Appalachian Trail Thru Hike Q&A

[@rkf2746]

I chuckle at your being asked if you're "mentally" prepared. We are mentally prepared to take on any task when we have the self confidence, attitude, and discipline needed to see us through. I sense you are very well prepared. At 70 years on this old earth, I've never let myself worry or fret over the unknown. Seeing and experiencing the "unknown" for the first time is where the excitement and thrills lay. The good, the bad, the in-between, all add to the experience. You're ready!!!! Each year, I like to select one ACT thru-hiker to "walk along" with, since these old legs and hips won't let me do it myself. I've watched a few of your video's, and if you don't mind, this old guy would like to join you along the way. If I were to offer a bit of unsolicited advice, it would be this: hike your own hike. you're doing it for you, no one else. .Be well. God bless. Happy trails!! Roger

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you Roger! Excited to have you along with me!

[@colingillespie4187]

Hike your own hike. The best part of the trail is you might have an idea of where you are going that day, but you have no idea what you'll run into along the way. If you leave space and time for magic, you can expect the unexpected. Coming from someone who tends to sleep in too much, better days start early. You don't want to be the last one to the trail magic cooler. Also, too much night hiking can slow you down quite a bit, for me at least. Be careful pushing yourself in the beginning, at least until you get through the Smoky Mountains. Almost all of the people pushing themselves the first 2-3 weeks got injured. Let your body acclimate then you can pour on the miles if you want, your trail legs will surprise you. Eat at the mountainview diner, stay at shaw's, etc. Pennsylvania is a rock field, but don't let people scare you over it. Take care of your feet, be aware of people who will tell you all the things you want to hear, trust your instincts, take it one step at a time, one day at a time. Some of the best advice I got was, "You can go as slow as you want, just don't stop." Momentum will carry you far. Good luck, and enjoy! You only get to hike the AT for the first time once. - Pi NOBO 2020 "Outlaws" Oh, and it's ok once in a while to be a little bitch, chuck your poles, and sit down in the middle of the trail, as long as you get up and keep going again. Happens to the best of us.

[@torrencel.2662]

I didn't find the channel until Day 6 & I'm finally making time to go back & watch Days 1-5. It's like Day 31 now or so. Kelly has absolutely no idea of the Nuke that's about to drop on her on Day 6! She handled it like a Boss! Mentally & physically! At that point, I was too emotionally invested to turn back lol! For those of you who find this channel down the road, it's worth the click!

[@damageincorporated2158]

your drive, commitment, and excitement is inspirational

[@cryptowealthonyt]

Totally agree... I wouldnt need the ATC to confirm that I'm "official". You are going to official either way. You got this. Following you to Maine!

[@nelsonthomas8362]

Sounds like you have this under control. You have the right attitude for success. All the best for a great hike! I will be happy to follow along.

[@Wondering_Fireball]

Smart girl, on keeping your start date confidential.

[@pungo147]

I'm not a planner either - no more than a few days at a time. Starting March 12th - good luck to you.

[@fernandomarquez3131]

Good for you meet the challenge, tomorrow i do a 50 mile hike on the US side solo,

[@Sleeptalkin]

Working up to this, just have to get work sorted out! Glad to see another Arkansan on here! 💪

[@lilyjohnson9882]

Excited for you !!!! Can’t wait for the ‘what I’m bringing with me on the AT’ vid!

[@YAMAHAFIXER]

I watched Dixie all the way through and plan to follow your awesome journey. Stay safe and enjoy!

[@OurNationalAdventure]

Have a great hike! We have done a few day hikes through NC and Georgia with our little kids- you are definitely at a good stage in life to take on the whole 👣trail! Have fun!

[@richardbrown6216]

Enjoy your hike. Be safe. Enjoy your video.

[@fotoguy76]

You are such an amazing spirit!!! Can’t wait for your journey!!!

[@outerlimitsmermaid]

If you wear a buff, it folds up nicely and blocks light in leu of a sleep mask, saves a little extra weight. 😉 try it at home first.

[@bartcornelius7717]

Great to hear that you pray and are spiritual. 👍

[@rickythreet391]

Yay Dixie shoutout. I have been watching her too and she’s amazingly detailed. 🤣 looking forward to watching you from start to finish. Good luck girly.

[@kennybarrett6111]

I’m starting my thru hike Monday morning at Amicalola. I wish you happy trails miss Kelly hays. I’ll be watching your AT journey on KZbin in my tent before sleep. I’m so excited for all of us thru hikers.

