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Appalachian Trail
  • Mates on tour
May – Sep 2017

Appalachian Trail

A 133-day adventure by Mates on tour Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 4, 2017
    Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler
    The magnificent trio tackling the Approach Trail
    Here we go...Beautiful cascading waterfallsViews down with the waterfalls

    Black Gap Shelter -1.1

    May 3, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    We have finally made it to the Amicalola State Park where the Approach Trail starts and hiked our first miles. It was an extremely tough one and we super underestimated what miles mean so we arrived there pretty late. The others in the shelter went almost directly afterwards to bed so we needed to be quiet. Which made it pretty difficult getting our stuff organized silently in the dark. Besides that, the Shelter was completely full with us, so we needed to squeeze. For our first day on the trail I brought some instant Swabian pasta ("Kässpätzle") and some of our favorite wine. What was intended to be a bit of a romantic dinner turned to a cheese soup with raw noodles. But we were hungry and it tasted pretty good.
    As it is only an Approach Trail which leads to the actual southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail we basically made it to mile -1.1. So when we climbed Springer Mountain tomorrow the actual time on the trail begins. because that's the distance from the shelter to the Springer Mountain where the AT really starts.    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Hawk Mountain Shelter 8.1

    May 4, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    We started pretty late because the late arrival on the previous day didn't allow us to sort our stuff. It already started to rain in the morning and got more and more intense during the day... The hike went pretty well and we arrived in the late afternoon at the Hawk Mountain Shelter but unfortunately it was already completely full.
    It was still raining heavily so we didn't really want to put up our tent, luckily Christi came up with the idea to go under the shelter. So ultimately we were lucky to have an almost warm and protected place for the night with thunderstorms. There were others who set up their tents and already got wet during the day. It wasn't uncomfortable and actually a lot warmer than supposed and feared.    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Gooch Mountain Shelter 15.8

    May 5, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 6 °C

    The hike from Hawk Mountain Shelter to here seemed pretty easy but due to another rainy day it took us quite some time to get there. But luckily when we arrived there were only a few people there amongst the really nice Shelter keeper Davis. So we had time to set up and cook some delicious Ramen noodles.
    The Shelter filled a bit during the afternoon and evening so in the end it was fully packed. The stay at this Shelter helped boost the motivation after two days of rain. Also I underestimated the temperatures there so all of us were super freezing that night :(    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Neel Gap 31.4

    May 6, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 5 °C

    Today we planned a longer and equally tough hike which was as much as the two previous days together. And we made it over the Blood Mountain to the first resupply station at Neel Gap.
    The day was great for hiking with some scattered clouds and mainly sunny. Just at about 4 it started to rain when we were only about half an hour away from the Gap so we got a bit wet. But it was totally worth it to grab a great pizza and I was finally able to sort out the backpack.
    Unfortunately I needed to ditch the Poncho from my mom because it didn't fit over my backpack but a thru hiker gladly took it! And promised that it will never be thrown away :)    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Low Gap Shelter 42.9

    May 7, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 10 °C

    We enjoyed the warmth of the hostel - which was by the way bug and mice infected - for the maximum time until checkout. Afterwards I was glad to get the luxury of a hot coffee for breakfast and we bought a new sleeping bag so we could eventually survive more nights out without shivering or freezing to death!
    So we took it slowly and it was already 10:30 when we hit the trail with perfect summer weather. It went so well that we ended up at the Low Gap Shelter 11.5 miles later at a record time.
    After setting up the sleeping place we had a great time with the people staying in and nearby the Shelter. Looking forward to tomorrow, we're setting the alarm to 6 and planning to do miles, not smiles :)    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler
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    Camping Steeltrap Gap 60

    May 8, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    This was a very eventful day!! After heading out early as planned we saw lots of cute chipmunks and a beautiful red bird.
    After an exhausting descent from Blue Mountain we were greeted by a Trail Angel who brought delicious coffee, Donuts, fruits and even a beer!! What a motivation boost!! Gave us just the right energy to get up to Tray Mountain. On the way we met 90 (his trail name because of the 90 pounds backpack) and his trail pet Max. He said that he is living on the trail.
    At some point we lost Julia because I wanted to hike ahead to refresh myself and Christi is anyway faster. But as she didn't arrive after one hour, I went to look for her on the way back. So I ran two times up and down the Tray Mountain :D So Julia contacted our friends in Germany ( <3 for Matze & Mari) who were luckily awake to tell them that she missed the exit for the Shelter. After I got the message, I packed my stuff and went out in the dark. An hour later I found her at the campsite and we enjoyed some cold ramen soup :)    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Campsite Dicks Creek Gap 70.3

