I have a big announcement!

[@davidkarkov6447]

The fact that you made it a point to pay off your student loans and start this debt free, just earned you a subscriber. Good luck and enjoy!

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you!!

[@joanncoopertroupe3506]

My Son and Isabella aka Daddy Daughter Shadow Camping got me watching you and Cody and his wife I love all the Awesome places you visit. The is bless you Kelly..I am a Bariatric VSG post op nearly 8 years. God Bless you Girl!!😊😊😊😊💖💖💖💖💖

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

What's up Kelly it's been awhile since I've watched a video I would love to go on a long hike like that ​@@kellyhays23

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

How have you been

[@frisk151]

I've never met Kelly or spoken directly... She does seem "a bit driven".. (My semi-sarcasm hopefully transcends my keystrokes = "a bit"). Definitely PROUD of her as well.. A LOT of people "cop out" as they are able.. (covid, etc) I'm always down with giving anyone a hand up if needed and able... I also RESPECT those who drill down as they are able and clear the proverbial scales.. Her life and adventures are definitely worth following.. Lots of good info, nuggets and a life lesson or three-xxxx you can gleen from this young Woman..

[@jackpatterson7222]

Good luck with your hike ! I just got back from Arkansas spreading my parent's ashes in Lincoln, the town where my mom was born and where they met. I hadn't been to Ark in many years so it was nice to go back and see my cousins and the beauty of NW Ark.

[@jacquikostige4001]

Can't wait to follow you on the cdt

[@jamesadams2334]

Congratulations Kelly on your choice of the CDT. I would love to hike it, but I can no longer hike due to the Lyme Disease. I know that you will have a blast and that it will just blow you away! Thanks for videoing the hike and I can't wait to follow along. If you run into Nean or he also goes by Let It Be, tell him geek says hi. He lives in Colorado and is a triple, Triple Crowner. Hike safe, Hike strong, Have fun! geek A.T. '90 & '02 PCT '08

[@moniquen1751]

Woohoo! Great news all around. Looking forward to watching your adventures on the CDT!

[@Word187]

Good luck Kelly! I will be definitely be following your journey here on YT

[@sargeoutdoors]

Awesome! Cant wait to watch your journey. I like he way you vlog your hikes so I am looking forward to it. I am doing the AT in 25 and hoping to do the CDT the next year if I can so I appreciate all you guys that share your journeys. You guys really do help others prep, understand, and learn about the trails beforehand.

[@charlesjohnson9662]

Great news, can’t wait to see you out there. I’ve not done any of the CDT but I’ve crossed it while backpacking in GNP and San Pedro Park, just west of Cuba New Mexico. May have crossed it in the Gila but don’t know if the CDT route went through that area. That’s all by way of saying if your trek is mostly like the places I’ve crossed it, you’re gonna have a blast. I’ll be watching and cheering you on!

[@kylesueltenfuss7922]

I thru hiked the CDT on 2022 NOBO. I definitely want to do the trail SOBO to see things differently. Im flying out to do the AT tomorrow. Im shooting for the triple crown 👑

[@ericachriswell3210]

Oooh!! Soo pumped for this adventure!! Wishing you much luck and success!!

[@stpetie7686]

What a likable woman. I just found this channel a week or so ago and am kind of glad it took so long. because now I can watch multiple videos a day. Can't wait to check out her CDT experience. Good luck, Kelly.

[@kellyhays23]

Thanks for watching!

[@bonnieruggieri7340]

Congrats on your announcement!🎉. Looking forward on watching your journey. Hike on! 🚶‍♀️🥾⛰🎒

[@noBearAdventures]

Wait until you see Glacier and Yellowstone! And the Bob and the Tetons, for that matter. I’ve done almost every bucket list Park… and Glacier in particular is otherworldly. Good choice of trail. Btw… been watching your videos on and off for a few years. This is probably the healthiest you’ve looked and seemed. Def a plus for that trail. Have a blast

[@timd2809]

Cant wait to follow your new adventure, started following when you were on the AT

[@Smitty-i5l]

Yay!!!! Cannot wait!! I’m plan on CDT in 2 years 🙌🏻👍🏻

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

What an awesome adventure you will have! Looking forward to following. Elise Ott who has a KZbin killed the CDT and is a great source of info. Also kudos for being debt free. Not a lot of people your age can say that.

[@jgdrms]

Awesome. It would be good to see a shakedown video of your choices of gear before you go. I can't wait. Hopefully I can get back to hiking soon too.

