Raymond Johnson, Post 3

After Katz and Bryson awkwardly say their goodbyes at the beginning of chapter 13, initially Bryson doesnt take it too badly. Later on, once Bryson begins solo hiking, he realizes what an asset Katz really was to him because he provided company despite his difficult nature. Another thing that I feel that Bryson has learned at this phase in his journey is the respect and attitude of an AT thru-hiker. Instead of the touristy hikers with their bucket-sized sodas, and designer boots, Bryson prefers the sturdy simple rugged tools that have been faithful to him. He also, acts somewhat embarassed at himself when he breaks his vow of never using a car to assist him on his excursions in chapter 14. Bryson is now bound to the challenging and traditional lifestyle of an AT thru-hiker. Despite all the challenges that Bryson and Katz faced on their journey, Bryson is discovering that he wishes he could repeat the entire event. Though he finds ocassional satisfaction with his hikes with Bill Abdu, the rest of his hikes simply dont hold the same magic that he experienced by living the experience of the AT every minute of every day. He does claim to enjoy the convenience of going home to a warm bed and sack lunch every night and day, but he implies dissatisfaction and a desire for the old way in the very last line of chapter 15 when he says: "It was time to do some real hiking again." I greatly anticipate seeing Bryson and Katz reunited for the second part of their AT adventure.