    May 9, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Christi caught up with us this morning as we did sleep in until 09:30. The plan for today was to restock some supplies from another hiker hostel and afterwards head on to the Shelter or a campsite shortly after. The last day was pretty exhausting for me and I was glad to get some extra sleep and it also took me a few miles until my knees felt alright.
    Christi went ahead to call home while we were en route but in the end it was only a rough 45 minutes he has been there earlier. We had a great pizza and found some great free stuff in the hiker box like oatmeal, cereal bars, a camelback and even a cooking pot. An old lady in the hostel gave us more food!! Apparently we looked very hungry :)
    Tog - the owner of the hostel - gave us a free ride half a mile uphill back to the AT. A super nice man! On the way to the campsite we met some people from the Neel Gap Hostel. So our reward for making it there were Vodka Shots!! Yay    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Muskrat Creek Shelter 81.1

    May 10, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    Although we got up early it was a pretty tough hike going steep up over long distance so we didn't manage to get far. But we crossed the state border to North Carolina, so 1/14 states and celebrated it with two guys from Florida who had a Aqua Bong (aka "See rauchen") :D
    But at about 4 pm we arrived at the Shelter on the top of the hill and first had a swim in the river nearby. Afterwards we set up a bonfire and prepared a three course meal:
    Ramen Soup with Quesadillas for starters, Rice with tomato sauce as main course and Tortillas with Nutella as dessert :)    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler
    1

    Betty Creek Gap 97.3

    May 11, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Left even earlier today because we want to make it to Franklin tomorrow midday to be off the trail when the thunderstorm arrives. And today we actually succeeded in making miles despite some steep climbs. One of the first climbs ended at the Standing Indian Mountain, our highest peak till now with 5435ft and a nice view - Sponsored by Ovomaltine.
    The views changed a lot today because of a wildfire last year in October. It was really weird after hiking for more than a week in the green woods.
    For the night we stayed at a jungelishy place at the bottom of Albert Mountain.

    Oh, and a new distance record!! :)

    Something else, it's super normal here to go to bed at around 8pm when the sun sets!! Love it :)    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Franklin/Rock Gap 105.8

    May 12, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Our plan for the day went exactly as expected and we arrived after a 8.5mi hike on time for the Shuttle to pick us up to Franklin. The hike went over the challenging Mount Albert but it rewarded us with a nice view. And we reached the 100th mile of the AT!!
    In the motel we did laundry, sorted our stuff and resupplied at the Walmart. In the evening we enjoyed a beer at the lazy hiker brewery and fell exhaustedly asleep.    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler
    1

    Wine Springs Campsite 117.7

    May 13, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 10 °C

    This morning Christi left us and headed back home. Although we missed his lead uphill we surprisingly still managed to make a lot of miles today. And the best thing are our brand new Sporks!!
    There were some nice views going up to the Campsite at 5290ft. The evening was already pretty cold so I fear that the night will get even colder and I'm going to freeze again. Maybe I'll need a new sleeping bag soonish...

    Something else... The woods are crowded with chipmunks and squirrels :) And they have surprising body to noise ratio :D    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    A. Rufus Morgan Shelter 136

    May 14, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    We had a great start into the day with the alarm ringing at 5AM so we could see the sunrise from a tower about two miles away. But the problem was that we needed until 5:45 to get moving so we only saw it from within the trail, still an amazing view! We're planning to camp where we can see the sunrise from our tent.
    We did lots of miles today and were pretty good with our energy. Maybe because we had a proper meal for lunch! But in the end our feet were burning from going steep downhill. And we still made about 19mi!! New record!
    As a reward we made a campfire and barbecued some sausages :) And a bit of booze, well 80% alcohol with water - those crazy people from Florida!!
    In the night we saw thousands of fireflies from our shelter <3    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Sassafras Gap Shelter 143.7

    May 15, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Exhausted and tired from our almost 20 miler we slept in until 8 and then started slowly packing our stuff. The first steps were quite hard but afterwards it went better and we reached the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) in no time. Initially we hadn't planned to go there but as we were that late everything was already open.
    First we checked on the gear and found a pretty neat sleeping bag at an affordable price so we both don't have to freeze in the nights anymore! Especially for the Smokies that's a Yay!! For that accomplishment we deserved a huge breakfast with a breakfast burrito and homemade potatoes with sunny side eggs.
    So we actually started our hike at 11 and it was very humid and exhausting so only managed to go slowly. Additionally we encountered three snakes on our 6 miles uphill hike!! The first two were mouse snakes(? Black things) (they were scared away by making a bit noise) and then a forest rattle snake that scared me to death by suddenly rattling a few feet away from me. I saw it quickly before going back a few meters. We walked a few feet off the trail around it and then moved on.
    Later at the Shelter an older guy from Atlanta named Sterling said that you can go close to it. I probably wouldn't try it though...

