A Walk in the Woods

  Rather than continue to give the impression that all I think about is food and fiction, (although that is fairly close to the truth), I want to write about two of my other loves- travel and nature. One of my favorite travel authors is Bill Bryson. Bryson has written numerous books about his adventures and misadventures traveling the world. His books are informative, irreverent and extremely humorous. I have read many of his travel chronicles and books about language ( this is a very smart man), but my  favorite is A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America Along the Appalachian Trail.
   The book traces the process and preparation for an attempt at hiking the Appalachian Trail from it starting point in the mountains of North Georgia, to trail's end in Maine. But, before even beginning his odyssey, Bryson must first run the gauntlet of maps, clothes and camping equipment in a hilarious and bewildering trip to REI. Honestly, not only could I relate completely to the writer's confusion as he tried to process the information given him by camping experts at the store, but his subsequent experiences trying to pack and use the equipment were all-too-familiar. The later addition of a traveling companion from Bryson's past adds to the general hilarity.
   But, do not think that this book is merely an account of a bumbling, novice camper with a side-kick who is even more prone to disaster. Bryson is a serious student of history.  He traces the history of  the Appalachian Trail, its geology, ecology and politics. He shares fascinating and troubling facts about the Trail's management and mismanagement by the Forest Service and the various organizations and agencies that continue to fight turf wars for control of this remarkable byway. Anyone who loves to wander, just walking for walking's sake, MUST read this book. The descriptions are awe-inspiring, frightening, laughable, tragic and dramatic.
   The Appalachian Trail is a national treasure. If you love natural history, hiking, camping, pushing your limits, this book is for you. If you have no desire to get any closer to nature than flipping to the Discovery Channel, this book is for you, too. If you love to laugh about people putting themselves unwittingly into experiences that they are not even remotely equipped to handle, read this book. It is Bill Bryson at his best.