kaila brown post 3

I think that Bryson has learned a lot of things while hiking on the AT. But specifically, I think that he has learned to appreciate the little things in life. While walking the AT, both Bryson and Katz live the extremes. In the beginning of the hike, Katz discards of all the foods, and they have to manage to live off of noodles, water, and the snickers that he had left over. They sleep mostly on the ground rat-infested compounds. Bryson even finds great comfort in a gross, group campground, were the beds have stains, and the food tastes horrible. Bryson is stripped of certain things that he has taken for granted; for example, showering, and having clean clothes. Whenever, Bryson and Katz reach a town they go ballistic. In chapter 13, Bryson and Katz reach Front Royal. They are extremely elated. They found the closet motel, and decided to stay there. It was disgusting even Bryson describes it as dire. Even the lock on the door didn’t work, but the were still excited to have a bed and a TV. The next day he goes to K-Mart to buy a new set of clothes and undergarments. He and Katz are excited and exchange flattering comments in the parking lot. He is excited about the things that at home would have been just normal. Bryson is happy to see the things that he wasn’t able to have while he was hiking. I think that he has a new understanding for life and the perks that go along with it.