My father was a "yankee" and my mother from the low country of South Carolina. As background for the book of family history and oral stories that I am writing for my grandchildren I am getting ready to read about the post-bellum plantation south and plan to read "Mother's of Invention", "Masters Without Slaves" and "Slaves in the Family". Any other suggestions? Thank you.

Sidney!! Welcome, welcome!! My goodness, I'm so sorry we missed your post here, but you can be assured you've found a great place to be!

So the period of time you are most interested in is right after the Civil War?

I know of a few you might be interested in:

A Northern Woman in the Plantation South: Letters of Tryphena Blanche Holder Fox, 1856-1876 by Wilma King, ed.


Piedmont Farmer: The Journals of David Golightly Harris 1855-1870 ed. Philip N. Racine


I'm not sure that Free at Last nor Mary Chestnut's Diaries go much beyond 1865, but the Chestnut, anyway, gives an unforgettable picture of the times.

There's one called Toynbee but I can't find it on our shelves here or on the Bookstore, but it's about the dissolution, a true story, of a plantation life....The University of South Carolina has a press and puts out a lot of good historical works, you might contact them for more information?

Good luck and come back often,

Ginny

I bought my book!!

I've got the first 73 pages read tonight while Jack was on dialysis!!

Being an avid hiker, I think I'm going to enjoy reading this one for sure!

I've got the book, but will finish Longitude, Zarafa and Royal Blood first. I should have it done and be ready before April 15th.

Best

LJ

I've reserved the book at our local library. It won't be in until the 29th of this month. I'll know by reading just a few chapters if it's a keeper. If I like it, I'll buy it and pass it on to my mother. I'm looking forward to it.

Finished the book today while at dialysis with Jack! What a superb book about hiking!

Pat

I STILL don't have the book. I've been without a computer for awhile, and thought for sure the book would be returned to the library during that time, and I could read it before I came back online. I guess someone must be enjoying it a lot.

Pat...is it worth purchasing for my very own copy?

For any of us who've ever crossed the Appalachian Trail and thought about it, or who have been into outdoor or wilderness activity, this is indeed an exciteing and a "Must Read" book.

Best

LJ

Nita:

I laughed and laughed all through this book and it brought back so many memories of our hikes on the Bruce Trail in Ontario and of our hiking experiences on the AT. Yes, I would say that it is worth buying... you just have to blink your eyes a just few times at some uncouth words...which both Jack and I have done but to see Jack sitting down there at dialysis having a really good "belly laugh" is so good to experience.

We're glad we bought it and we're going to buy his other book, about walking in Britain where he was actually living after 1977 and where he hiked a lot. Click on his photo above in the heading, Nita, and just see him dressed all the wrong way for hiking (jeans on...which is an absolute "no, no") and you start laughing even before you buy the book!

I agree with LJ that this is an absolute must if you do any of this kind of walking or wished that you did and haven't.

Another good book to read along with this one and one that we read several years ago, is A Walk Across America which is also a terrific book about the AT.

Pat

I just finished the book and even though I didn't expect to, since I'm not a hiker just a slow walker, I loved it. I thought the part when he comes into contact with the moose at the watering hole was exquisite. I also loved Katz who made me really laugh. Can't wait to talk more about it. thanks for having it on your list.

This looks like a great group assembling. Pat, I loved Bryson's Book about England, he's really got a way with words, maybe we could read it together after this one, you could fill us all in on some of the stuff he's talking about.

Dodie, I've ordered it but it hasn't come, but Notes From a Small Island was great, and everybody says this one is, too.

Well, what ARE you supposed to wear hiking?

Ginny

No genes, Ginny! No genes!!!

I've bought this book too; it just jumped into my arms. Sounded like something I'd like and if I didn't, my son would and I could unload it on him. Hahaha. Anyhoo, I read the first chapter already and it promises to be very entertaining. Should be a fun discussion. Son will have to wait...

HAHAHAHA!!! Or, Ginny, maybe I should have spelled it jeans??? and not genes???

I never knew how to spell that item of clothing...

Pat

HAHAHAHA! Is that what you meant, Patzy? You sure had me guessing there! Why can't you wear jeans for hiking?

When you hike, you are in all kinds of weather and you want to wear something that will dry easily in the wind. So you wear cotton trousers. Jeans are so heavy that they never dry and could be a hazard to your health out in the wild country if you can't get dry.

When you go to the Adirondacks to climb Mount Marcy, the Rangers won't let you go further at the beginning of the two day hike if you have jeans on. Jack saw a some fellows turned back there on a couple of his hikes.

So, with that in mind, click on Bill Bryson's photo above and see what he has on!

Pat

I'm glad you cleared that up, was worried I might have a gene or two! hahahahha I don't HAVE a pair of jeans and I know that shorts is the wrong answer, so was stymied!

I wore shorts in Cornwall the last time I went in an obscure out of the way place, it was hot as blazes, really boiling, and the British MEN were in the most bizarre costumes and shirts, so I figured what can it hurt we were near nothing!! I was thin then. I have NEVER seen so many stares, felt like a walking nudist colony, couldn't WAIT to get covered back up! I did look at a photo of me IN those shorts on the trip recently and I do believe I see what they were looking at, tho, as I was SO brown my legs looked like a wet tree trunk, darker than a cigar, most strange looking. No wonder they stared. That was it!!

Ginny

This is one funny book. I am laughing out loud, even though laughing makes me cough. Can't wait to read his other books. My son will be going on the 560-mile AIDS bike ride, between SF and LA this June. I will skuggest he read this first, to help him get into shape.

So this is how the conversation will go...I personally do not like to walk much although I should .... I wondered what would go through a persons mind as they put one foot in front of the other and view only trail and trees for the entire day....I once went backpacking and thought I would expire...the leader saw my predictament and had the other hikers take some of my provisions out of my pack and into theirs to lighten the load...I even had black beans along with dried pineapple...evenso I still had trouble breathing...Dearhearts! I like cities!!! Ann

One thing I think I'll always remember from this book was that actually he didn't accomplish what he had set out to do-hike the entire trail and yet, what was meaningful to me, he accepted this fact, I thought. Maybe what I'm trying to say is it helped me put more into perspective the joy of just doing not having to complete. what do you think?

I picked up my copy from the Library yesterday and stayed up too late reading. Then I was almost late for school. I'd like to try that hike, but know I'd never make it, but it's so much fun reading about it.. Oh to be 50 years younger, or at least 30.

Dodie: Neat expression: the joy of just doing, not having to complete. Some of us are obsessed with completion, to the detriment of enjoying the doing.

This is a first time event for me. I have read most of Bryson's works. Now going thru the Lost Continent and have laughed so much. Especially loved his description of RV'ers. He does see us (USA) thru different eyes. We have traveled in many countries, most recently Italy, and would love to read what they think of this country. I look forward to other book discussions.

bbtx, great to have you join with us for this or other discussions here on SN. We have a good time sharing our thoughts, ideas, and comments on the various books that we select to read. Look forward to seeing further postings from you. If you haven't done so you might enjoy seeing all of the various discussion here in the RoundTables. Just click on the RoundTables Index at the top of any page and you will see a detailed array of discussions.

Larry

the joy of just doing not having to complete...Well, now I wonder if that can apply to me...I have so many books I want to read as well as so many graphic art studies to complete...as well as learn HTML and C Programming ... and then study photography a little... I personally find that having all these different projects is satisfying..so much so that I wished there were more time to pursue more of the different areas of study.. I also find that by keeping my mind active and not passive I have some measure of not feeling old and geriatrically depressed! Although LOL upon looking in the mirror I do know something happened to my face and body!!! I am still reading How the Mind Works and am glad I didnt give up on it as there is much to learn from the book...This book however is easier reading and is pleasant in not having to be mindboggled...

Ann: Sounds as if you are enjoying the doing. Reading is one of my greatest pleasures. I find that when I get impatient with the characters in a book (fiction) I don't want to waste my time finishing the book. There are too many other, better books out there, calling my name. On the other hand, when I complete a book that was a struggle to read, like Symbolic Species, I have a real strong sense of satisfaction.

bbtx: Bryson's writing is so charming I will read his other books. The picture on the dust cover of this one is a riot, that bear...

Discussion of the book hasn't even started and look at how many posts there are. I enjoy hiking and walking so guess I will have to get the book and join in. If I read it first, can I still give it to my daughter for Christmas? She hiked two parts of the trail during spring breaks a few years ago- well it seems like a few years ago. Probably ten. Shirley

I've started this book and it is most amusing as well as informative. I can hardly wait to hear all you others comment on it!

Welcome, Shirley. Hello, Jeryn. Good to see you both. How does your daughter feel, Shirley, about pre-read books? It's hard to have an answer for that question. Still, I hope you read it and join in the discussion. When we start out on one of these excursions we never know where the ride is going to take us but one thing for sure--we have a good time!

Well, I went to the library to get the book and will start it tomorrow. Told her about the book and that she might get it for Christmas. She has walked four parts of the trail and says that you should always wear cotton pants when hiking so they can dry but was surprised that hikers had been turned back cuz they wore jeans. Talk to you later. Shirley

Glad you are with us on this one, Shirley. Do you live near the AT? Did your daughter go to school near the AT? We have the JOhn Muir Trail out here; it goes along the spine of the Sierra Nevada range. My son has hiked, but I don't think he's done the John Muir.