[@OurNationalAdventure]

Have fun!

[@richardross7219]

Did you add a heatsheet to your gear? The AT is a good trail to start your quest for the triple crown because it is easy to get help and support. Remember that the Smokies get snow in April. This is going to be hard but fun. Just start slow and work up. You won't be alone. About 40 people are starting everyday into April. Permethrin your clothes and gear just before you start. Good Luck, Rick

[@charleshowelljr451]

Hope you have a great hike, I watched Dixie also, you will be in our prayers here in South Carolina.. Stay safe!!!!!

[@tacoma_jon]

Wishing you the best Kelly

[@exbassguide]

Ya I also did some epic hikes: all of Oregon in one trip (500 miles). And 100 miles around Mt. Rainier and that was harder (lots of vertical changes) than all of Oregon. Now I am doing a Transit van conversion. Next year I'm headed to Alaska and stay for 6 months. Then travel the next 5 - 7 years around western north America. Thanks for the video! Subed

[@kellyhays23]

You live a cool life!! Goals!

[@jerrodperryman8912]

Wow you’ve blown up in little time! Praying for you and all the hikers on trail! Have fun! Good luck!

[@michaelbowers4648]

Hope to meet you between Harpers Ferry W VA and Pine Grove Furnace State Park PA. my home area.

[@attackthemountain9970]

Starting mine on the 18th. I am not a planner either. I have enough food to get me through the first week and then we'll wing it from there. Maybe see you out there. Have fun!

[@byronpyles996]

I'm excited for you, I could feel the anticipation building as I watched the video. I love that you are so free and not obsessed with the recognition, politics, and what everybody says you should do. Wishing you the very best ! 🙏

[@BrianJMurray]

I’m hoping to hike the AT in a few years when I retire. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy watching you and others doing it online. Happy trails!

[@push-onshikingadventures1880]

Consider it preparation.... Also, consider retiring early, you know that corporation thinks of you as just a number anyway. Take it from someone who has had to have five jobs this year. 🤦‍♂️

[@ahcork2002]

Have a great trip my 2 older boys did it 2010,

[@brenthiteoutdoors]

We will be rooting for ya from Arkansas! My step dad hiked 1000 miles of the AT back in the 70’s ... I have only hiked a few miles in Virginia, but would love to hike the whole thing! Good luck!

[@AdamHoyt]

I bet the trail will whip you into shape real quick!

[@MrBahr12]

Excited to follow your journey and know that you are in a great place physically and mentally for it after a couple years of prep. Have you been following any other youtubers that have already started this year?

[@denis65366]

Congrats good luck and enjoy your thru

[@discoveringlockenest8420]

I’m very happy for you and that you are reaching out and grabbing your dram if doing the AT! It sounds like your plan is coming together well! Congrats on achieving the 10k subscriber mark (over 11k now)! So looking forward to living tour AT adventure thru your videos! 🤙

[@JohnnyontheTrail]

Best of luck and enjoy every step.

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Outstanding video

[@johntomik4632]

Through hiking the AT in a few days! Good luck

[@kurts3367]

I am enjoying your videos I am excited to watch you walk walk the Appalachian Trail good luck

[@BadHikers]

Dude amazing video!! Love the Q&A. Also.... Not planners over here either. We have the gear dialed for our thru-hike and the needed resupply packages all sent. other than that... Just out there to see what happens lol. Can't wait to follow along!

[@benjamindavis3874]

Always gorgeous!!!!!

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

Excited for you! Can't wait for updates!

[@happyhoppy74]

My hike is starting soon as well... end of Mar. Are you doing approach trail or Springer start? Happy hiking!!

[@dennislavelle6909]

Maybe I missed it or didn't wait long enough into the video but WHEN? When is your tentative start date?

[@johnelliott5923]

Love it can’t wait!

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Congrats on 10K subs and getting your hike started. I see you as a 20 to 25 mile a day hiker by the time you reach New England. Good luck I think you're gonna kick butt on the trail can't wait to be following along!

[@JaredandTasha]

What’s the most miles you have done in 1 day prior to doing the ACT?

[@jerrynunley9956]

Petit jean is beautiful country, .. I work out that easy way years ago🐾🐾

[@dubon6372]

You've gotten very fit!!! I believe you are ready, not only for all that muscle but because your mind is set to do this. I can't wait for all those videos. Look into "Outdoors adventures" youtube channel. That guy quited his good paying job of over 10 years, and got on the AT untill he finished, one is his family members lost the ability to walk and that turned him into a hiker. After the AT he married his girlfriend. He bogged the whole trip and then made a documentary about it, there are a lot of blogs like this, but he shared everything that went through his mind, all the soul searching he had during weeks without human contact, I strongly recommend his channel. His and yours channel are probably my favorite ones.

