Nick Murphy- - - Post 3

It seems to me that Bryson has learned that he has truly changed his own life. This experience for him has been a life altering one, and he is just beginning to appreciate it for what it is. Bryson realizes that the distance he and Katz have hiked is quite an accomplishment. As Bryson describes in chapter 13, he and Katz “would forever be mountain men”. He now understands that this trip is perhaps exactly what he needed in terms of getting away from his current situation and taking a breath of fresh air. Bryson is learning how to cope with nature and a lack of resources and really find out who he is.
But another thing Bryson has learned is what a great hiking partner Katz was once he leaves. It just becomes another classic case of “you don’t truly know the value of what you have until you’ve lost it.” Bryson comes to realize that Katz was the reason for himself being able to get through most parts of the trip and begins to miss his company. Bryson is able to find another to accompany him along the AT in the absence of Katz, but he knows that Katz was really the better man for the job, despite his unfavorable past.
So what has Bryson learned? He has learned that he has become a stronger person along the AT, though some of the strength was discovered only because of Katz. Bryson knows now that the trail has changed them both, that they are well on their way toward redemption in their lives. They have wiped their slates clean by going on this trip and it will serve them well as they return to the society they escaped from.