I know for a fact that in the Adirondacks, hikers are turned back because of wearing jeans...especially when "doing" Mount Marcy! I know because our nephew was when he went to hike with Jack there. He raced into the nearest town and bought cotton trousers!! Then he was able to join the rest of the group. Other hikers were seen to be turned back who didn't bother.

Jeans will stay wet for days and this would be very dangerous to the health of the hiker.

Pat

Jackie, I live in Wisconsin and dau went to school up north. Her degree is in Environmental Education and during spring break, a busload would go to GA to hike the AT. She did that twice and two other times it was farther north when on vacation with her husband.Have started the book but it is all so serious to me. Would love to be there but don't know about that big pack on the back. National Geographic had an article on the AT quite a few years ago. Does anyone remember seeing it? Know when it was published? Would like to get a copy of the article. Oh, I know. My brother has all the back copies! I'll ask him! Shirley

I just looked at the picture of Bill and got to thinking. Who took that picture? Was it on the trail? Didn't they get rid of all extra stuff? Could this be a posed picture for the book? Maybe even a fake background? Are we being too harsh on him for being in jeans? I do wonder. Shirley

The National Geographic, entire, is available on CD-ROM, MAC and Windows. At Costco, it is $130, list price is $170. The issues of the jeans may be explained as we go along. We live in semi-arid country out here, so I was bemused at all the discussion about "wet". We get 10 - 20 inches of rain, most of it in the winter and spring. So, rain must be fairly regular, asks the woman just off the turnip truck.

Jackie, thanks for the info re Ntl Geo. I have a webtv and can't use any of your suggestions. BUT, I did casually mention it to my brother via e-mail and I could see if I can find anything on the inter-net. That is something I rarely do but I can try. Then too, out Central Library has a Book Cellar where just last week there were many Ntl Geos on sale for ten cents apiece. Could I get lucky and find what I want? Doubt it as most were from the '90s. Shirley

I enjoyed the book very much ..particularly because our son took a year off and walked the entire trail and more. His comment about the book..".he didn't do the whole thing"!!! His reading the book did bring back memories and he would like to do it again...if he could talk his wife into going with him.

AGGIE! I a grand welcome to you to our Books & Literature sections! I hope you will look around and stay a long time, we look forward to greeting you in many of our sections!

I hope you will join in this discussion too, as it looks like a very good group assembling here!

Ginny

Hi, Aggie. Welcome. Is your son a computer user? He may want to join in, too (we do not check ID's at the door, who's to know he is underage?). What other types of reading do you enjoy? We have several interesting sites, and lots of lively discussions. Joyce's Steven Dedalus is just starting off his "artistic" life, we are about to learn one man's truth about Wounded Knee, did Richard III really murder his two young nephews?, Shirley Jackson's Hill House, is it really haunted?, etc., etc.

Jackie, as in almost everything I do, if I just wait, the info will come to me. The issue of Ntl Geo is mentioned farther into the story. It is 1987 so I will look in Periodicals at the lib to find the article. Good book and can't wait for discussion to start. Shirley

Shirley, I don't know if you've read this book but it's a keeper for sure!

We read it several years ago and I believe that Peter's story was in the National Geographic.

Walk Across America

Pat

I have to take my book back tomorrow, and can't renew since it is in such demand. Waiting for the comments of the "real" hikers here in B&L.

Pat Scott, not only did I read the book, I gave it to two sons-in-law for Christmas gifts. Thanks for the memory. Pat Westerdale, I too, am returning the book to the library. We can keep them three weeks but no renewals. Good book.Shirley

We have snow-topped mountains right now. Rare is the year when we have snow on the hieghts more than once, and that usually in deep winter. Snow in April is rare. Made me think about the good old AT. Didn't they start their trek around this time of year? What would they have done if they had to cope with a storm which was dropping snow on them? Scary.

Hi. Since I'm fom Pennsylvania, I liked the description of Centralia-I don't remember ever learning about that. Also it meant something to me when he wrote " Beauty is something you drive to--and nature you either ruthlessly subject--or you deify it and treat it as something holy and remote".I thought that told it about the way it is sometimes. What do you think?

Dodie, I like that concept. Jackie, I found the article I wanted in the Ntl Geo. Feb 1987 and had a copy made. Have wanted a copy a number of times and now I have it. Our library has periodicals bound as books and there it was, sitting on the shelf. Shirley

Shirley: We forget, sometimes, what treasures our libraries hold. So fortunate you found your "jewels". Dodie: Puny little humans, cracking the whip o'er Nature's bent back. All the while the skies are ablaze with fires of unbelievable power. The skin of our little world is covered with life; I trust in Nature's redundancy to rescue Earth despite us. My own joy is the Tree. What a marvel is a tree. I lift up mine eyes to the trees and the glorious skies above.

Jackie-what beautiful words. I too love trees-my brother and I used to get one for birthday presents when we were little and just building our home. We'd argue over whose tree was growing tallest.

One of my favorite memories is Silver Springs, Maryland, and the forest of pine trees through which I walked and ran with my children when they were small. It was easy to believe I was in a holy place, especially with the beautiful falls at the foot of the trails. We were able to swim and wade there. The water was crystal-like, clean, fresh, and everyone enjoying the spot seemed so happy it felt like emotional transformation. I'm going to the book store to find this one tonight.
Jackie L., the line about Nature's redundancy reminds me of Remarque and All Quiet on the Western Front. He described saplings and young plants growing on the mounds of earth that had been blown up and overturned by cannons in violent battle (WWI). I wonder, can we assume that Nature will be able to recover in the same way if modern warfare ever pulled out all the stops with the nuclear arsenal? Thoughts like that plus advancing age make me want to enjoy every morsel of beauty we have available.

Well said, all. I, too, greatly admire trees. They are as beautiful in winter, though so different, as in summer. In winter, they look like lace against the grey skies. We bought our "new" home because it was surrounded by trees and because of the proximity of a large park with lots of forest trails.
In my "new" workroom here, I'm lining the walls with all the pictures we own of trees--helps make up for having just one small window in there!
I'm still reading the book. Bought it on a special somewhere so I'm taking my time. It is a fun read, so far; the author skillfully inserts his tidbits of information and opinion between the laugh lines.

Trees are gorgeous from the time they start to bud, through the green leaves, the change of colors and then snow covered. My favorite memory is standing on a corner after a snowfall and seeing the arch of snow covered limbs meeting in the middle of the street. Must have been those graceful elms that we have almost lost. Last year, a road nearby was torn up and all the trees were removed. They were all old and of course in the way of widening the street. Now we have all this concrete poured and a beautiful parkway to drive on. Last week I noticed holes all along the street (about 6 blocks long) and wondered what was going on. You know, tear it up, replace it, and then tear it up again. Finally dawned on me TREES. YES, they are going to plant trees.O happy day.Shirley

At least they are replacing what they tore out; so glad to hear of it! Too often, they tear down an old tree and then there's nothing--not even a young sapling to attempt to fill the void. Saddens me.

Our town is chock full of white blossoms and magnolia or tulip(?) trees right now. Today I drove down a long, straight road lined on both sides with these white-flowering beauties. (Are they mock apple trees? They can't be real crab apple, because we would be swamped with rotting fruit by September or October.) It was like a dream to look toward the vanishing point -- as if the tress in bloom would just go on for ever and ever.

Oh the joys of spring, eh, Jo?! Trees are just starting into blossom here, magnolias first, a few redbuds; lovely clouds of yellow forsythia everywhere. Mmmmmmmmmmm!

Yes, indeed, Jeryn. It's my favorite season, and so lovely right now I wish it would last forever.
I clicked on Bryson's picture. His back must be very strong, and he looks as if he would be fun company in the midst of a grueling adventure.

I love reading all those lovely descriptions of trees. Maybe it's not showing not a very nice side of me, but did any of you get a real belly laugh when Katz had that lady's shoe laces from the shelter? I was ready to give Katz an award for that.

I think Katz is delightful, Dodie! A more unlikely character to go on a loooooong hike with, I can't imagine, but that is his charm. Do you think the author exaggerates this guy's exploits just a wee bit? Wringing as much humor as possible therefrom... and succeeding?!

Today the discussion officially begins, right? Looking forward to more opinions from everyone. I've read about half the book already and find the author inserting more history and information between the laugh lines as we go along. Is the humor a device to keep us reading? I've not read this author before; is this his modus operandi?

Jeryn: Good point. I find myself wondering why the author began this whole thing. (The book has been back in the library for weeks now, so my memory is fuzzy. Again.) He is likeable, and I will look for his other books, but the humor index seems to go down as the fact index goes up.

Is Bryson funnier in this book than the book he wrote about his trip thru the US. He seemed to go out of his way to put down people and make smart remarks about all sorts of places and things. I read the book because otherwise I could not comment on it but it was a real effort to get thru.

Expow, Welcome, Welcome!!

We are so glad to have you here, I love your email address! I read Bryson's Notes on a Small Island and it had an eerie quality: it was funny but at the same time presented some "off" experiences, which I found were very indicative of travel. Yet there were some places he went to, always alone, always on a trek, that I certainly wouldn't want to go.