[@rockercover]

Been over the Continental divide a few times in a vehicle, thinner air. (o2 level). Older vehicles tend to miss-behave around 10,000 feet. Cannot imagine hiking at that level. Might be more downhill; the direction you are planning. 👍 You seem to thrive ,(seem happiest thinking about new adventures / taking-on challenges. 🥇

[@stephenodonovan4168]

I'm not trying to take anything away from the hikers that are posting right now, but I'm certainly looking forward to a video series from a seasoned content creator! Loved your AT videos, and can't wait to see what you post on this adventure!

[@jenniferbreton9795]

Can't wait to watch new adventure on the trail. Been following you for a long time.

[@vibelife5133]

How cool, definitely will feel safer in grizzly country with a bunch of friends, and starting in summer sounds perfect for southbound ✌️❤️

[@eriklloyd4834]

Hot freaking damn! You go young lady. Spent some time in Colorado. CDT around Mt. Huron in the Sawatch Range Had K-Knee surgery 10 days ago, so, no trails ahead of me yet. Nothing but positive prayers and best wishes To you 'Baby Sister'. It's a True Grit thing. Cheesewhiz

[@davidshirley6850]

So excited for you the cdt is my ultimate hiking dream, more remote, less people need better navigation skills before I even think about it

[@flowerpower1980]

So excited for you….but at first after seeing Dixie’s and Nahamsha’s pregnancy announcements, thought you would be 3/3. (HAHA! j/k) Can’t wait to follow! 🎉🎉🎉

[@kellyhays23]

😂😂😂😂

[@chrisbodo4441]

Exciting news this will be an epic journey and memory making experience…look forward to following this trip …

[@Bergur.Palsson]

Great news, looking forward to follow the vlog

[@vickaiser]

Wow. So exciting!

[@chriscon8463]

That’s great, Kelly! You’ll do awesome!

[@ralphmaddox-kk4mj]

I knew it,commented it in last vid!!! OMG I can't wait Kelly darlin!!! I watched Becca Little Skittles CDT and it was incredible.The CDT is one tough cookie, but you will crumble it.

[@Pineywoodsrunner]

So excited for you!!!

[@zaftra]

I remember the AT no sooner had it started it had finished.

[@DougZeiser]

Congrats on being debt free! That's HUGE! 😃 And I'll definitely be tuning in for those vlogs. I love your channel. I love your vibes.

[@hikingzombie9064]

Good Luck Kelly , Hella Jelly !

[@palmtreeme8374]

Wow, you earned my respect for paying off your loans and working to be able to do what you love. Yup, I’m now a follower. Congrats on being a conscientious person. I look forward to following you on your new journey.

[@RickBarber-wg6sv]

I'm excited for you, Kelly Best of luck!

[@katherinebrown4692]

Good luck ❤

[@MPulicci78]

I’ve forgotten how beautiful you are.. loved your old hiking videos that started off with a “ good morning” looked forward to it every day.. 2 months? is it normal to start that trail so late…? You should ask Kyle Rohrig to go with you.. I bet he would.. buy that would be something… can’t wait..

[@ReneVandyk]

Hi Kelly Congratulations of being debts 🔗🗞️

[@Randee04]

Oh yeah!! This is VERY exciting news!!!

[@BoneSpurTheChappalachian]

Hike on 9 Lives! Have a blessed trip!

[@TheChuckoluck]

The CDT. Lots of boring road walking. The Rocky Mountains can be a bee-ach. Many many people never finish this Trail. If it was anybody but you I would not be watching. But I have followed you from the beginning and of course I'll follow you here.

[@Rabbi393]

I've followed you a good while now. You look and seem at your very, very best. Give'm Hell.

[@jimgargas2480]

Wish you the best. God Bless!

[@nuggethead7614]

Wish I could make a that jurnny too , but because of the accident I’ve been in that put me into a coma .

[@otheremail123]

Elevation will certainly be different than the AT and Florida trail. I'm sure you have read about altitude sickness. What an outstanding hike you have planned 🎉

[@jfncho]

If you plan to do daily vlogs, might be a good idea to stagger them for safety purposes so that no one online can track your location.

[@kellyhays23]

Completely agree! That is always the standard here!

[@IShallNotBeSilent]

CONGRATULATIONS on being debt free! So much freedom. So excited about your new journey. I watched your whole AT thru hike. Angels all around you on this trail and be blessed!

[@johnnymfbravo7163]

wow, this is gonna be epic!

[@boykinsean8534]

may i tag along 😊😅

[@scable-eq7bp]

Kelly is this hike going to require a lot of deodorants and baby wipes?

[@tammysingh4634]

Beautiful 🙌🙏🏻🕊 We used to live in Boise, Idaho. That's wonderful 🙌 student debt paid off. Blessings to your new adventure. 🙏🏻🕊🕊🕊

[@EvaNichols28]

Exciting news- I will be following you. ❤

[@A-K_Rambler]

Nine-lives is back! Hope to see you about Silver City this Fall! The NoBo hoard has started, Trail Days yesterday lots of GearHeads....

