Janine Marill Post 3

After hiking the Appalachian Trail with Katz, Bryson learns the value of companionship. Before Bryson and Katz hiked the trail together, their relationship was tense and awkward because they had only seen each other a few times in the past twenty-five years since their past trip.

Katz provides Bryson with companionship, which is especially valuable during monotonous areas of the trail. Bryson and Katz are able to commiserate during shared experiences. They are both annoyed by Mary Ellen, a fellow hiker that they are stuck with for several days. When Bryson thinks that a bear is near their camp, Katz’s nonchalant attitude calms Bryson. Bryson and Katz share meals, experiences, and the trail itself. They entertain each other; Bryson was humored by Katz’s experience with the married woman Beulah, and her angry husband.

Bryson doesn’t realize how much he valued Katz until he tries hiking the trail without him. Bryson tries to hike parts of the trail by himself, but hiking feels silly and futile without Katz. Bryson understands how much he appreciated Katz when he goes to Harper’s Ferry alone. When Bryson discusses his visit to Harper’s Ferry in the Shenandoah, he says he was “trying to pretend with all my heart that this is where I wanted to be.” When Bryson and Katz hiked the Shenandoah together, Bryson was better able to admire its natural beauty. Bryson realizes that he valued Katz’s companionship because they were able to share experiences together, and Katz’s absence is painful when Bryson has new trail experiences without him.