Front Royal, VA (USA)

Headed to Shenandoah NP before sunup (via I-495, I-66, US-29, US-211) - warm weather predicted. Saw a beautiful sunrise! The only tough thing to contend with today was a strong wind. After parking my car at Thornton Gap, rode my bike north on Skyline Drive to Elkwallow before it was officially open (8 miles). Saw more deer than ever - fearless and fat. Hiking back to my car, found that the trees were good shielding from the blustery breezes that tried to take my hat. Went between being certain that gloves and three layers of clothes were needed and (because of the sun) a feeling I could get away with short sleeves... Passing my car, continued up a steep climb to Mary's Rock. Saw several families out for a Christmas stroll to see the spectacular view. I made good time through around 12.5 miles of hiking before I was done. Feeling good all around - a great day (and made room for pie)! Drove home (used I-66 and I-495) and got cleaned up. Drove down to Woodbridge (on US-1) and had a great Christmas dinner with Kelly and her family. It was fun to hang out with them (especially, the kids' post-Christmas frenzy of toys...). Headed home around 2100 and talked to my kids on the way. It was snowing a little bit and I got a little disoriented. Ended up on Fairfax County Parkway eventually, though, and then made it to my house. Very tired... Total AT today = 10.01 miles / G.T. = 290.82 miles