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you so much!

[@kellispreppingkitchen]

I have been watching your journey on the AT, the PCT and can't wait to follow along for the CDT. I've enjoyed all your journeys off the trail. Blessings for your next big adventures ❤

[@MichaelSuperbacker]

Hello 👋

[@CindyTaylor-mr4wf]

That’s AMAZING!!! Sooooo excited for you!!! Will def be following along!!! 😃

[@jduggan4129]

Wow, great call girl. Good luck. The heat can be crazy hot. Love you so much have a great time. Love you California Joanna. You hiking with anyone.

[@stuartrollings602]

Howdy Kelly! Wow I thought you were going to say that you were getting married when you moved back home…well that would be great but the CDT will be awesome! And thanks very much for completing your financial commitment when so many have not and or taken a bailout from the government! My wife and I spend a mont in NM every summer so will be watching you maybe close by at some point! Saddle up!

[@heathwolfe4579]

Hi Kelly. You'll be okay. Everything will be fine. Good Luck on hiking from Canada to Mexico. Please be safe and Please be careful. Thank You very much 4 sharing Your video. It is very much appreciated. I Love You Kelly Hays Hikes ❤🌹💚⚘❤🌷🌹🧡⚘💜🌷💙⚘💜

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you! ❤️

[@rosemarymcleod4074]

That is awesome 👏🏼 can’t wait wait to follow your journey 😊

[@DarkCornerBoys101]

Carry bear spray

[@masonsmith1198]

That part of Montana is known for bear encounters! Be careful!

[@wilE6764]

You mean a rifle 😂

[@debraward2373]

Bear spray won’t help with a grizzly bear!

[@MaxZomboni]

​@@debraward2373 Bear spray is designed to work with grizzly bears. It's way over kill for black bears.

[@debraward2373]

@@MaxZomboni we have been through Canada and Alaska. Grizzlies up there are huge(up to 8 ft. Tall) and known to make them even madder when sprayed in the face so will attack even more. Men in Alaska carry guns or rifles out in the wilderness. Don’t know about Canada with firearms. But, from Canada to Alaska will see Grizzlies even along the highway. I would not want to run into one with just bearspray. And I would NEVER hike in a grizzly area, even at Glacier National park in U.S.. Just saying. Heard about too many grisly encounters from locals up there.

[@bill8384]

Be sure your Grateful Dead Playlist is complete! Enjoy yourself! 😊 Good luck 9 Lives!

[@richardthorne2804]

Woo Hoo. I am so happy to hear that. My favorite spot in the world is the Wind River Range in Wyoming. I hope you can get off the CDT and do some of the other trails in that incredible mountain range. If you get a chance go see the cirque of the towers in the southern winds. ❤

[@markmason4053]

Yes! Wind River Range is incredible, I never want to leave it when I go there

[@richardthorne2804]

@@markmason4053 I live in Colorado and Northwestern Wyoming is by far my favorite place in the US. The winds are special not too many places like this if at all. I’m so excited for Kelly.

[@Lyngdub]

I just discovered your channel and I’m enjoying your hikes. I have lived in Montana my whole life and have hiked much of the CDT. I’m excited that you are going to do it this summer. It’s starting to get hot and dry here in Western MT. You might want to get started if you want to avoid fire season in the West. We had a dry winter and the snow is going fast. Good luck!

[@RJ-ix4co]

How exciting for you!!! You will be awesome! I think SOBO is very smart for this time of year. Please be so very careful, as I know you will! ❤ Go be amazing as always! You truly look so beautiful, healthy and happy! God bless you and may he watch over you daily!

[@onelovemon1784]

I loved following along on AT. What a prized treat that series is. Thank you. At this point, emergency surgery, fire ants, wasps, coyotes, steak eating alligators, bugs in ear, werewolves, nothing, nothing stops K. You do the hike. I'll watch. Lazy. ❤

[@keniakennedy9016]

Exciting news, I first started watching you during the AT! Congratulations on being debt free, you should be proud of yourself……being a responsible hard working adult while living the lifestyle you crave! You are an inspiring young woman! 🤗🏃‍♀️🦶🏼

[@ndan3746]

Glacier and Yellowstone will blow your mind! Looking forward to this!

[@Randee04]

Agreed!!! They blew mine and took my breath away!

[@MAGICHORSEMAN]

I don't know Kelly as it sounds dangerous.

