By C.J. Trent

Photo Courtesy of betterworldbooks.com

Returning to the US after 20 years in England, Bryson happens upon a path in the woods near his home in New Hampshire, a path marked as part of the Appalachian Trail. Curiosity about the trail and its origins leads him to the journey that becomes A Walk in the Woods; atravelogue, history and very funny account of his attempt to hike the entire Appalachian Trail beginning in Georgia and ending 2,160.2 miles later on Mt. Katahdin in Maine.

Bryson is joined on his trek by Katz, an old friend and travellingcompanion whose approach to backpacking is novel, to say the least; dismayed by the weight of his pack several hours after setting out, Katz ditches various essentials like food, water, and their cook stove to lighten his load. Much of the humor stems from the encounters this odd couple have with other thru-hikers, nature, and the occasional bear. Along the way we learn much about the history of this venerable trail and the geography, geology, flora and fauna of the fourteen states it passes through.

A Walk in the Woods is a fast and really funny read, vintage Bryson, and a great choice for anyone who likes to hike and is waiting for spring to arrive.