[@eddiedaves9457]

That's hilarious.. watching Daisy got me wanting to do it. ..she was my first channel on three hiking

[@db.mc2]

Hi Kelly, hope to see you in NH👍stay safe, stay well👊✌️

[@eddiedaves9457]

I agree that's just to much ice cream

[@davidferrier7869]

That’s great you have the opportunity to do an adventure of a life time!! Have you ever done the Guadalupe Ridge Trail or Ozark Hil

[@davidferrier7869]

Ozark Highland Trail?? Sorry I fat fingered the first comment 😬

[@rituka]

Great video! I'm also in healthcare and I was just wondering if you get health insurance as a traveling dietician.

[@kellyhays23]

Yes I do!

[@josephbrown-ut9ty]

You got this Kelly , I just did the Goat Trail up on the Buffalo this weekend and as much as im paying for that today, I wanna get back out there. I'll def be following your journey.

[@kellyhays23]

That’s a tough one on the way out, but man those views! Got me thinking about that beautiful turquoise waters. Gods country ❤️

[@TheForester71]

Perfect attitude. Can’t wait for your start. I know you will have an incredible adventure.

[@tortoisetrek8318]

Kelly, I've been following you since I saw your intro video on the Dower Duo video. (And I just followed you on IG as well.) I felt/feel you have what it takes to be one of the minority who stick the AT out to the end. But that's where the question about physical and mental conditioning comes in. I'm a section-hiker. I've hiked ~ 35% of the AT to-date and plan to do another 20% this year. The difference between section-hikers and thru-hikers is that thru-hikers get really fit and the physical aspect becomes less of an issue. But the longer they are on the trail they can be susceptible to boredom, homesickness, or simply not having fun any more. (The reverse is true for section-hikers; by the time they start getting trail legs they are getting off trail - but they aren't on trail long enough to get into a dark place mentally.) A good book to understand prepping for the mental side of a thru-hike is "Appalachian Trials" by Zach Davis. All that said, I think your general approach to life is very healthy and when coupled with faith/prayer, you have a strong foundation to persevere through the mental as well as physical challenges of a thru-hike. Blessings to you...

[@TheRetroMachineTV]

You do Cross Fit in tents? That’s amazing!

[@OG-PapaDude]

Hope to meet you in Damascus. Yeah, You don't need no "recognition" I hiked over a thousand miles of the AT last year and all I have to show for it is my memories and pics. What a shame, right? lol

[@josephbrown-ut9ty]

I do have a question though. How would you compare the Goat Trail comming out in terms of dificulty vs Butterfield Trail ? My hiking partner says our next overnighter were doing the Butterfield and everything i read says its hard, but the cpl videos ive watched it didnt look as bad as some made it sound.

[@kellyhays23]

Butterfield is moderate. There is lots of elevation and rocks and you do climb a waterfall at one point but it’s not too bad

[@JLowe-uu8lr]

Heck ya I like yer Vids!

[@derekhurst9]

Maine is tough but will not disappoint!

[@fernandomarquez3131]

Hot dog you are back, and guess what i was just thinking about you today , yesterday i did a 25 kms hike in MÉXICO

[@GlenCannon239]

You sound like you are ready to hike the trail. Will you be filming your hike and posting video's regularly?

[@HDCrumbsnatcher]

ALDHA.. (Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association) the one that counts

[@user-David-Alan]

Good to plan one day at a time. Long term plans on the AT never work. Good luck.

[@dan393]

Ready for the AT!!! Happy hiking and god bless

[@robbydeanjett]

You’re so cool!!!

[@lark518Photo]

Very informative video, sounds like you have a great plan to hike your own hike and take it day by day. I just followed you on IG also. Look forward to your adventure.

[@michaelodonnell4467]

wishing you well, should be a great adventure, wish i was able to do such a trip at the moment

[@jordanclifton8196]

have fun and go wild

[@stephenlamphier1141]

I hope you carry some sort of protection out on the trails... lotsa whackos out there. Explore the Talladega National Forest sometime.... lotsa hidden gems in Alabama.