It's a strange thing, in his England book, you get the feeling he loves to travel yet he insists on presenting the "honest" reaction he has. What is his book on America called and is it like Steinbeck's Travels With Charlie?

Ginny

Well, I enjoyed this book as I said, and would love to have been out there hiking with him but without that backpack. To go thru all that they did, no way. Just get me on the easier paths. Such a challenge and to think that so many people do it! I did a search of him on the internet and found that is his style to pick at people and things but not really letting them have it. He did a lot of hiking in England before returning to America. Its his thing - to hike. Katz for his partner? Unreal. Shirley

How de do, Expow! Glad to have you with us. Had you read the book Bryson wrote of his trip across the U.S.? Sounds as if you did and I wasn't sure whether it was that book or the one we're reading that you found "hard to get through"? Is it because he gets preachy or because of the put downs? So far, I don't see anything really offensive in this book but I'm only half way through...

Good evening to all: Logged onto this site tonight, as I have just started reading this book. My son has walked the trail and really enjoyed the book. I am just now getting into it and I wanted to see what others were saying about it. It will take me a while to read it as I don't have a lot of time right now to keep up on my reading.

To Jo in Pittsburg: Could the white flowering trees be Bradford Pear trees. I am in Central Maryland and they are all over the place here. Beautiful thick white blossoms. Some neighborhoods have them lined up and down the streets and you almost feel like you are going through a tunnel of them as they form an archway over the street. They do not produce any fruit. Unfortunatley, they don't last too long. The forsythia is also beautiful right now. The Japanese Cherry Trees are a pinkish flower and they too are out right now.

Lady Beejay, I will try to find out if that's what they are. until you said they produced no fruit, I didn't see how that could be the tree, but the other features you describe certainly sound like what I'm seeing. I think we have some cherry trees, too; they are shorter, more fragile, delicate in form.
Did your son experience any of the agony Bryson describes at the beginning of his trek?

I tried to post last night, but the Force wasn't with me. Nothing happened when I clicked on "Post My Message". Hope this works. I was wondering what inspired Bryson to set out on this "walk". Was it the anniversary of the opening of the Trail? He is a man of middle years. Most people I know who choose to go off for several months like this are college-age. When you work for a living, you can't afford it. Another thought: Who would choose Katz for a traveling companion? The places where a Westerner would go, the John Muir Trail, along the spine of the Sierra, are remote. No highways, no towns, no motels with showers, etc. Altitudes in the 6,000 foot range. (Lake Tahoe is above 7,000 feet.) I have seen snow in shady spots as late as July 4.

Katz would be the choice of someone who was desperate for a partner in a lonely enterprise and/or some one with a complex sense of humor. Better than nobody and good for laughs, if often painful ones! Bryson even goes back after him and helps him carry that pack with almost no food left in it. His patience and kindness results in Katz's contrition and effort to chip in by preparing the early morning coffee. Breakfast -- coffee and candy bars! Maybe energy-producing?
I've wanted to hike the trail since I was a teenager. Bryson's introductory discussion has deglamorized my idea of how great it would be. I'd still like to do a little bit of it, though. I could never, never do that pack-haul.

Jackie, if you recall, he said that there was a part of the trail behind his house that inspired him. I wondered too about all that time hiking and not working, but that is his livihood. Walking and writing. He said Katz was the only one who answered him. Did he send letters to friends and that was the only reply? I was totally amazed that Katz would even want to do the hike. Could he havebeen an immaginery companion? To think he left the Trail! Unbelievable. And then he found his way back! Did he crash through the foliage and find his way in that manner? He sure didn't leave crumbs like Hansel and Gretel or even pile rocks like scouts would do. Shirley

Hello, I have been away from seniornet for a very long time. I just checked in to see what you all were reading and am kicking myself for staying away for so long. So many times while at Borders Books I have picked up "a Walk in the Woods" and then decided to purchase another in stead. No I am wishing that one of those times I would have bought it.

Hubby and I would like to hike at least a part of the trail some day.

Do you think you will be reading this book much longer? I won't be able to join you before next tuesday.

Jeanine: Welcome to our group. We will be discussing this for al least the rest of April, and longer ir we choose. We will be happy to see you next Tuesday. I'd be interested to know how you decided to hike the AT. Do you and your husband hike regularly? Do you live near the AT? Part of the book's attraction to me is that goofy picture on the cover. I can't imagine being that close to a bear!

Hi Jackie,

I am definetly going to pick up the book. I don't know if I will get any of it read in time to discuss it here. Maybe I'll meet some of you later in the library or some similar place and discuss the book. I tried our two local book stores and neither of them has the book. Well, not quite true the one store did but only in hard back and I didn't want to pay that price. I know Borders has it in paperback. I just don't have time right now to get over to Borders. We are taking 4 days and going to NYC to see our daughter. I ask her if there was anything she needed and she said some of Mom's chocolate chip cookies and lasagna would be nice if it itsn't too much trouble. So guess what I am doing?

Why would we like to hike the AT? Well, a couple of years ago (and I still have the articles somewhere) a couple reporters from the Pittsburgh Press hiked the trail. Every Sunday the Press would report on their hike. I followed them weekly and hubby and I got hooked and decided it would be fun to try it someday.

Do we hike regularly? No and that is my fault. We get out now and then but not the big time hiking we want to do. I am having eye surgery (cataract - born with it! ) within the next 6 weeks. When this is over and done with and I have recouped I am hoping we will be able to do more hiking. Last year and a half the vision hasn't been so good.

Has anyone discussing the book hiked the trail?

I would like to take a "walking" vacation in the New England states area also!

Jeanine: No one has mentioned it, but several have spoken of family members who have hiked parts of it. Good luck on your surgery; cataracts are well understood, aren't they? Not routine surgery, surely, but very successful generally I believe?

How many of us, I wonder, would undertake such an endeavor. Does Bryson's use of humor make it seem more attractive, the goal more attainable? Else, why does he make it so funny? Are his other books funny also?

Jeanine Arnold!!! Is that YOU? I am so glad to see you again!! And imagine Harold and Harold!! I know Harold will enjoy your being in the Bury My Heart, it's an important book and I hope a lot of people will join us there. I've always intended to read it in its entirety!!

Ginny

I listened to an unabridged recording of this book. It was just so well done and just hilarious. My point in posting this is this--if you do listen to recordings once in a while, this one is tops. Our library has a large selection of audiocassettes and we do check them out and listen when we go on long automobile trips. I will admit that I do not retain as much of the book this way--and also--you can`t go back and reread. Reading the book itself, of course, is the best way---some times you just don`t have the time--

May: My sister travels regularly to their cabin, about two - three hours away, and she always brings along books on tape. Loves them!

This is my first time at this site and I must tell you that I am now reading A WALK IN THE WOODS. The reason---I watched Tom (my husband) laugh himself into hysteria for 3 days as he read the book. We spend a lot of time in the woods (we live in the woods) and have hiked a very small portion of the trail. We live close to Harpers Ferry, WV which is the headquarters for the AT.

Back to the book--I will return to write more as soon as I find the time to read the previous posts and spend some hilarious hours curled up with Bryson.

Theresa

I just read all of the posts and must add this---it is surprisingly easy to hike with a full back pack. We used to back-pack and could carry all that we needed. The secret is that most of the weight is on your hips, not your shoulders.....quite comfortable. It gives one a feeling of being completely independent when you are carrying all of your worldly needs on your back....and the end of the day is always so welcome! A nice warm fire, a quick dinner and instant sleep!

Theresa

Theresa, after reading Bryson's account of how that pack felt when they started out, your comments are surprising! Is he exaggerating the anguish, or are you very young and strong? He just about torpedoed any hopes I've entertained of doing more hiking. I never did do that much -- certainly not with a backpack of that size! Are there some packs that are lighter in weight? I figure I could maybe carry enough for --- two days!

I thought you'd enjoy....

"Every year, Australia hosts a 600 kilometer foot race from Sydney to Melbourne. It's a long, tough race that makes marathons look easy. It takes five days.

In 1988, a guy named Cliff Young showed up to run in the race. Nobody there knew he was planning to run, because, after all, he was 61 years old and showed up in overalls and galoshes over his work boots to join a group of 150 world class athletes. This is a big race- I'm talking about Nike sponsorship and 18 to 20-year-old men and women who run these endurance races all over the world.

As Cliff walked up to the table to take his number, it became evident to everybody he was going to run. They all thought, "This must be a publicity stunt. Who's backing this guy? He'll drop out in 30 minutes. He's 61 years old. He's wearing rubber galoshes and overalls. This is crazy!"

But the press was curious, so as he took his number 64 and moved into the pack of runners in their special, expensive racing gear, the media moved their microphones into Cliff's face, and asked, "Who are you and what are you doing?"

"I'm Cliff Young. I'm from a large ranch where we run sheep outside of Melbourne."
They said, "You're really going to run this race?"
"Yeah," Cliff nodded.
"Got any backers?"
"No."
"Then you can't run."

"Yeah I can." Cliff replied. "See, I grew up on a farm where we couldn't afford horses or four wheel drives, and the whole time I was growing up- until about four years ago when we finally made some money and got a four wheeler- whenever the storms would roll in, I'd have to go out and round up the sheep. We had 2,000 head, and we have 2,000 acres. Sometimes I would have to run those sheep for two or three days. It took a long time, but I'd catch them. I believe I can run this race, it's only two more days. Five days, I've run sheep for three."

