This trail journal documents several days of an Appalachian Trail thru-hike as the author, Patrick M (trail name “Acorn”), approaches Maine’s famous 100-Mile Wilderness.

Between July 14 and July 17, 2026, the hiker alternates between traditional backpacking and slack-packing to conserve energy after experiencing significant weight loss during the journey.

The group crosses the challenging Bigelow Mountains in rainy, windy conditions with limited visibility and the threat of severe weather, including potential tornadoes, before safely descending.

The following day offers a much easier stretch along Flagstaff Lake and the Carry Ponds, where the hikers enjoy scenic lakeside views and wildlife, including numerous hummingbirds at Harrison’s Pierce Pond Camps.

They also learn about two different routes to the camp, with the author choosing to remain on the official Appalachian Trail, requiring a knee-deep stream crossing.

On July 16, the group enjoys a hearty breakfast before another slack-pack section and an overnight stay at the Sterling Inn, using the opportunity to complete town chores and prepare for the final stages of the trek.The final entry describes a 19-mile hike featuring Pleasant Pond Mountain, Moxie Bald Mountain, and stretches filled with ripe wild blueberries.Favorable weather and relatively gentle terrain allow the hikers to make excellent progress.

By the end of the day, they are camped near Marble Brook and preparing to reach Shaw’s Hostel in Monson, their last stop before entering the remote and iconic 100-Mile Wilderness on the way to Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.