[@kellyhays23]

Whackos are everywhere these days. Lol I will def check that outb

[@stephenlamphier1141]

@@kellyhays23 Little River Canyon/Desoto Falls, Talladega Forest, Wetumpka Crater.. plenty of hiking trails in those areas

[@push-onshikingadventures1880]

Yea....even as a guy I wouldnt put my start date out there. I'd also put a delay on publishing videos too, safety first. O btw...you got this!

[@push-onshikingadventures1880]

Also, 10 miles a day is 220 days to finish, but 15 is less than 150. It's an average that includes zero days etc. Not sure when you have to work again but 220 days is a long time especially worrying about homesickness. I'd pace myself at first, but DO NOT limit your miles too much or you'll regret it. Push too hard and get injured of course, so find that sweet spot!

[@skeeterbone]

You have one of those BADASS Jackery power packs! Those rock and so do you!

[@mr.j5919]

I hope you’re taking something for protection especially being by yourself Seriously though if you don’t have anything you really should think about it not just for protection against bad people but for animals too and I’ll hook you up one way or the other no matter which type you would feel comfortable with for free It’s worth thinking about

[@andrewwiist1003]

i live in the central PA region, so I will be interested in seeing your videos when you reach the area. Nothing too exciting in that stretch, other than maybe the midpoint and the half gallon challenge at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Good luck and stay safe.

[@Chris_Martin707]

*P*robably good to start with the east coast hike. *C*ourse' there is that beautiful west coast hike. *T*rouble is there's that long hike in the middle, between the two.

[@TheDadofThem]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@latrilha8537]

Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@Ken-cf9bc]

👍

[@MK-pm9qo]

Great introduction video and the community has been saying “hike your own hike” right?? So go conquer the AT. You got this!

[@turisteandoentexas]

Hey girl, I like the wrap on your hair 😃

[@jumanjiwarlord]

Are u gonna edit episodes while ur hiking? Or wait until the end? It’s gonna take a couple months, right?

[@kellyhays23]

I actually made a whole video talking all about this! It will be coming out next week :)

[@lukefish7562]

Hey😀 Congrats! Going to be a great trip! 😀 Oh and screw the ATC

[@jemimacoop2726]

I heard of a girl who got diabetes hiking the AT from so much junk food. Stay well

[@nelson759]

😍

[@eddiedaves9457]

Absolutely beautiful

[@dennislavelle6909]

Oh, sorry. . . I guess I should have finished the video before asking the question!

[@NathanWert]

* The part you're going to hate the most is my neck of the woods: The White Mountains of New Hampshire. * How to deal mentally? "Embrace the Suck" * The problem with SOBO is you end up starting with the White Mountains...and they would SUCK to start with.

[@djg5950]

Not true. Most thru hikers rate NH #1 because of the Whites and Maine #2. By the time they get there they have built up their trail legs. PA is the most hated state because of the rocks.

[@skipsamples2647]

Now I see why you didn't answer my question a many weeks ago about the ATC. You are correct in that you do not need to be "published" that you did it. You are doing it for you and not others. You are being very smart not to let everyone know you exact schedule as to many whack-jobs out there. Looking forward when you do post videos and remember to enjoy and it is not a competition with others only with yourself.

[@libbyduo1419]

AMEN! I dont have a completion certificate for doing it in 18.......lol, after all the experiences yes i know ive done it....yup, shoot it from the hip def more fun that way......trail kicks everyones hiney......you cant prepare mentally, only take it a day at a time......lets roll, excited to see how things go. Duo AT18

[@weedhopp]

👍😊

[@danielkutcher5704]

You should do well on the AT. You're young and fit and aren't the type to lock yourself into a schedule. Failing to achieve goals is a major source of disappointment on the Trail, as it is in much of life. Good luck and have fun. 👍

[@bratttt100]

Print your own AT Tag like some did for Quicksand. His is black. Best of luck to ya !!!

[@HDCrumbsnatcher]

ALDHA will recognize your completed thru hike. so you're good :)

[@jemimacoop2726]

First thought was Kelly looks more beautiful when she isnt dolled up. She can wake up and look good. Ditch the make up, you do NOT need it

[@zerohero187]

An attractive woman such as yourself will probably be attracting some "pink blazers" throughout your hike lol. Stay safe out there and enjoy the experience.

[@brianduval656]

Hi, this is Jake from Amicalola State Farm. What am I wearing? Why Kakis of course. lol Just kidding. Looking forward to following along.

[@kellyhays23]

😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@knyggaplease1222]

Okay, weirdo. I can dig it.

[@NicksHEAT1995]

Athletic, intelligent, adventurous, beautiful, and likes tacos.