When Cliff Young started the race with all these world-class athletes, people shouted, "Somebody stop him, he'll die. He's crazy." They broadcast it on the news immediately, and all of Australia was watching this crazy guy who shuffled along in galoshes.

The existing paradigm for the Sydney to Melbourne race was to run 18 hours and sleep six. But Cliff didn't stop after the first 18 hours. He kept running. Every night he got just a little bit closer to the pack. By the last night, he passed them. By the last day, he was way in front of them. Not only did he run the Melbourne to Sydney race at age 61- all 600 kilometers, without dying- he won first place by nine hours and became a national hero!

When he finished the race, the media asked him what he thought enabled him to win: Cliff didn't know you were supposed to sleep! His paradigm was chasing sheep, trying to outrun a storm.

Cliff Young, with every conceivable limitation against him, changed the whole paradigm of that race. Now, nobody sleeps. To win that race, you have to run all night as well as all day. And you know what's really funny? The last three winners of the race have used the "Young shuffle," because it's more aerodynamic than the way the world-class runners were running before!"

What a story! How encouraging to the 60+ group! Where can I get a pair of those galoshes? Are the other competitors happy that now they don't get to sleep?

Don't know! But, where there is habit based on 'where there is a will there is a way' I guess you can set a new plan of action and way of life for even the most experienced!

Whsat a delightful model for we oldsters. Of course, I haven't been chasing any sheep lately, but I suppose I could if I wanted to badly enough. Barbara, I'll be smiling for days over that "Young Shuffle". Seriously, even though the pack is on your hips, not your shoulders, that is still lots of weight, and it definitely changes your center of balance. Hikers here use those freeze dried dinners, I believe. We rarely have rain, so maybe not as much gear is needed. The high mountain hiking is above treeline for part of the way, also. Means more layers. Do folks here wear shorts? I'll ask around. More later.

Jo: Our backpacking has been on fairly level ground. It's relatively easy to "shuffle" along with a pack as long as you don't have to climb a mountain too. I don't think we would stand a chance at that sort of thing. You (and Bill Bryson) are right about how it changes the balance. The main advantage to be gained from a good pack is the ability to transfer most of the weight down to one's hips, which makes the whole thing much easier than having it hanging from the shoulders.

I'd suggest working up to a full pack also -- day hiking with a lighter load and then working up to heavier ones as you get used to the pack.

It is fun -- as Theresa says, there's a sort of complacent feel to knowing that you are carrying what you need for camping right on your back. Suggestion number two: Start in temperate weather. (Less gear needed.) Pack just enough for a one-night camp. Its fun! But I don't think Bryson was exagerating -- the AT with a full pack would be WAY too much for me.

Tom: You sound like an expert. If you are daunted by the prospect of tackling the AT with that much gear, it makes Katz' acceptance of the challenge even more puzzling.

I guess I made it sound too easy. There is no way in God's green earth that I would tackle the AT. There is a woman- Jen Stoner- who posts in our walking group, that has done the entire trail in segments, and works as a volunteer every year to help keep it in good shape.

I truly enjoyed back-packing and have not done it for a while, but reading this has made me want to tackle it again....but as Tom said...on level ground...no mountains for this old girl!

And I might add, the backpacks that they make now are wonderful! You get really tired by the time you put it down, but the weight distribution is pretty amazing!

Theresa

Just one more thought (not related to hiking technique or gear): the discussion about Bryson and Katz setting forth and why in the world would they, reminds me of a favorite observation that Tolkien puts in the mouth of Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo tells his nephew to be careful whenever he puts his foot on the path outside his door because the path leads to the road and the road connects to all other roads and before one is aware of it, he/she may be confronting dragons and marvelous adventures in a far place (or words to that effect.)

When Bryson says that there was a path running out of his yard that connected with the AT it made me think of that. I think that is the fascination of the Trail -- that one never knows exactly to what it leads but to marvels and adventures. Seems like its a reflection of life in that regard. ...thus the need to preserve the sense of the absurd, lest one get too terrified to make the first step!

Bilbo Baggins Lives! Tom, that makes me think of the saying, "It's not the destination, but the journey." Slightly different spin, but it is saying the same thing. Silly me, I keep forgetting that. Bryson makes us stop and think, doesn't he? Has anyone read his other books?

We have been just chatting about the book. I'm new to leading a book discussion. Does the group want to be more systematic? I can dream up questions about the book, starting with the first chapters, and we can discuss specific aspects together. What say you?

Two themes occur that would be natural for us to explore:
1. What is he teaching us? (hiking experience, environment, history, human nature?)
2. How does he make us laugh?

Jackie, I like your suggestion that we try to take a more systematic approach to our discussion. I, for one, tend to wander way off the point and soon lose the thread unless there's something to keep me in line. (I think I killed a discussion once that way.) And I think Jo had two good discussion points to kick around.

I would be interested too in whether anybody knows if his assertions about the Forest Service, and the National Park Service are founded on good data. I have heard some of that before (about the horrible mismanagement, that is) but thought it might have just been hyperbole. If it isn't, it tempts me to find out who/what groups are raising cain about it and go join them! Would it be too far off track to investigate that?

When I read the part about how many species of life are now extinct, supposedly as a result of activites like road building, I suppose I thought this was the loss unavoidable when "civilization" intrudes on the wilderness. Maybe the methods of the Forest Service and the National Park Service do merit investigation. I wonder if the environmentalists are already doing that? EPA? And how did mussels ever wind up in the Great Smokey Mountains?

Wow! Great issues for us to kick around. Thanks, guys and gals. I have to learn how to put these in the heading, but I can list them. 1. What is he teaching us? What is his agenda? 2. How does he make us laugh? 3. How did mussels get to the Great Smokies? 4. What can we discover about the National Park Sevice and the Forestry Service and their management/mismanagement of these resources? 5. What groups, if any, are active in these areas, and how are they influencing public policy? I would add to the list: What is Bill Bryson's background?

Perhaps we can divide these into pieces and each go off looking for more information? You folks speak up and I'll take what's left--they are all issues of important concern.

Wow! How lovely to come back from the Georgia Peach Bash and find 27 new messages in here!

I would have to agree that wearing a back pack properly loaded and balanced is very, very comfortable. If anyone wants to try hiking with a pack, try a ruck sack first with just a day's clothing, food, camera and first aid supplies and a change of clothing first. That's what we use in Britain when we hike as we never sleep on the trail so that leaves the sleeping bag, pots and pans and tent behind!! That's a fair amount of weight.

Jack and I have hiked the AT around Harper's Ferry some years ago and were members of several of the various clubs but alas, that is all behind us now. We did enjoy it though and would love to have done the complete trail. We are members of our local Guelph Hiking Trail Club and are close to the Bruce Trail which is over 500 miles in length.

Our hopes for retirement was to lead hikes/rambles in the United Kingdom and have done two of these trips very successfully and have hiked many, many places on our own over there...carrying a rather full rucksack! (And up and down Welsh mountains and Yorkshire Dales too! HAHAHA)

Pat: My ignorance is being revealed, again, but I don't recognize the importance of the name "Scott". What does/did this person do to merit having his/her name on a 500-mile hiking trail? What is the terrain like along this 500 miles? Good to have you among us once more. Do I have you to thank for the lovely list in the header? Many, many thanks. Makes this site look very professional indeed.

Hi Jackie!

No, I haven't done anything to the header since we first opened up the book and I added the photo and the map! ;o)

It isn't the "Scott Trail", Jackie, but the Bruce Trail as it goes up the Bruce Peninsula here in Ontario.

The terrain is different in many areas but it follows the Niagara Escarpment most of the way...starting at Queenston Heights at Niagara Falls and goes to Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce peninsula. If we could walk on water, we could continue on the island across the water in Georgian Bay! ;o)

If you are interested in reading more about it, Click here for Bruce Trail and if you click on the map for the Toronto Club, you'll see how close Guelph is to part of the trail. Jack and I have hiked it completely over the years. It took us many years to do it~!

How would I contact a senior hiking group or a group doing modest sections of AT? Or any groups doing trips of the type you mention, Pat?

I like the way the questions are lined up! About the mussels, could he be joking . . . pulling our leg? He is talking about the shell fish, isn't he? How would it wind up in the mountains?
I guess I laughted the most (so far -- only 1/3 of the way through) at the conversation with the girl in the red jackt. She wasn't subtle,to put it mildly: "Pardon my French, but you're too fat." (to Katz) The reactions of the two were hilarious. I was reading this part, which includes the description of her sinus-clearing where Bryson says the noise would make a dog get down off the sofa and go hide under the table. It was the middle of the night and I was reading in bed and started to laugh and couldn't stop. My dog got up off her cushion and went down stairs to finish sleepig. Couldn't stand me!

He definitely wants to pique our interest in the way the environment is managed , or mismanaged. I was amazed when he said that only 2% of U.S. territory is cities, farms, highways, etc. or non-wilderness. Did I read that right? Is 98% still woods or other uncultivated territory?

Wee, now that all of you are done reading. I just bought and started A Walk in the Woods. We have a walking path local here called the Roaring Run Trail. Hubby and I were walking it last fall when we spied a mother bear and her cubs a ways down the trail. He sttod there and watched her shoo them down the hill to the river for a drink.

