I have an update :( | Pacific Crest Trail 2022 

Amen to all the supportive comments. Glad you two are doing well. Always listen to your body, and look forward to get back on the trail when you know you're ready. Thanks for taking us along on the adventure. It's helped inspire me to restore my health for the trail. Hoot!

Sending healing prayers to you and James. Can’t wait to see ya back out there !

Trail isn't going anywhere, and neither are we! Praying for your healthy and full recovery! And remember to relax ;)

So sorry but glad you are taking care of yourself. I have really enjoyed watching your videos and have been silently cheering you on. Just wanted to thank you for sharing your adventures. Will continue to follow because I know there are more to come.

Thanks for the update and a little help with the costs.

It took me two full months to recover from Covid and I still have a few lingering effects so you absolutely did the right thing by getting off the trail and remember you’re not alone in this , millions of people are suffering

Please don't feel like you're letting us down, or that you need to apologize for taking a break. I'm so glad that you're listening to your body and giving it the rest it needs. Even a mild case of covid is no joke, especially under those circumstances. I have complete confidence that you'll finish this trail, and I know it'll be easier and more enjoyable when you've recovered more fully from being sick.

I hope you and James have a speedy & full recovery. Thank you for sharing your journey.

This is a blessing. Take good care of yourself and sending prayers and we’ll wishes. You’ll be just fine no matter what your body tells you you’re ready for. Don’t you dare give us apologies. We love you and always support you in ALL you do! Love you! ❤️❤️❤️⭐️

Hang in there! You're so strong. I've been fighting fatigue for months now so I feel you

Glad to see you doing the right thing. God bless you with a quick recovery. You 2 are amazing.

It’s okay Kelly. Take the time you need to recover. That’s what’s most important.

Just keep smiling! You got this. It's great you are doing what you need to do to take care of your health. It doesn't matter where you get back on the trail. If you desire to be back out there then go where it works best for you. Remember it is your hike so hike it how you want. I just found your channel a couple of nights ago so I will watch your past videos until your are happy and healthy enough to get out there and whoop that trail. Well wishes to you both 🤙

I think you made the right choice. I’m glad you are resting and doing breathing exercises. I know you will finish. Don’t worry about videos, just rest. Praying for you and James!

Planning is a good guide. Perseverance to the adjustments is what makes life interesting. I think its cool that you can honestly realize when your body needs a break. A lot of us push through to make the plan happen and then regret it in the long run. Pullin for y'all!!!

I'll be praying for you both. Stay positive. I truly enjoy your videos and can't wait to see you back on trail.

Seems like a mature and wise move. I support you in taking care of yourself! Thanks for letting us know. I hope you and James do what is best for your health and happiness.

Awe, I am so glad you put your health first, you definitely made the right decision. Please take care of yourself and look forward to seeing you both back on trial when you feel better.

I have really enjoyed your videos. I am so glad you are staying at home and getting the rest you need

I am so happy you are taking care of yourself! ❤️

Sorry to hear

Hi Kelly. That old Covid gives a person quite a kicking, so give your body a real good rest, and time to recover. I know you will be back on trail when your body says you can. Be strong and of good courage. I know things can be tough at times, but just reflect on all the GOOD things you have experienced on trail. All the beautiful sights you have shared with thousands of people who will never have the health or possibility of hiking those trails. We get to do it through your videos. One of the really big life changes you have experienced because of your hospital delay on the AT was James ! When I heard he was going on the PCT with you, I knew you would be OK, because James would always be there to help you through difficult times. God bless, and I look forward to you getting back on the trail. Aubrey

Thank you for taking care. Thank you for sharing with us. I’m so happy you are getting good rest. I wish you the best. I’m interested in your recovery, or what ever you want to do. Please continue to take care, okay?

Prayers for a quick recovery.

Sorry to hear you had to jump off trail again! Looking forward to seeing you back on trail and having a successful thru hike. Good luck!

Godspeed on your recovery.

I've enjoyed watching all your videos from the start of your AT journey till now. Rest up, everything happens for a reason! Looking forward to watching your videos when you get back on trail! God bless 🙂

So bummed for the both of you. Your strength of will is impressive. Don't rush and there's no shame in postponing until next year. 3 to 6 months for the inflammation to subside sounds tough to overcome. Good luck whichever way you go. I'll be waiting for your next update

No apologies necessary. Get well and when you’re ready to get back on trail and post videos I will be here waiting to watch your adventure on RU-vid. As always thanks for sharing.

Best wishes that you fell 100% very soon and you get to do what you love to do. Don't worry about videos as we will stick with you very patiently hoping all is well with you and James. Get well!

