Raymond Johnson Post 1

The true reason that Bryson's friend Katz accompanies Bryson on the trip is the fact that he is starting a new chapter his life. After recovering from his multiple substance addictions and destructive lifestyle Katz seems to be turning over a new leaf in his life, in that he has moved from being a raucous party-animal to an overweight, sober, couch potato. Bryson implies that Katz is quite ignorant to the general idea of how great an undertaking that hiking the Appalachian Trail will be. For instance, when Bryson and Katz meet at the airport, Katz asks about the prospect of there being donuts along the trail stating that he has seizures when he doesn't get enough sugar. Also, when the pair actually begins hiking the trail, Katz disposes of the greater part of his precious provisions in a fit of rage at the difficult conditions. This just shows that Katz is expecting a much less intense hike along the AT and therefore hopes to gain enjoyment from the whole affair. In short, the reason that Katz chooses to embark on such an excursion is truly out of ignorance and the hope that he can appreciate the glory of the nature around him. Bryson's invitation comes at a pivotal point in Katz's life where he is shifting from the destructive habit of late-night parties and innebriated driving to doing something constructive with his life like hiking the trail with Bryson. Whether or not Katz can complete the journey still remains to be seen, because his difficulty with only the first few days has been quite evident.