Blairstown, NJ (USA)

FINALLY got away for some AT miles today! Left at 0715, about 45 minutes later than I’d planned, but made great time (via I-83, I-81, I-78, US-22, PA-33, back roads into New Jersey, crossing Delaware on a one lane bridge at Belvidere, and NJ-94) to the trail zone. Got gas in Delaware, NJ, at 1120 and proceeded to the trail head. Parked near the Mohican AMC Outdoor Center at 1145 and started SOBO. It was a beautiful day - low 40s with clear blue skies - and the snow didn’t seem to deep (maybe three inches) for the first few miles. Luckily, someone else had already blazed a trail for me through the snow - there were patches of muddy earth visible in several places. It was pretty slippery, though, and I ended up using my trekking poles almost all day. I saw some deer - and interesting animal tracks - on the trail near the top of the first ridge. At the same location, I could see for miles in all directions. The terrain in this section wasn’t challenging, just a series of rolling “hills” with great views each time. I only wore two layers (no gloves) and felt comfortable even when chilly breezes swept over the trail. I was probably four miles into the hike when I started to encounter deep drifts of snow. I truly regretted that I’d left my gaiters (and snow shoes) in the car but I decided to keep going. I made it to Sunfish Pond without giving up but then found a new annoyance - LOTS of rocks and deep mud. It probably took me longer to hike the next 1.5 miles than the previous three... As I nearer my turnaround point (Douglas Trail), I encountered the first people (day hikers) I’d seen all day. And, when I started my backtrack, I ended up with a young lady who was section hiking with a huge backpack. We leap-frogged almost all the way back, chatting a little bit (without introductions) as we trudged through the knee deep (thigh deep in some places) snow. Eventually, Ms. Speedy left me in the dust... It took all I had to finish the section - the mileage wasn’t bad but I had to use every muscle I had to maintain balance and use mind over matter to keep lifting my legs for the next footfall. My poles often sank into the drift up to the handle (!!!) and I fell several times. It had been at least three years since I tried hiking in snow so deep and I paid for the privilege. I made it back to my car at 1745, after more than 11 miles. Headed into Newton for a meal (Burger King, 1845) and then found a tub to soak in (I’m going to need it) at the Rolling Hills Motel in Sussex (1930). More tomorrow, hopefully! AT Today = 5.50 miles / Grand Total AT = 1079.67 miles