    Animal spotting bucket list:
    [ ] Black bear
    [ ] Coyote
    [ ] Racoon
    [ ] Beaver
    [x] Mouse snake
    [x] Forest rattle snake (kind of unwanted)

    ... To be continued?    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Cable Gap Shelter 158.9

    May 16, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    We're not moving very fast but still managed to do some miles. One uphill hike was even named, Jacobs ladder, and it was pretty terrible. We saw another snake and tomorrow we're heading into the Smokies :) If we can resupply somewhere at Fontana dam...
    We initially planned to stay in the shelter but it was termite infested. Julia has quite a bad heat rash - Hopefully it will get better with some wider pants or shorts    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Birch Gap Campsite 171.8

    May 17, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    In the morning we did a 6.6mi hike to the Fontana Dam to resupply for the Smokies. Luckily we found some stuff directly at the Marina Fontana where we enjoyed a free coffee in the sun. Afterwards we headed to the so called "Fontana Hilton", a beautifully located Shelter with power plugs, a proper restroom, a shower, drinkable water and direct access to the lake for a swim!! What else could you ask for?!?
    We made a longer stop there to get a necessary shower and wash some of our clothes.
    In the Visitors Center of the dam, a girl warned us about heavy bear activity in the Smokies and especially around the Campsite. They had two bears circling their tent at night. She also gave us the advice to hang our whole backpack. So we're at that campsite now. Unfortunately we still haven't seen any bears although a woman from Zurich told us that she had seen four today :( We just found a deer.

    Now we're in the tent and waiting for the bears ;)    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Spence Field Shelter 182.9

    May 18, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    First of all: No bears!! :( At least we didn't see them but we heard them at night doing weird noises close to the tent. Other than that we had quite some free time at the Shelter which we used to eat more than usual. And we also had great fun with the people staying at the Shelter.
    Ridge runner Morgan confirmed the coconut oil story. So last year in May there was a man tenting in some distance above the shelter. He hung all of his odorous items properly but used some coconut scented sunscreen. In the night he woke up to a bear biting in his leg through the tent. It wasn't a hard bite more like testing where that delicious smell came from... So the man wasn't injured badly but because of this incident three bears were shot as no DNA match could be done.
    Use your brain, save bears!    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Mt Collins Shelter 202.5

    May 19, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Today was another pretty eventful day. We were at Mount Clingman which is the highest mountain in the Smokey Mountains and also the highest elevation in the whole Appalachian Trail! CHECK!
    And we also reached the 200 miles, so less than 2000 miles until Kathadin :) On the way we saw lots of turkeys, they're super huge!! Julia named them Thanksgiving, Christmas and New year's eve. Next time when we're in the Smokies we need to hike the Jonas Creek Trail.
    Besides this, we had a very intense hike with almost 20 miles because Daniel aka "Late start" teased us to do it... So we reached the Shelter when it already got dark. Dinner in the dark, Quinoa, red and white rice with Ramen.
    We were there in company of Daniel and Mantis and had a very nice even with them.    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Pecks Corner Shelter 217.1

    May 20, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    This morning we were woken up to the most delicious smell you can imagine. Freshly brewed tasty hot coffee. Daniel was our trail angel this morning and even gave us a pack of instant mashed potatoes :)
    After 5 miles into the trail we met our friends from Florida again - Jacob and Walter - at Newfound Gap. A super busy hiker spot, especially on a Saturday afternoon. First we found some free stuff, Rice and a gas canister. And afterwards we met a friendly AT companion who is planning to finish his thru hike next year. He was just there with his family and gave us food and his number, in case we needed anything when we are in Hot Springs. There we also crossed the state line from North Carolina to Tennessee but we keep switching between those two states still for a while.
    For an easy hike after the 19 miler, the 15 miles today were pretty good. The feet and legs are getting more and more used to it. Maybe we'll shoot for another 19 miler tomorrow depending on the weather as a thunderstorm is forecasted.    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Tri-Corner Knob Shelter 221.9