Well, now that all of you are done reading. I just bought and started A Walk in the Woods. We have a walking path local here called the Roaring Run Trail. Hubby and I were walking it last fall when we spied a mother bear and her cubs a ways down the trail. He sttod there and watched her shoo them down the hill to the river for a drink.

sorry didn't mean to post this twice. Hit the wrong key!

Jeanine, not only are they not thru, but everyone here wants to keep this one going as so many loved the book, so you just chime in and I think you'll find a welcoming group!

I am SO glad to see you again!!

Ginny

Jeanine: Weldome. About the duplicate messages, I think we have all done that one. You have the option of deleting your own message. Under your name and above your message are three buttons; see "delete" on the far right? That's can be used to get rid of any message of your own that you do not want left in the discussion. How thrilling to see those bears! For some reason, I like best those animals that have more of what we recognize as intelligence. Bears, elephants, whales and dolphins, etc.

Tom - Tolkien - Bilbo Baggins - that's the Hobbit right? I admire anyone who has read that book. I have tried to read that book many times. It just doesn't hold my interest. My mind just won't stay on the reading I don't know why. I shall keep trying and someday I will be able to say I read it.

I never thought about how steep the AT is before. Hubby and I have often said we would like to hike some or all off it. Boy, do we have a lot of conditioning to do first!! I am not too far into this book yet, but I got the impression Bryson did this with very little actual walking preparation.

Oh by the way - HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all of you who are moms. Hope your day is a good one.

Hello, I had a chance to read on a little further today. I am amazed at how little thought they seemed to have given to this hike before they took off. Even though Katz had a tantrum and through away some of their food it seemed to me that their should have been a little more and distributed better? What do I know I have never done this! I was also amazed at the "rape" of the land done at the hands of the National Forest Service. As for Mary Ellen I think I would have ditched her long before they did!

I can inagine how good those baths and beds felt and the meals when they went off the trail.

While the story is very good, it sure gives you a lot to think about. Especailly those of us who wish to become better hikers.

Have any of you hiked the trail? Are the maps really that bad?

Hi Jeannine!

I'm sorry that we haven't been more talkative in here!

My husband and I have hiked parts of the AT and I think that the maps are pretty good but yes, there is room for improvement.

You also mentioned above that maybe Bill hadn't done much hiking before. Well, he had. He's hiked all over Britain and he had done a bit in Europe as well so as far as not being "in shape", he was in better shape than I would have been when we walked the parts we walked!

It was always our intention that before we would pass away, we'd walk the AT end to end but alas, that never happened.

I'd be happy to walk even a little bit of it! I'm reading the part where they are in the Shenandoah area (sp?), and it sound wonderful. I'm impressed with how much Bryson knows about the history of our topography and wild life. I never realized that this continent was a botanical wonder to the Europeans. Evidently Great Britain didn't have rhododendrons or azaleas before the naturalist/explorerers brought them back from America.

FYI: Waterstone's famed London Booksellers, now with 14 locations in the USA, mostly in airports, Interviewed Bill Bryson in their monthly magazine. Sara Hinckley interviewed Bill Bryson for Waterstone's this Spring.

Here are some excerpts:
Bill Bryson is something of an anomaly. He's walked much of the Appalachian Trail and yet he'd just as soon watch bat TV and eat junk food. He was raised in Iowa and yet he spent more than twenty years on England. He's highly opinionated on social issues including deforestation and drug laws and yet he hates politics. In short, he's a lot like most people except very much funnier. The author of last year's bestselling A Walk in the Woods, Bryson has made a lot of fans with his tongue-in-cheek travel writing and social commentary. His new book, I'm a Stranger Here Myself, is mainly a collection of newspaper columns written to explain the United States to a British audience. It's as reliably hysterical and incesive as anything he's ever written. ...

W:What made you move to England?
BB: England I just kind of stumbled into. I was just a kid trudging around Europe and at the end of the summer I fell into a job at a psychiatric hospital and instead of coming home and going back to college I stayed around and worked at a lunatic asylum. Just to stay for a couple of months. I had such a great time that I stayed two years there. I met my wife who was a student nurse there.
W: And then you couldn't leave.
BB: And then I couldn't leave. It's not like it was all part of a plan. We still feel as if we're in that...when you ask me, "Will we stay in America? Will we move to Britain?". I don't know. I really like that.

W: Many of the articles in I'm a Stranger Here Myself focus on bizarre statistics such as the potential for injury by pencils, pens and other desk accessories (50K/year). Where did you get that affinity?
BB: (laughs) I don't know. The thing that amazes me about America is just that it's so big. You have to remember that in the first instance, a lot of these pieces were written (to explain America) for a British audience. It's a small country and everthing is kind of on a small scale. I thin they appreciate the vastness of America. Because it's so vast, whatever you look at, the statistics are going to be quite amazing.
W: Right, so that's one of the few ways to really illustrate the vastness of it is to say that there are 50,000 pencil injuries.
BB: Exactly. You know, in a country of 250 million people , you're going to get a lot of pencil injuries! When you see it written, that 50,000 people are injured by their desk accessories, it's just amazing. I mean, it's just an amazing country.

W: Your wite about a lot of ridiculous or sad situations ranging from the cost of college to the destruction of the Appalachian forsts. What can we do about them?
BB: Well, that's just the way the system works here. The one thing that i've learned is that when you move from one country to another and even when you're coming back to your own country, you just have to accept that certain things are different. In Britain, we didn't have to pay for education at all. If our kids had gone to college there, it would have been essentially free. The state pays for it. And the smae thing with health care, it;s paid for by the government. But, the government has to get it's money somewhere, so you pay for it indirectly through higher taxes. What I'm saying is that there willbe a cost somewhere along the line. You gradually realize that some things are going to be less expensive, but it's going to even out more or less in the end.

The interview continues with several more exchanges about the problems in this country and BB's role as a writer, hoping he can sound off enough that he will influence opinion. "If enough people feel strongly about something and start to make a fuss about it, then maybe you can hope that it will have some effect."

He is then acknowledged for challenging assumptions and encouraging us to increase our powers of perception but, is asked about a trait that he caught a lot of flak for, stereotyping, especially the 'southern hillbilly' in A Walk in the Woods

BB: It is fair; it's a fair criticism, but it's a somewhat stuffy criticism. Obviously I'm writing humorous stuff, and when you're writing humorous stuff you tend to grab for stereotypes and cliched images and to make sweeping generalizations. That's the sort of thing that anybody who's trying to be amusing does. If I were writing a serious sociological diquisition on the behavior of people of the southern United States in the hill country of North Georgia or something, it would be completley different. I assure you that nobody goes walking on the Appalachian Trail in the Georgia pine forest without at least thinking occasionally about the scenes in Deliverance. I say that for obvious reasons: because it has comic value. I'm not actually scornful of the people from the Southern states at all.

W: One of the things that you point out is that we have preconceived notions about almost everthing. I particularly like you commentarey on our perception of the wilderness rather than the reality of true wilderness. It's frightening. Were you able to reconcile the ideal with the reality after your walk in the woods? - between the ideal of nature and being afraid of bears...
BB: I never really decided what ( I feel about ) wilderness in America. I think most people probably - if they're honest - feel the same. Nature in America is - on the one hand - incredibly beautiful. We're lucky to have in this country what w've got. The scale of it is so vast. There's something about it that's absolutely wondrous. But at the same time there's also a kind of menacing qualityto it. It's dangerous, it could hurt you. You could fall down out there and actuallybe a long way from help. It's very hard to resolve those two things. At one and the same moment, the woods can be this sort of womb-like very comforting, very alluring environment, and at the same time, they're a sort of spooky, rather threatening one. Actually, to me, that's a big part of the appeal. I never know from moment to moment which way I'm going to be seeing them.

More exchange about his sense of humor and then the interviewer asks:
W: That bear wasn't so funny when it was really outside your tent.
BB: That's right. I think that's probably (true) for most things. When it's happening you're either terrified or furious or just pissed off or weary or something. It doesn't become funny until later.

There are more exchanges about his personal philosophy and finally he is asked about his next adventures.

BB: The one I'm engaged in at the moment is doing a book on Australia. I've been traveling around Australia and trying to understand it. It's a wonderful country, I'm facinated. They're terriffic people. They've built quite a prosperous society, but one that doesn't give itself to excess the way that we seem to do. It's pretty orederly and pretty well maintained and yet it's also a very beautiful country. quite a challenging country in terms of the climate and environment

The interview is completed with the information that his book on Australia will come out next Spring.

Barbara! Thank you so much for taking the trouble to share that with us. I for one found it very interesting. I think BB is quite a character!

Sure is, I didn't know he was an American, explains a lot about his book on England, now I need to reread it again. Thanks, Barb!

Ginny

Barbara, that was great! I'm anxious to find his other book.
As I read, I do wonder about the reality of his experience vs. the humor which at times seems a bit contrived. Not that I don't laugh -- as I've stated before, I drive the dog right out of the room wiith my unseemly guffaws. Did the bit about the lady in the laundromat really happen as related? Did the husband really come after Katz? Was there stereotyping for humorous effect? Everything else he discusses seems very straightforward: the history of the environment, the problems with the way the various governing entities handle their responsibilities, etc. But when they run into women it seems he stretches truth for humor. I'm asking because the mix of fascinating facts with blatant jokes throws the reader a curve.