I hope you feel better stay strong ♥️♥️

I was honestly amazed that ya'll continued hiking so soon, and I know it sucks that you guys had to come home but like other people are saying the trail will always be there. You make a good point about skipping ahead on the trail, because I can't imagine having to hike in the desert heat when it's going to be so hot, and your bodies still recovering. Take care, glad you're both back home safe and I look forward to seeing the rest of your journey :)

Rest up! You want to really enjoy that trail. It’ll be there when you’re ready and it’s gonna be amazing!! 💚

My heart breaks for you but you made a smart decision... and YES !!! you will finish this hike and please keep us to date

Wish you both a speedy recovery! Take all the time you need before making plans.

Like the others have said, you and James are making the right decision and trail will always be there. My husband and I are planning to start the PCT next year and we’re in our 60s. You’ve got this!!

Good luck and health Kelly and James. I’m not taking the bet that y’all won’t finish. Stay safe.

I’m so bummed for you & James! Take your time getting back on the PCT! Get lots of rest & take care of yourself! Your health is the most important thing! We’ll be here when you come back!

Hey Kelly. Tough, tough video, but totally the right thing to do. I will be sending you every positive thought I have that things progress well. Your health is the #1 priority and we are so thankful that you know this and were willing to make the hard decisions to support yourself and your health. If there is anything that any of us viewers can do for either of you please let us know. You guys are amazing, and this epic journey will continue when you know you’re ready. 🙏 Thanks for bringing us along today. I hope tomorrow’s miles are kind. Keep truckin’ and be well. -Grateful

You and James surprised me when you got back on trail so quickly, there's a definite lingering physical hit from COVID. Your typical joy and energy wasn't as strong in the last videos, but you were certainly fighting it and that's a problem. This trail will be waiting when you return, any which way you return, and it will be better when you aren't fighting it. Get healthy first, get checked out for hiking a few weeks at over 10,000 feet, then decide your path. The trail will still be there 👟👟👟👟👟

Glad your getting better and can't wait until your on trail again!

Yes you will absolutely finish the trail. Get well, take is slow, and all will fall into place. Remember He will guide you and heal you. Sending hugs and prayers. ❤️

Take care of yourself! I think you made the right decision! I’m confident you’ll finish no matter how you slice it and we’ll all be here when you get back! Love ya girl! ❤

I’ll bet you’re gonna finish because you’re not a quitter. I was so sad last year when your thru hike ended and this year I was so happy that you were doing the PCT! My wife and I love watching your videos. I have all the faith in the world that you’re gonna be just fine. ✌️ you got this!

Great call, good luck!!

I had it around Christmas, I was very fatigued. You made the right choice, glad you are good!

Well, this one hit home for me. I'm a runner and was in the middle of a training plan when I got hit with covid... much the same symptoms as you've mentioned. After a few weeks of testing negative, I'm still having trouble getting my fitness back to pre-covid, even though I was only positive for a short time. It's SO frustrating. I'm glad that you made to decision to rest up... seems like the right thing to do. And definitely adjust the schedule to hike/meetup with your friends!!! That would be a no-brainer for me. Thanks for the update!

Best of luck to you and your recovery. Hope to see you back out there. I'm a backpacker, but don't hike the long trails like you. Much respect. Get healthy!

Hope you feel better! 🙏🏻

Wishing you a speedy recovery! I crossed paths with you at the Mountain Harbor Hostel in Roan Mountain last summer during my AT section hike and I’ll be doing the Yosemite section of the PCT/JMT in early July - it would be such a funny coincidence to run into you again! But you’ll probably get there before me if you skip the desert. Either way, can’t wait to continue watching your journey!

Glad y’all are taking care of your health first. Rest, recover, wishing you and Toasty a great hike.

Wishing you a full, speedy recovery.

Hang in there. Rest strong and take all the time you need, and then get back into it as best serves you. Take care!

You’re making the right decision. The PCT will always be there to hike. I know it sucks though, I had to cancel my PCT hike this year as well.

You got this girl!!!! Get feeling better and see you back on trail!!!

Kelly just watched this video. You made a wise decision to recover before continuing your thruhike. Health comes first. We all support you & our thoughts & prayers are with you both for a speedy full recovery.

It's just part of the adventure!! I like how you just roll with the punches and make the best out of this situation! That's an awsome quality!! Keep on keeping on!!

Good decision. Get well & get back at it. I stopped where u guys did to solve other issues. Plan to be back out there next Tuesday 5/17 heading NB in dine heat 😬👏. It takes some luck to complete these hikes 🤞

So happy you are taking care of yourself. I live in Palm Springs and we will be hitting triple digits this weekend, so skipping the desert seems like a good idea. Good luck and I can’t wait for your return!

So sorry for this but you are a trooper and will conquer. Big Prayers your way.

