper, AR~. Love your videos!

[@maxrun934]

Great points about life. Enjoy the small things Great job.

[@lifeinrussia5190]

Recording night sounds is a great idea!

[@renoflames]

Binge watching with Step Mom and Son Sept 18, 2024. SHE LOVES YOUR CHANNEL. SHE IS OLD. MY SON LOVES IT TOO LIKE ME. GOD BLESS

[@dexterjennings3921]

@ Kelly Hays Doing great so far. So after 20 days do you wish there was anything different you had equipment wise that either you have and want to try something else instead or don't have and wish you did? would you do anything different so far along the trail? Any problems with poison ivy so far?

[@HammerLane2Hiking]

Highlight of my day living vicariously through you. Gonna do the OT April 2022.

[@jpascaln]

👍🏼 planning a 2022 OT Trail myself.

[@HammerLane2Hiking]

@@jpascaln are you in Ouachita 2021? Gonna do a hiking your on hike "group hike" in April. Hope to see you there!

[@LynnStAubin-od5qe]

I spent a week on the trail in Georgia then a week in Arkansas this April. They were both great. There’s a lot I love about Arkansas. I’m a Michigander though.

[@collegedad8656]

The small things you appreciate add up. Hike on👍

[@dlr77]

Carvers gap is one of my favorite spots on the AT hope you enjoyed it be safe

[@OneEyeHikes]

If you don't have a trail name yet... I vote "Corduroy"! First corduroy cap I've seen on trail in a long long time! Haha... yea, I'm an Arkansan too. Enjoying your journey... thanks for sharing!

[@lasulax]

those views at the end!

[@narinthebeardedalien2994]

“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but Nature more” “There’s music in the sighing of a reed; There’s music in the gushing of a rill; There’s music in all things, if men had ears; The earth is but the music of the spheres.” - George Gordon Byron

[@sherrikinney6633]

Petricore. The smell of the earth. I just love it…

[@hylandthehuman773]

really digging the videos.. really.. thanks, keep it up

[@dalemerkley1245]

Just wondering what you do with your food when you camp on a bald?

[@BootsAndPearls85]

Love that you can get yourself some Huck cuddles!

[@nousername4me2use]

Thanks for another great video!

[@russellteee]

Curious what brand neck knife you use? I’m in the market for one but having a hard time finding a serrated one.

[@mb692100]

Your filming and editing is National Geographic quality. Love your awestruck moments as the beauty and immensity of nature overwhelm you. May you continue to have those "ooh and aah" moments all the way to Katahdin and experience, as John Burroughs and John Muir did and wrote about, that to be in sync with nature is to find healing, peace and growth. And that the sound of silence and the stillness of solitude can become like good friends whom you must visit again and again.

[@brandonsanders9674]

Amazing sunset at the end of this video, eh!

[@photographyadventuresbygraciel]

Great video!

[@thefatyakker5181]

Why don't you guys ever have a fire? Are there restrictions up there?

[@winkhvac62]

22k subscriber good for you!!!!!

[@rickcoffey5309]

You should see the balds you crossed about a month from now. The Rhodies and Flame Azealas will be in full bloom. Tons more people of course.

[@MJG70]

Killing it!

[@Rangband1]

Good ole Barred Owl

[@vincentc6919]

Was that Clyde Smith at the start of the video?

[@jordanclifton8196]

have fun and go wild

[@akbauer2525]

The owls are having a 'hootnany'. Haha. That is so cool.

[@Lulutrg]

Is she's on the trail now or loading videos From before.

[@solitudeinthewild82]

What an amazing video, my friend! Nice mountain hiking! The nature is amazing.. Enjoyed watching. Cheers from Russia Kelly, and welcome to my channel about bushcraft and adventures! Kind regards, Yuriy!

[@joedygert4362]

enjoy the stars 👀

[@senpaiyourmum5867]

Shout out Arkansas!! 🤙🏼

[@jduggan4129]

LOVE WHAT YOUR DOING KEEP IT GOING. LOVE JOANNA CALIFORNIA

[@markhoffart622]

Keep on going!

[@stephenlamphier1141]

Have y'all seen Bigfoot yet?😆

[@susanscharff2686]

Arkansas shouts back!

[@critterstrails2755]

Eveining Kelly,hey i'm wondering who's the girl with you?? Happy Trails .critter-lee

[@20YrOldPizza]

Jane Bald....wow.

[@timgrogan883]

Watch this short video about God works in our interruptions.

[@chaddnichols3607]

11:05 Screensaver!

[@markhoffart622]

😎👍

[@frolege1]

Best line of video "I'm talking to my camera"

[@narinthebeardedalien2994]

doggo :)

[@thomasdupont3136]

. . . tell me where you will be . . . the toppings . . . and I will have a pizza delivered to you . . .

[@narinthebeardedalien2994]

12:45 faerie incoming

[@robopecha]

i find this artificial and aggressive music very irritating.

[@kellyhays23]

Wild idea: turn it off. remember, you are in control l

[@robopecha]

@@kellyhays23 i did!! but its not ideal. no sound at all is still no natural sound. the thing is, i dont understand this music choice. you usually seem to like the same music as i do!

[@kellyhays23]

The natural sound was terrible loud wind noise that I promise you would have not wanted to hear either. I was feeling that tune so that’s what made the video.

[@robopecha]

@@kellyhays23 yeah, i know its your video. i was just thinking out loud. :)

[@kellyhays23]

Fair enough 🤣