Can't you just picture that laundromat scene. And the husband coming after Katz? I think that's one of the funniest in the book. (Even if he did fabricate it?) I also liked the scene where Katz took the ladies laces out of her hiking boots!

I think my favorite was the scene where they are in their tents and there are 4 eyes in the dark staring at Bryson and he asks Karz what is going to use for protectiom and he says he has nail clippers!!

I too noiced the sterotyping of humor. I guess I just tossed it off to British humor. (I know he is American but maybe some of that time rubbed off?)

Pat, I would like to hear about your adventures on the trail. Did you do day trips or overnights? Did you sleep on or off the trail? etc!!

I read the book just as a story this time. I want to go back and read it while thinking abou long term hiking.

Jeanine, I loved the shoelaces bit. Katz and Bryson had at least that little bit or revenge coming. The people that came in and took over the shelter deserved soem inconvenience, to say the least. I also loved Katz's speech when he announced that he and Bryson were going to leave and pitch their tents. It showed marvelous self-control and a fine sense of irony, which was evidently wasted on the listeners. There are rude, selfish people everywhere, it seems, but life in that situation presented a marvelous opportunity for observing human difference: how sensitive are we to the needs of strangers who cross our paths? How self-absorbed are we capable of being?

Jo - I would say some people just aren't very sensitive to the needs of others. However, this makes me wonder. When we feel we are being sensitive to others, do others feel we are being sensitive? I believe that we as humans are capable of being very self absorbed.

If I asked you this before I forgot the answer. Where in the Pittsburgh area do you live?

Has anyone ever ordered a book through the BarnesandNobels.com? I thought I ordered a book that way. I am going to have to contact them. It has been a couple weeks now and I haven't received it.

On Tuesday, May 25th at 7pm Eastern, Bill Bryson will be in the B&N Auditorium for an Author Chat on his latest book I'm a Stranger Here, Myself . I thought you all might like to attend, I believe I will. You'd just go to our Bookstore and go to the B&N Home Page and look for Authors. If I can I'll put the URL here for the auditorium.

Ginny









Tuesday, May 25, 7pm ET

Bill Bryson on I'm a Stranger Here Myself

Jeanine, we are indeed capable of being self-absorbed, but I can still hope I never drive a tired wayfarer out of his shelter!
Do you notice any cnanges in Katz?
I live in the South Hills Section of Pittsburgh -- Dormont, specifically. Until I retired two years ago I taught ten minutes from where I live. Jeanine, I see you are from Apollo. I think an old friend of mine now lives there.
Ginny, thanks for info. on Bryson appearance.

Jeanine Arnold,

I have ordered several books on the Internet from Barnes and Noble and found their service excellent. Did you get a response from them after you placed your order (probably within an hour or less) that acknowledged what you ordered? If you didn't I would have to think that your order did not process for some reason. Would certainly suggest that you write to them if you have any questions. Except for the book that was not available at the time I ordered it (and I knew that at the time) I received my books within 3-4 days.

When I read "A Walk in the Woods" I was very surprised to read that Bryson walked well ahead of Katz. Guess I would have wanted to stay within a reasonable distance. Katz also seemed like a strange partner for the walk, although realize that Bryson was just happy to have someone go with him. I am not an outdoors type person so can't imagine being out for weeks at a time. Like my creature comforts here at home or in a motel.

Years ago my wife and I bought into a camping resort. We used it as a day outing location as it was only about 30 miles from where we lived and after camping out a couple of times overnight, decided to use it just to day outings. When we moved away we gave our membership to my wife's sister. Think the place is probably no longer in operation. That was about as close to the woods as I wanted to get.

Larry

Larry! We are kindred spirits! I tried camping outside once looooong ago and decided that motels were muuuuuch better! In fact, I camped out in a fairly remote spot; they told me it was luxurious: a sleeping bag on a cot, yet. BUT I was petrified when I heard heavy breathing in the night--too petrified to open my eyes and see what it was!! WE WERE IN MOUNTAIN LION COUNTRY! To this day, I do not know what I heard!!! This is a true story!

I really liked this book... I had done a lot of hiking before I was married, but Charlie had just return from WWII and water filled foxholes and lots of forced hikes... We haven't hiked or camped out since we were married..

This is the first message I have posted. I am just finding my way around the internet and am very glad I found this web site. I have enjoyed reading some of your messages about A Walk in the Woods have read almost half of the book. I agree-it is good! I look forward to continuing the discussion.

Hello, Pat C! and Welcome, Welcome! We are delighted to see you here and look forward to your comments in this and all of our Books folders! Just pull up a chair and a book and plan to stay a long while!

Ginny

Jeryn: How long ago was it that you were out? The reason I ask: the longer ago it was that your possible mountain lion "sighting" took place, the less chance there was of being attacked.

The reason the mountain lion is getting to be a problem out in the West Coast states is that lions have gradually learned that people don't carry firearms or other protection any more, and hence are nature's easiest prey.

Years ago the lion was hunted almost to extinction and had a very well developed flight reflex so far as humans were concerned since we were the top species in the woods.

It wasn't but about 15 or twenty years back that the first East Coast sightings were noted, but one of these days there will be an attack, I'll guarantee!

Obviously, one's chances of being attacked by a mountain lion or bear are statistically about the same as winning the Irish Lottery or being struck by lightning on a cloudless day, but what the heck, it MIGHT happen.

I think one of the reasons Bryson was so funny was that he, like most of us, probably knew the odds, but found that one's imagination can take him light years from reality in the blink of an eye! I have had that feeling too! It makes me think of the old Mark Twain line: "I'm an old man, and have known many terrible things during my life -- some of which have actually happened!"

Tom, I agree with Twain about the powers of the imagination, but in light of what you say about the mountain lion, how would you feel about hiking the AT in New England? Would you do it now? I'm sure it is a wonderful and enticing experience in many ways, and an exhausting and frustrating one in others, but what about the possibility of encountering a mountain lion?

A SENSE OF PROPORTION

Some of Bryson's lines have a Biblical tone, including
"And as soon as the mountains were built, they began, just as ineluctably, to wear away."
A mountain 5,000 feet high, like Mount Washington, 500,000 million cubic feet of mass, will be leveled by a single stream in about 500 million years, according to the geologists Bryson has consulted. AND the Appalachians "have gone throught this cycle at least twice, possibly more -- rising to awesome heights, eroding away to nothingness, rising again, each time recycling their component materials in a dazzlingly confused and complex geology. (193)"
How does this make us feel about ourselves in time and in place, about the nature of our own activities in nature? Like Bryson, we aren't geologists, but we are capapble of getting in touch with the environment enough to apprecitate it. It's a cliche' to say we are humbled by these facts, to have that smaller-than-a-grain-of-sand feeling, I realize, but better to be guilty of the cliche' than to go through life unaware of as much of the truth as we can understand.
Bryson's ironic humor continues when he contemplates being torn up by somebody's "pet" moutain lion: "I imagined ...being extravagently ravaged, inclining my head slightly to read a dangling silver tag that said: 'My name is Mr. Bojangles, if found please call Tanya and Vinny....'"

FYI - There is an on-line chat at Bsrnes & Noble on 5/25 at 7 PM

Jo:

You're right about the possibility of encountering darn near anything in the woods. When Theresa and I are walking out in the woods I carry my modernized version of a whizmo that was used by 18th century infantry officers called an Espontoon. I use it as my walking stick. I first read of an espontoon in a book about the Lewis and Clark expedition. Line Officers used it as a regimental standard and a defensive weapon of last resort. (Lewis used his as a rifle rest also -- mine doubles as a camera unipod.) It is basically a stout stick with a pike head atop. Those used by the officers were rather elaborate: I merely mounted a detachable bayonet.

It has gained me some searching looks on occasion, but has never caused a problem with Park Police, etc. It makes me feel better, but my expectation is that if I ever have occasion to use it, the "culprit" is more likely to be a small, rabid animal than a mountain lion! We have seen (and avoided) rabid fox and racoon, but a group of local campers were attacked at their campsite by a rabid bobcat just last week!

Statistically though, the woods are still a lot safer than stopping at your local "7-11" after midnight! I personally would rather take my chances on stumbling on a mountain lion than on aggravating a redneck husband the way Katz did!

Oh, Tom, it was a looong time ago! Northern California in the late 60s when I had my "heavy breathing" experience while out camping. All kinds of animals came around that campsite, deer, skunk, 'coons, etc etc. Dumb people I was with would put out a pan of leavings every evening--from our day's meals--dubbed it "skunk stew" then waited for the parade of critters to show up!

Tom, it's a mixed blessing to have to regard the woods with wild critters as safer places than the Seven-Eleven! I believe you, though. Don't know if i could use that gadget you carry, even if I ran into a rabid racoon, but maybe I could if the adrenalin flowed.
I wonder about Katz and his "adventures" with the ladies. Could "Katz" be another way of Bryson naming himself, or a fantasy character?
I've seen skunks in camping sites. One of our group screeched horribly and the poor critter ran away -- no smell, lucky us. On a three-day hike, I woke at dawn to find a cow string at me, nose a few feet from my face. I was one of those dumb campers who thought the candy wrapper beside my sleeping bag could be put in the rubbish in the morning! Again, I was lucky -- nothing more threatening than ol' Bossy!

