Appalachian Trail

Have I mentioned how much I love Bill Bryson? Well if I haven't: I love Bill Bryson. I read his book "A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail".

While it's not my favorite of his many books, I still enjoyed it. Bryson is one of those authors that make you laugh out loud and then turn to the person next to you so you can read the same thing to them. He's a great travel writer because he doesn't sugar coat everything. At the beginning of the book he laments over the thousands of dollars he has spent on camping/hiking equipment and he doesn't even know what to do with most of it. He also doesn't pull any punches about how inexperienced he and his friend Katz are. The AT is tough and Bryson has no problems admitting it. But gradually he and Katz begin to love and appreciate the rareness of the AT. Bryson includes some great commentary on the Forest Service and the Army Corps of Engineers. I had no idea stupid government policies could reach that far.

This book really inspired me to make sure my family takes advantage of our metro, state, and National parks.

If you are looking for a laugh you can pick up Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" at your local library or Barnes and Noble.