[@kellyhays23]

about 90% of what I do is pretty dangerous lol

[@Kubotahonda5]

Plz come to trek in Nepal 🇳🇵🏔️🌲🌲, EBC, LANGTANG, ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK, ABC TREK, MANASULU TREK etc etc ❤

[@RickINFJ]

Oh happy day, 9L is doing another thru hike! I can't wait for the new gear videos. Congratulations, Kelly, your virtual tramily is 💯 behind you! ✌️

[@ursulaanne]

Congrats and good luck on your CDT journey! You're gonna crush it ^_^

[@brianthomas3465]

Please tell me tripod will be on this adventure. I just feel better having him there. I can't wait to start this trip. Love you miss Kelly ❤

[@kellyhays23]

Big bro will be around

[@brianthomas3465]

@@kellyhays23 I'm so excited for this trip. I been trying to imagine the beautiful scenery I get to see because you allow us to join you. Thank you so much ❤

[@agnesskibicka]

@@brianthomas3465 hello from Poland 🇵🇱 and rural living!( channel 😊)

[@leedanielson7452]

And......Congrats on paying off those student loans Kelly! 😊👍👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@SUAREZQUINONEZ]

Hey Pretty lady, you look amazing beautiful ontl this video... Congratulations.,,,

[@KINGOFTHEWOODS847]

I will definitely want to see that I think you are the best backpacker ever I want to do the at

[@BobBohner4851]

Sounds like a fantastic hike . I'm assuming you're carrying a SATNAV recite device?

[@brandydanforth-wf9rr]

Just finished Eagle Rock loop. Great recommendation!

[@user-David-Alan]

This is awesome. So happy for you. Can't wait to see your daily vlog and the countryside. I will be donating before you leave on your adventure. The only advice I can give is please take bear spray alone with you. Stay well and best of luck on your trek. It is great to see you again.

[@agnesskibicka]

@user-David-Alan, Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱 and rural life! ( channel 😊)

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you so much David! Bear spray will def be coming with me

[@joelongo2275]

I really need to go to AR and find me a Kelly lol. What a woman and absolutely gorgeous naturally! So BEAUTIFUL!❤❤❤

[@h2ozark]

Debt free!! Awesome!!

[@callofthetrail9386]

The CDT is my fave! Very excited to follow your hike!

[@joesmith98765]

Glad You Going Back On Trail , Take Bear Spray and A Ham Radio If You Can, I Love To Go With You 66 and Handicapped

[@stevenbarrale2267]

Personally, I think you are crazy lol. But I look forward to watching the CDT from my couch. Be safe and enjoy your adventure!

[@aliekins3467]

Kate cloud , she hiked the AT with her Goat, she has a hostel in Wyoming, I think? But you should ck her out! Hey congrats on being debt free!!❤❤❤

[@chrilk]

Great news! Looking forward to it! 😄 How are you going to manage the power supply for all the video editing in the middle of the wilderness?

[@johnwilliams640]

Good luck on your adventure. I can't wait to see your videos. Lil lady you are the very best at making videos. Stay safe Kelly and good luck.

[@craighallick9996]

Awesome news I just watched your Florida trail videos from start to finish and it was incredible what you showed of the Florida wildlife !! I feel like I made that journey with you in a way also incredible to see the people that helped you along the way being from Florida I was very proud so thank you for that. !

[@jduggan4129]

You going with Tripod?

[@kellyhays23]

Yes he will be starting with the group

[@Slowhiker-xw2kp]

A christian taking her responsibilities seriously and paying off her own debts, go figure! Congrats and good luck on hike.

[@captainrobbins7130]

Bring the bear spray! Hey bear!!! 🐻

[@lynnpike988]

Good luck on this new adventure. And thanks for paying your student loans. Personal responsibility is an endangered trait. May you have safe trails in wild places.

[@paleo52]

I live in Montana. Make sure you have bear spray. There is still a lot of snow in the mountains. We are having a winter storm in the mountains right now 5-8-24.

[@carriehardy4157]

I would love to do the 3 big trails but I think it would be amazing to do the American Discovery trail

[@paulinalouise4502]

Am SOOOOOO looking forward to this !

[@MichaelFreechild]

Can I tag along? Maybe like 100ft behind you, lol!

[@jasonjones5213]

Yay! I was hoping you would do the CDT. I live in N.W Montana and have hiked in the park and the Bob Marshal wilderness.

[@SuZQ4361]

Wow!!! Can’t wait to follow and see the journey you take.

[@laineym2005]

Been following you since before your AT health emergency. Still loving all you do! I am SO EXCITED to follow you on the CDT!

[@kellyhays23]

You’ve been here since the beginning! That’s love! Thanks so much for sticking around ❤️

[@betsybarbera9806]

Congratulations on paying off your student loans! Looking forward to following your CDT hike. I will be hiking the CT August/September this year. Maybe I will cross paths with you. Have a great hike! Happy Trails!

[@kellyhays23]

That would be awesome!!! See you out there!!

[@durstongear]

Awesome! Epic journey! Looking forward to following. -Dan