Overnight the temperature dropped quite a bit. While being warm (almost 30°C) during the day it was only 5°C by morning. This is a recipe for condensation inside the tent. Not a big deal but it means I want to dry the tent out soon since it was put away a little wet.
Had breakfast with Luscious and started hiking. A few views throughout the day of what appears to be endless forest.
Passed Ralph's Peak Hikers' Cabin, a neat, fully enclosed shelter with bunks and some decent landscaping.
Later on I came to Nuclear Lake. This appears to be named after a nuclear accident in 1972.
From Wikipedia
A major fire and two explosions contaminated the plant and grounds of a plutonium fabrication facility resulting in a permanent shutdown.
The radioactive material was removed and now it is a beautiful park.
I arrived at the shelter I was considering by 1600, but had a little time and wanted to handle some logistics early. Being only 3 miles from the train station meant either a very short day or a longer more complicated one tomorrow.
To reduce the complication I found a shuttle to take me 20 miles up trail of the train, so I could hike south back to it tomorrow. All I needed to do was hike the remaining 3 miles out.
Along the way out I passed the Dover Oak: the largest oak tree on the AT. It is over 6m in diameter at the base.
The final stretch went through the Great Swamp on a board walk.
Here is the Appalacian Trail stop for the New York MTA.
My ride was right on time. Chris drove me around to the trail near Kent. She is section hiking the AT herself with just Maine and a bit more to go!
I trudged uphill to the Mt Alto shelter to find Blue and Sundance already there. The former is finishing the trail like me (first half already done). The later is from the UK and is spending the time on his visa enjoying the trail and trail communities.
I'm tenting tonight to let it dry out after this morning. After setup and a quick meal it was already late so I bid the hikers goodnight and went straight to bed.