I'm sorry to say that I did not find this book very exciting. I found parts of it very draggy. I know walking is not like climbing Mt. Everest but I just did not find the excitement in his writing that I had expected to find. I just felt that I would have liked some better descriptions of the beauty of the areas. Having ridden through parts of this area I know that there is such beauty to the area but I did not get to much feeling from this book. I did find the people they came upon interesting in that you sort of don't realize that so many people just want to get out there and enjoy nature.

Hi, Leni and Welcome, welcome!! We are delighted to see you here and value your opinions! I must read this book, it has all reactions, and am so glad to read yours!

Do pull up a chair and make yourself at home in all of our folders, we look forward to a long association!

You're in good company here!

Ginny

Have not read the book but am enjoying your posts about it.

I am definitely Not a camper. I strongly favor electricity and indoor plumbing along with novelties like heat and hot showers.

However my husband and I were playing golf at the Jasper Park Lodge some years ago and met all kinds of wild life (fox,elk etc.) along the way. At one point, a black bear stood up on his hind legs as he appeared to be watching Jerry tee off. I was mesmerized as I followed him with my eyes as he ran across the fairway and into the woods. It wasn't until later in the day that we were told how much possible danger we had been in. Until then my biggest complaint was that I hadn't had time to snap a photo!

Interesting question about Katz being (?) Bryson's alter-ego, Jo. I never thought of that -- Katz as "Everyman" perhaps. Lord knows I see a lot of myself in him as described by Bryson. I kind of like that: the sometimes-bumbling, sometimes crochety, un-athlete who nevertheless manages to make a pretty good accounting of himself under difficult conditions. He is a reflection of life as lived, not the romanticized version of self that one so often carries in his head.

Along that line, Bryson's un-romantic description of the AT is at odds with my rather romantic concept of it. Makes one remember that there are many experiences that (to my way of thinking at least) are just as well left to others to describe, as opposed to having to do it myself!

I've been really enjoying reading your posts in here.

Leni, not everyone enjoys all books so your opinion is very much appriciated here. Many books being read on SeniorNet, I just couldn't spend the time to read more than a chapter or two but this one I really did enjoy.

Maybe it was because my husband and I have spent quite a bit of time on hiking trails both in North America and over in the British Isles. We read this book together and had quite a few laughs together.

Welcome, Leni! So glad to see someone agrees with me on this book! I laughed right along with his humor; plodded through his preaching attempts to be informative; but really feel he could have added some more positive remarks and descriptions about the territory they walked through. I know it is beautiful as, in my youth, I tromped around the Smokies quite a lot.

In those days [c 1950], we occasionally met someone on the trail who was hiking the AT. Invariably they were bent double with their equipment! How times have changed and improved for hikers now!

I've read everything he's written, including his studies iof the English language. Iwas delighted to see his new title set in the US as he became reaquaited with his native ground! I think he was amazing to do as much of the trail as he did with virtually no expert help. Katz was agreat straight man and his eventual enthusiasm was most touching! Please be tolerant of the typo"s...Obviously Inever learned in school (I started the class twice, realized I was already behind those future secretaries, and there were no intyeresting boys. I think Igot into Wood Shop instead) I've been an avid camper all my life, but not a hiker or back packer. I'm also a Westerner by birth and choice though I spent sme years in the Southeast as a military dependent. I,m not afraid odf anything in the woods except fo bears (any)and two-legged creatures. I have gone to RV's, first a tent trailer for comfort, and then Motor Homes so * can lock a door. I travelk alone part of the time, and I am reasonably cautious. I hate RV paeks and use them only in an urban setting. Immediately after I read "Malk" I read amystery set on the Trail where a young couple had been murdered in a shelter by a couple of local fellas with robbery and rape in mind. tThere'ss your danger, folks, anmd it gets worse every year Ithink a safe hike on th trail this year is in a fair-sized group, and hope the wilderness experience filters through. To the writwer who expressed amazement at so many people out there, be infomed that the mostpopular hiking destinations in the Washington Cascades require a permit anmd tyhe numbers of applicants increasingly outnumber the permits available, thanks for patiece with bad typing. I guess I can edit but I'm new here and impatient.

Marian: Right on! You said what I think, so that must make you right, eh? Traveling alone as you do, I don't blame you for your caution and preference for doors that lock. My concern in the woods is only secondarily about the four-legged "critters." It is the two-legged ones that concern me most. Too bad, but that's how it is now-a-days.

On the other hand..."What's the best way to avoid grizzlies when out in the wild?" "Carry a walking stick with little bells on it so they can hear you coming and get out of the way. Also, keep your eyes open and avoid bear scat." "How can you tell its bear scat?" "Look for the little bells in it."

hahahahhahahahah!!!

Tom!! hahahahahah bells in it! hahahahahaha

Marian! Welcome, Welcome!! We are delighted to see you here!! As you are an avid RVer do you know our Betty Kaspar? She leads a meeting yearly of women in RVing, and people come from all over. She hosts the RV section of our Travel section, you might want to look in there!

But WAIT, don't leave us yet!! Pull up a chair and stay a while. Have you read Bryson's brand new one? What did you think of the one he did on England??

Oh, typing. You know despite sort of a career you might say, in academics, I did a very fast (so I told myself) hunt n peck. When I started here on SeniorNet in '96, I decided once and for all to learn to type! I got Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing and I can truly say I have never enjoyed learning such a skill as I now possess and I'm really realy fast. Unless I get excited and then it looks pitiful, but still? Hey!! SO nice not to have to look at the keys!!!!!!!!

I recommend it to anybody. I don't have the new version but in the old one you're in a school room with the typing teacher. Still can't do numbers, but you can haul it out at any time and attack different areas.

So glad you're with us, please stay a long time.

Ginny

Hi, all hikers and campers and arm chair travelers!
Ginny, what is Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing? Is it a disk I can plug in here? maybe I could pick up some error-free speed!

"...sometimes-bumbling, sometimes crochety, un-athlete who nevertheless manages to make a pretty good accounting of himself under difficult conditions. He is a reflection of life as lived, not the romanticized version of self that one so often carries in his head." Tom, great description of Katz! Like Bryson's description of the AT experience, he's unromantic and at times very believble. He starts out as "crochety," inept, quickly exhausted, and becomes a compassionate companion with a sense of fair play when it comes to surviving the gritty challenge of the Trail. That challenge is one that most of us could not handle as well as he seems to, but Bryson hasn't quite crushed my desire to experience some of it.

I also enjoyed the Pennsylvania part, the information about Centralia, for instance. I had read for years in our local papers about the continuous underground fires, but Bryson's descriptions of the way it affected the environment and changed (read destroyed) the life of some of PA's little towns made it real. Here in the western part of the state the story had previously seemed more like myth than reality.

Oh, I love those little bells! True srory: two women in a tent trailer waaayyy up in the Yukon. Only soft-sided rig in camp. Semi-dark. Midnight sun country. Shout "Watch out! Bears in camp". I grab for Yukon Fred, a 7lb. Maltese with raging hormones and no brains. I am strangling Fred who is barking, growling, snarling anmd fighting me as I try to keep him quiet. Next morning we hear, ":Did you hear that big dog last night? I guess he ran the bear off." I say nothing. Fred lifts his leg on tire. Back on subject..do you knoe the title of the new Bryson? My favorite Bryson is the one where he re-traces his trip around Europe, and his youth. It hit very close to home! My favorite about present day England (that's anything in the last 25 years) is Jonathan Rabin"s "Coasting", especially the episode on the Isle of Man. If you don't know Mr R, run don't walk! I am so pleased to find this group! I am retired as far from a city as I could manage and I love the space and the quiet, but smetimes I really miss book people. i raise Westies and have all sorts of gardens and a little orchard,and the dogs are adorable and very smart, but they don't read much. Has either Cold Mountain or Guns, Germs, and Steel been among you selections? Both awfully good.

Jo: Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is a program you can buy that has either floppies or a CD and you just plug it in and hang on. And you can't cheat on it, either, the new versions give you their own typing test if you say you're pretty good, which of course I immediately did.

And it analyzes where you go wrong, even finger by finger and prints out a Report Card for you!! hahahahhaha

Marian, you sound like a person after my own heart, and you're so right, dogs don't do much reading. You're in good company here and we're glad you found us, too.

Bryson's May 1999 book is called I'm a Stranger Here, Myself Bryson's Latest

I loved his book on England too and have never HEARD of that other author, running!! Right now, thanks for the tip!

Yes, we did do Cold Mountain in the Book Club Online. We're just now finishing up Poisonwood Bible there and will read Memoirs of a Geisha on June 1st and our Charles Wendell has some BIG surprises for us then! Everybody join us!!

Ginny

Marian, Leni, Jo, Tom, et al, Greetings. I've been playing hookey, just finished analyzing 12 months data at work, ready for mor fun,now. Thanks, Ginny, for facilitating. Isn't this a fun group? Self-leading. There are lively discussions about other books going on, as Ginny mentioned. This bunch is so much fun, shall we read another one together?

