Last week, I spent the week driving from Texas to New York, with a three-day stay in Pennsylvania. I basically spent my time on Interstates 40 and 81.

The day I returned, my son bought a copy of this book. Little did I know that I had just driven by a large portion of the areas mentioned throughout the book. The more I read, the more fascinated I became with the subject matter.

I am not a hiker or trekker in any form or fashion. In fact, the whole idea nauseates me. However, after reading the wonderful writing of Bill Bryson, I must admit I felt a twinge or two that made me want to share his experiences. I would probably fit more into the mode of his fellow traveler, Katz, in regard to physicality.

If Katz actually said all the things written in the book, this is possibly one of the funniest guys I have encountered. He's a hoot a minute, as we say in Texas.

The book is very well written, well paced and witty from page one to the end. If you love good writing, you will love this book. If you love good writing and the great outdoors, you'll love it even more.