Millbrook, NJ (USA)

Left Tuxedo later than I'd hoped - but it was tough getting started with the 14 degree weather. Drove southwest (via NY-17, I-287), ate breakfast (McDonalds) and got a gas fillup in Boonton (NJ) at 0800 and then made it onto I-80.  Arrived at the Del Water Gap and found the AT trailhead near Millbrook Village on NJ-602 (Millbrook-Blairstown Road). I also found a lot of snow and ice... Started SOBO at 0900.  The temps had reached the mid 20s by then and the sun was shining brightly. I was surprised to encounter a group of hikers coming out of the woods soon after I left my car; they'd apparently camped about half a mile from the road. After they passed, though, I never saw anyone again. I realized I hadn't seen or heard any wildlife all weekend and the birdsong was nice to hear. Terrain wasn't too challenging initially and there were lots of amazing views towards the south. The ridge had a dramatic drop-off (rock face over 1000 feet above the valley) that at times was within five feet of the slippery rocks of the trail (yikes!). Passed a fire tower with great vistas and later reached my turnaround point at the Mohican Outdoor Center. This was also where the trail made a large descent ("what goes down must come up"). The return climb took some energy and I started to forget how cold it was. [Sidebar: it is an interesting feeling to have your beard freeze while your chest is sweating under two layers and your legs are toasty warm from the exercise...] Made good time on the way back to my car, arriving at 1145 after my nearly 6.5 miles if hiking. Used (mostly unplowed) Old Mine Road to get back to I-80 and headed home. Felt good about all the miles I logged in tough conditions - this weekend bodes well for my AT goals in 2017! Kim called me to tell me that she missed her train ride and ended up having to drive herself home (we'd previously discussed her coming with me but decided against it).  I continued the drive home (via I-80, US-209, PA-33, US-22, I-78, I-83, PA-581, US-15, I-270, I-495).  When I arrived back in Alexandria, Nicky dropped Mollie off (1645) to start some unscheduled visitation.  After she did some homework, we drove down to Potomac Mills in Woodbridge.  Met up with Kelly and her kids (1815) for a great dinner at the Olive Garden (finished at 1945).  We also went to Kelly's house for games and TV.  Drove home at 2100 (whew!).  AT Today = 3.20 miles / Grand Total AT = 845.28 miles