Take care of yourself first. I like the skip ahead idea. You have to do a lot of planning for the Sierra and you can prepare and ship some of the packages you may need from home instead of from the trail. Good luck with whatever you do, I'll be watching

We were on the PCT, as well. Snow storm hit whilst we were in Idyllwild, so we had planned 2 days. Got to I-10 and just was dizzy and chills, etc. Ended up going into Banning. Stayed 2 days. Got back on trail…felt fine until we hit trail. That climb…the heat, the lack of water…and my sore lungs and the fever I now had. I was exhausted. Barely made 10 miles- but learned to “work” through sickness when I was younger to get through it more quickly…so it took 4 days to get to Big Bear. I knew something was wrong, though. I tested. Positive!!Everyone in our group had been having head colds, so we just thought that’s what we all had. Others tested, with just sniffles… positive! There must have been 30 of us together in that small bubble of trail friends…everyone else carried on. Our daughter was being deployed for a year, so we decided we would quarantine and then go see her off when we were good. Then we’d get back on trail. We tried after two weeks. Only made 2.5 days and I was having burning lungs and couldn’t catch my breath. My cough has since come back when I am trying to breathe…sooooo now we are almost 6 weeks off trail. Still not sure I can make it back this year. . . It sucks, because I was feeling moving and doing great…we would have been in the midst of the Sierras by now. I am not sure how long I will be able to wait to be able to finish this year!! However, long story just to say… sometimes, this happens. I did the AT last year, and I have never been a “quitter” . . . But sometimes God puts obstacles (people) in our lives to make us focus our lives on something else that needs focus. I am not sure what that is for me, if it ends up being too late for us to go back to finish this year….by the time I am able to breathe. 🫁 💨. However, I feel as if I am going to be ok now with whatever happens. It wasn’t my plan, but it IS in Gods plan…. So I will just wait and see 🥸. Prayers and healing to you both. May we will pass each other on this trail-all of us in great health and spirits … or on the CDT next year. God Bless xx- Reroute (aka the Reluctant Hiker) 😎❤️

I started the AT and on day 3 I tripped on the way down to coopers gap so I feel your pain. Back home and rehabbing to hopefully get back out there. You've got this!

You made the right call, trust your body and gut instincts, its been through alot. Doesn't matter how you complete the trail, the goal is to finish. You're both smart, experienced and thoughtful you will both figure it out. Stay well, be well and get back out there when you're ready. Don't apologize for the delay in videos, just heal, and my bet is on you finishing. No doubt. God bless and thank you for updating

I’m happy you have enough self love to take the time to heal. Can’t wait for u to fully recover and get back at your dreams 🫶

Hope you feel better, Kelly!

Holding you two in the light Kelly.... I've had similar set backs ....back in 2021, a knee injury kept me from going back on the Appalachian Trail so I feel your pain..... I've had similar symptoms but it wasn't due to covid it was due to adrenal fatigue syndrome or as the medical community says adrenal insufficiency.... Anyways my dear holding you all the light

You have made such a wise decision. Thank you for being so open and sharing so honestly about your experience. You are such a badass, I have absolutely no doubt you will get back out there in due time.

Smart Choice. God Bless you both.

After the obstacles that your have had to overcome on trail you’ll be ready for anything else that life throws at you. Looking forward to seeing you back out there.

Thanks for the update. Get rested and well, The trail will be there when you are both ready to get back to it. Skip ahead idea is your better bet.

Just rest and get better. Covid is no joke and your body needs time to heal. When you're ready, skip ahead and meet up with your hiking buddies, and meet your friends in Yosemite. What makes the trail so special is the people. The people you experience it with make it all the more special and memorable. And yeah, the desert will be brutal by the end of May. My advice? Simply Rest. Tale care of you. Then skip ahead. Hope you are feeling better soon. All the best to you and James --

Get rest. No apology necessary for lack of videos the next few weeks. Take care of you. :) Will be praying for full healing and for your plans going forward. Hugs!

So proud of you for making this decision for yourself. It’s hard stopping your dream…but health comes first 💜 The trail isn’t going anywhere! 😊 . Personally if you get back out on trail this year I would try to start further down the trail at that time of the year…but I also know you’re a badass and can make it work for you. 😉

I support your decision, the main thing is health, maybe you will stay at home for a week and there will be strength to continue the journey! Last year the situation was even worse, but you did it!

The trail will be there when you are ready to tackle it again. Good job on listening to your body and taking care of yourself, it's not always an easy choice 💜

You're one tough cookie (especially on your AT comeback) and if you tell me you need rest than YOU NEED REST. Love following you and know you're making the right move.

