Janine Marill Comments 5 and 6

Will claims that Bryson appreciates Katz’s companionship because Katz and Bryson could keep each other safe in dangerous situations. Will also mentions that Bryson is determined to hike as far as he can while Katz is gone. I agree with Will on both of these points, but I think that Bryson’s determination to hike without Katz represents the depth of Bryon’s admiration of Katz. Bryson is continuing the hike in honor of Katz. Hiking the trail without Katz gives Bryson a chance to reflect on his friendship with Katz.


Peter explains that Bryson felt released from the obligation of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail after he comprehended the size and magnitude of the trail. I agree that Bryson gained a better understanding of the trail after seeing the map in Gatlinburg. After Bryson and Katz part ways, Bryson tackles the trail in a more reasonable way; he breaks it into bits and pieces, and takes day trips. However, I believe that if Bryson had enough will to hike the entire trail, he would have persisted and hiked it from beginning to end. The map in Gatlinburg definitely decreased Bryson’s determination to hike the entire trail.