    May 21, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    We woke up shortly after going to sleep last night to get woken up by the rain. We quickly got our shoes inside and it kept on pouring the whole night so in the morning we woke up to a bit wet tent. We're not sure if it is all from condensation or some leak or we set it up wrong.
    So getting up in the morning was tough because there was wet stuff everywhere. So we were sure not to go the 19 miles today. On the trail it went even worse and I was wet, cold, hungry and tired.
    At our first stop after about 5 miles at the Shelter we decided to stay there for the day and night to dry out and make the rest of the miles tomorrow. Which means about 18 miles..    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Camping Painter Branch 242

    May 22, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    After a good night's sleep at a warm and a cosy shelter we started into the hiking day at 5:45am and made fast miles today. It was just a bit raining anymore and afterwards we even had some sunshine. The route was mainly downhill so we arrived at the 18.8 miles away Standing Bear Hostel already at 3pm for some snacks and a bit of restock.
    We met with our trail friends Mantis and Late start for a beer there. Afterwards we raided the hiker box. Jackpot for Julia with a brand new Fjällraven hiking pants which are usually about 150$. We also got some food from there, those things are just like RPG chests :D
    Finally we headed on for a few more miles uphill in search of a nice camping spot. Oh right, we're already out of the Smokies so we are allowed to camp anywhere :) Rain is predicted for the night but this time we're prepared!!    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Walnut Mountain Shelter 260.3

    May 23, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    We slept a little longer because the rain was pouring on our tent. But we're pretty sure it's the condensation that makes it wet on the inside.
    I saw a bear!!! Just for a bit of a second but it was clearly a clumsy teenager bear not wanting to be seen. Unfortunately he was gone so fast Julia couldn't see him :( But now we know that they exist... About a mile later an Trail Angel greeted us on top of the mountain with some cold drinks <3 Although it was pretty cold and raining we had a very nice conversation with him. He is a huge fan of Chihuahua and the Barrancas del cobre.
    We headed on to our goal of about 18 miles but about 5 miles before we needed to make a longer break because of the trenching of Julias feet got worse. An hour later in the worst rain we started again and finally reached the Shelter and even got a spot in the Shelter. Which is nice because the rain might get worse tonight.

    Something else... Yesterday we've met Commando, he has an hiking kilt. And this is an absolutely legendary thing that I need so bad in my life!!!    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Hot Springs 273.6

    May 24, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    After a pretty easy hike we reached Hot Springs at around 1 just before a huge downpour started. Lucky us! After the routine of doing laundry, organizing our backpacks and raiding the hikers box we hit the town.
    I'd say it's a typical smaller town of the United States, the resemblance to Twin Peaks is definitely uncanny!! First we checked the outdoor gear shop for new shoes for Julia as her boots are pretty worn out. But we couldn't find any that she liked and fit her so she'll go with some from the hikers box for the next few days. Afterwards we fully resupplied at Dollar General and had dinner at a cosy diner. Great Cheeseburgers for 2.50$, what else could you ask for?!?
    In the evening we headed out to the Tavern to a beer with Late Start and late night Karaoke and Champagne.    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Hurricane Gap 282.6

    May 25, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Wild Camping again because of two reasons. The first is that we were super slow today, the other is that the Shelter is anyways full already. And as it is located at the top of a mountain the winds will be harder as here in the gap :)
    This morning we packed our stuff and took is slowly at the Hostel. Also I ordered some new gear to our next resupply point in Erwin, Tennessee.
    We've got a food plan now and our backpacks are filled with food for the next 8 days. They're super heavy but we can have three proper meals per day now. Let's see how long it will last.    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler

    Campsite Fork Ridge 299.5

    May 26, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    We didn't want to get up this morning when the alarm went off at 5, so we enjoyed the warmth of our sleeping bags until 7:40 and then shot for the 300 :)
    This turned out to be harder goal than expected because it went uphill almost all day and the downhill was rocky so we were totally exhausted after the 17 miles. And the 300 will have to wait until tomorrow in the morning.
    The owls are making weird noises outside :D    Read more

  • Mates on tourAppalachian TrailTraveler
    2

    Wild Camping Lick Rock 312.9

    May 27, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We made the 300 miles!! Just about seven times more and we're already there!!! :D Besides that it was another day of a pretty tough hike. We're not so sure why it is that hard to make miles the last few days. Tomorrow we'll get up earlier again ;)
    Another night in the tent but there is a thunderstorm forecast for the night, so I'm hoping that it won't be so bad. Otherwise we might be able to see the sunrise from our camp spot.    Read more

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