Cari Heinz Post 2

While the informational tidbits seem to be just a toss in of nonsence they do add a little something extra to the book. By adding these pieces into the story it changes from just an ordinary book to something out of the ordinary. In the begining of chapter 10 Bryson talks about a painting called "Kindred Spirits" by Asher brown durand. The painting is of the AT before all of the towns and commercial aspects were brought in. Bryson speaks about the picture and how the nature is so perfect unlike the present AT which is too comercialized. Bryson wants to "step into that view" and be in that time where nature is pure and perfect without that outside world distractions. Bryson chooses to put this into his story to tell what the AT used to be like and that the trail isn't what it used to be. These side stories enhance the story. They tie in pieces of all aspects of the trail and make the story not just a book about walking the trail but a true journey.
The side stories show what is important to Bryson. Although hes writing to an audience and wants everything to be as good as possible, he wants to show what is interesting to him and how he see's the trail.