Glad to see you are taking the time, and hope for your speedy recoveries. I think I mentioned before, you should get an incentive spirometer. The are pretty cheap. Keeping some stress on your lungs to keep them strong post-covid is really important. If you don't want to get an incentive spirometer, then do deep breath lung exercises (e.g. 20 count inhale 10 count hold 20 count exhale 10 count hold, repeat). When deciding the best place to get back out on the trail, I hope you will get your lungs rechecked to ensure any inflamation is gone. You do not want to go to elevation with already inflamed lungs, that is a recipe for disaster. Even if you lungs are all clear, I would plan your entry back onto the trail to give you some miles before you reach elevation. good luck!

You made the right decision and wishing you well!

Do what makes you happy!! You have already accomplished amazing goals!! Have fun!!!! ❤️ In the meantime, could you do some Q&A videos?

Kelly you and James get lots of rest. This is the best decision you could make This effects your overall health now and in the future. I hope for all the best for you and James I’ll continue to pray for you both. Rest up.

Rest up and hope you two get back on trail according to your plan. Cheers! 🤙🍻

Kelly, my husband and I love your videos but your health and James health are top priority. Speaking as someone who has just recovered from a second bout of COVID it took awhile to get back to normal. I too had what I would call a head cold with a cough. I tested and came up negative. A few days later with symptoms increasing, (at my daughters suggestion, she’s a veterinarian) I tested again and this time I was positive. I ran a fever for 24 hours and was super tired and I took a lot of naps (I never nap). I have two volunteer jobs and I hike twice a week so I know I was run down. This happened three weeks ago and I’m just now starting to feel better. So take your time and make sure you and James heal before you get back on trail, PS - My hubby never caught it from me. He takes a multi vitamin, vitamin D3 and Vitamin C. I just started taking the vitamins. Hang in there, we’ll be here, when you’re ready to get back on trail. Prayers for you and James continued recovery.🙏

I can feel with you. It may take time. I had similar symptoms after a very mild covid infection during which I still hiked the Kilimanjaro, but kept some light inflammation of the respiratory system for >3 months. But now I am back to normal. Wish you a quicker recovery! - maybe we even meet on trail, I will be in the Sierra sobo from June 4th.

I will be waiting !! take care and rest it up!!

Rest well. See you out there again soon. 🙏🏼♥️

Good on you guys for taking care of yourselves. Try not to be too hard on yourself. You're a smart hiker. No apologies needed, lady!

Hope you get better!!!

Hike your hike! There shouldn't be no stressors on the trail🥾 You and James do this for yourself and nobody else. People's expectations have no place in your journey. Remember smiles before miles.

Glad you're giving yourself a rest! I think coming back to Tehachapi makes a lot of sense. Come back to finish the desert in September.

Good decision to rest up at home. I also came down with some Covid variant a couple days ago so I think I know how you feel. I enjoy your videos and want you guys healthy. I'll follow your Instagram posts for the updates. Take care you two.

Hi Kelly, my husband and I camped at Petit Jean this last weekend and hiked the Seven Hollows Trail (4.2 mile loop).We were thinking about you killing it on your 15+ mile days and we want to give you kudos for being a rock star. Keep up the good work and we hope you can get back on trail soon!

Hi I’m so glad you made a smart decision going on such a long hike and to think nothing will happen well what can you say, at least you can make plans on getting well and re-plan your trip you made a great decision with your Health ,and be happy with yourself.

Smart move (economically and phyically) to fly home and give your body time to fully recover and heal and gain strength. When I (a 62 yr old man) got sick with Covid-19 in December 2020 (before vaccines were available) I was down in bed sick for a week. Then started feeling better and by the end of my ten-day quarantine, I was feelng much better. I felt no issues with my lungs or heart (just light headedness, nauseous, feverish, and fatigued). So, on the 11th day, I went out for a 5k run (I'm a lifelong runner) to test if my heart and lungs were good to go, and they were. So, no long Covid for me. Sure hope you continue to recover and do so fully before you take up the trail again. Wishing you the best! No need to apologize to us, your followers. We understand and only want the best for you.

I’m glad you are both listening to your body and making good choices The trail isn’t going anywhere

Bless your heart! I know this was a tough decision. You’ve got this though! And you will feel better on trail when you allow your body what it needs. Chin up! You know what’s best! Blessing to you both!👊🏻🥾🥾

My father used to say you learn nothing in life from success. It is how we handle setbacks that determine our character and help us down the line. I look forward to seeing you continue your hike!

Get well, and hope to see you back on the trail soon...

Good decision . And good luck to you . I’m hiking goat trail again this weekend .

Hope you get well soon, but take it slow! My friend had mild covid, but now after a few weeks he is suffering from long covid. He gets exhausted just by walking down to the kitchen an back up again and has to take a nap afterwards