I forgot Tuesday and was too late for the Bryson interview and apparently it's too soon for them to get up the transcript tho as Barb pointed out the transcript from his Walk in the Woods is still available on the home page of Barnes & Noble. Just click on the Bookstore at the top of the page and then go to the Home Page and Author Transcripts if you missed it.

Says he can beat a tick.

Is there any interest in reading his new one? We only need three to proceed, love the man, myself.

Ginny

Ginny--yes, I would be interested. I, too, like his books.

Ginny: I shall read all of his. Count me in.

Looks like a plan, when shall we set it up? July 5th?? It's gotten mixed reviews, check it out?

I'm A Stranger Here, Myself

Ginny

Hi, This is a new one for me and I admit I have not read it. What caught my eye was Appalachian Mountains. I have been thinking of a walking trip and I would love to do it in these mountains. Would this book be helpful? I have two books to read before I dig into another, but this one sounds intriguing. Darlene French

I finished the book and I would recommend it to the ecologically-minded outdoorsman. It is a fine book, lots of fascinating information and lovely angle on our relationship to our natural surroundings and much reinforcement of our need to protect them. The historical items made it even more interesting for me; how we change in our use of natural resources, for example, was well illustrated in his description of Mount Washington. The author's sense of humor makes the "hike" great fun. I know I'm 'way beyond the kind of challenges he and Katz survived: fording rivers full of slimy stones with full packs on their backs as they struggled to stay on the AT. I give them and all others hikers great credit. I envy their stamina. I guess I'll go take a walk in the park!

Jo, I felt like you when I finished the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved reading his historical notes scattered throughout.

I haven't seen the other book that is being mentioned but I'll look for it. I love his writing.

Darlene, This is a good book to read but wouldn't be the one to read to really find out about walking in the mountains. There are many "How To" types of books out there that would be much better and would be good for suggesting the proper gear, food, etc.

Pat

Yesterday afternoon I just happened to catch on TV a program about a lady who walked the entire Appalachian Trail by herself. Some of the trip was covered by a cameraman and it showed some of the scenery. At the point she got to the Maine border she broke her ankle. After recovering from that and going into intensive training and rehab she resumed her hike and completed the trail.

Didn't see all of the program but what I saw was interesting, espeically in light of having read this book.

Larry

Bless her! An intrepid soul, for sure. Also, a very strong person! Did she have any company for any part of the trip? Is she very young???

Awhile back, Tom, you asked whether the criticisms of the Forest Service were valid. You might want to drop in to the A. T. Hq there at Harper's Ferry and ask to read the May/June issue of Appalachian Trailway News regarding a proposal by New Hampshire Sierra Club and the Conservation Action Project, et.al. Dave Field, ATC Chair has responsed to their idea of creating National Parks from certain National Forests. You may be interested also in knowing that the Forest Service has extended the Appalahian Mountain Club's leases of the "huts" in the White Mountain National Forest. Without these operated as they are (and I find it hard to believe the cost to thru-hikers has risen so sharply since 1991 when a friend from Ohio thru-hiked). Bryson is indubitably attempting to focus attention on mismanagement by the Forest Service; it seems to me we citizen owners of these treasures need to pay attention to what he is saying. How can someone so comical expect us to take him seriously, though?

Someone asked where he gets his facts; most likely from http//:www.atconf.org as well as the publications he referred to in the book. Also try Walkin' Jim Stoltz' web site. This 40+-year-old first walked the A.T. when he was about 19 years old, and has ever since earned his living backpacking the wild places of America: http://www.walkinjim.com. Sorry I was unable to make clickables of everything.

My displeasure over the way Bryson dealt with Pennsylvania's wonderful loop trails is exceeded only by my puzzlement, and his comments regarding the Keystone Trails Association maps is also a mystery. As to Pennsylvania being dull: NO WAY. And quite likely, the rocks there really are no sharper than in several other states that host the A.T. It is my assumption that the thru-hiker, having completed about half the Trail in PA by this time needs new soles on the boots. Therefore, it does feel as though the shoe cobbler elves have sharpened the rocks to bring in new business. Pennsylvania is one of my "most-favored" states for hiking on the A.T., and several other fine trails, and until I stopped driving, I anticipated hiking there at least once annually. It's the state where I took my first grandson hiking, the youngster who always commented on my phone calls home, "I'm going to hike that trail with you, Granny!"

To those who dream of making a thru hike, "Go for it!", but do your homework first. My physical and mental preparations took an entire year. In 1984 I began as an end-to-ender, but had to give it up when I injured my arm and had stitches toward the end of September just about 16 miles shy of the last state. When I had come to Gorham, after hiking the Whites of NH, it was three days before I was easily able to walk up to the hiker hostel on the third floor of Berkshire Manor (which I am sorry to say is no longer in operation). And yes, it does snow like Bryson described, though I've never been able to understand why anyone would begin before early April, even though other hikers who have started from Georgia in March have given accounts of no snow. My caution is that whatever "horror stories" you may have read about backpacking in the Whites, you'll have almost 300 miles of nearly the same in Maine. The Trail in Maine is also most beautiful. I'd need to search my journal to prove this, but I do believe that each and every day provides a scene that you might want to use an entire roll of film to capture. I've just finished re-reading the book I someday intend to publish about my hiking on the A.T., and I do believe my opinion is that Maine is the most difficult state the thruhiker encounters. Maine folks are great, and except for the "100 Mile Wilderness", so are small town accommodations. They may be off the Trail, but shuttle services - at least in 1998 - abound. I take real pleasure in being recognized as a member of the Class of '98, and would seriously consider hiking the entire Trail again if I could do it all with a day pack.

Back to the book, I think everyone who doesn't know for certain believes Bryson made up the character of Katz by combining all the duncy and also considerate actions of Bryson himself and many other thru hikers. As to Mary Ellen, I have no doubt that is the case. And like Forrest Gump, "That's all I'm going to say about that."

All good comments, Jen. Really appreciate your experienced input. Could it be Bryson didn't really do enough hiking in Pennsylvania to justify adverse commenting? Sure didn't sound like it to me. I think he strains a bit to be humorous; Katz and Mary Ellen are either made up or greatly exaggerated in order to get laughs. Maybe he should go in for fiction and be done with it!

Would like to say I'm well into the new Bryson book and I like it immensely. It's essays that appeared in the newspaper on the occasion of his returning home to America to live. He wrote them for his British audience about the differences in America and England. I think they will be perfect reading for our after the July 4th experience and hope you will all join in the discussion there.

Ginny

I commute a couple of hours everyday and am currently listening to Bryson read A Walk in the Woods. Although not a hiker I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience and agree with those who feel that Katz is made up - he would HAVE to be fictional.

People tell me that I am guileless. I accepted Katz completely. Hope you all are too skeptical. He is entirely too outrageous not to be real.

I finished this book today and feel let down. Somehow I wanted Bryson to just keep on walking - I drive, he walks and we keep one another company.

Hi you are getting way ahead of me. I'm still in Bryson's Notes from a Small Island. Ginny I can't keep up with you....

CMac: We Haven't read Notes together. We started with Walk and will next read I'm A Stranger Here Myself. Tell us about Notes. I plan to read it, too.

Jackie Notes is a funny picture 0f Britain on Bryson's return to the Island. For instance when he describes Stonehenge and how it took 600 men to move a 50 ton stone He Quotes: Can you imagine trying to talk 600 men into moving a stone into an upright position then saying "Right Lads another twenty to go" If you've ever been to Britain you will be laughing out loud at some of his antics.

My copy of notes just arrived from Amazon. I have been to England and even majored in English lit in college. Can't wait to start this book. Hanover, where Bryson lives, is about two hours from here - I wonder if he ever does readings or speaks informally. How old is he?

Maida, he's young, and that's a wonderful idea! Will you write him? We're doing his latest book I'm a Stranger Here, Myself in July. Maybe we need to do the one on England, too???? I loved it, and it did capture for me lots of memories.

What do you think? Nothing ventured!!

Ginny: see you on Wednesday: off on trip.

Ginny,

I'll follow along with Bryson's newest which I've yet to buy. Think I'll ask around about contacting him - there's a wonderful bookstore in Portsmouth - perhaps they could get him to make a presentation there. Now that school is over for the summer I've more time to read.

Notes sounds like it would be a good read; some of you may have seen the heading for a literary trip to Britain in 2000. We're reading various books in preparation for it.

I've only ready about 50 pages, but I am enjoying the book. I belong to the Northern Virginia Hiking Club. So I can identify with his personal experiences. I enjoy being outdoors, it's a natural high for me, and I picture myself when Bill Bryson describes his adventures. So, yes I am enjoying the book.

Giovanna

Giovanna: Have you actually hiked the AT? You've been to the places Bryson described? Being out of doors is very uplifting to me, too. Even when I'm only "hiking" across the hospital campus, I get a high. It is the totality of the perspective, sky, trees, the movement of the air, something atavistic, no doubt, but I feel it very keenly. Maybe those of us who have to spend our days indoors, breathing artificial air, feel it so strongly.

I've been camping in 45 of the 50 States. Did most of our hiking in the Mountains of Maine around Rangely and Mt. Blue. Have hiked on various trails in the Appalachians. Great fun. Enjoying "Notes" The glossary in the back of the book is great. I'm waiting for "Walk" My daughter is reading "I'm a Stranger Here, Myself" I shall borrow from her.

Clare