How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
We had allotted six and a half weeks for our initial foray and now it was nearly over. I was ready for a vacation [...] I longed to see my family, beyond my power to convey. (1.11.86)
If you were looking for evidence that Bryson is a bit softer than the legendary explorers of yesteryear, then you've just hit the jackpot. Bryson could have the strength of the Hulk and the speed of the Flash, but he still wouldn't have the heart to spend such a long time away from his family. And that's definitely not a bad thing in our book.
Quote #8
When I returned a few minutes later, Katz had accumulated a small, appreciative crowd and was demonstrating the use and theory of various straps and toggles on his backpack. (1.12.41)
Wow, this dude is a straight-up sitcom character. Unlike Bryson, Katz revels in the image of himself as a "fearless explorer" any chance he gets (especially if it involves the prospect of spending quality time with the ladies). He also doesn't know half as much about early Appalachian explorers as Bryson, which makes it easier for him to buy into his own hype.
Quote #9
Every foot of the landscape from here on north would be scored and scarred with reminders of glaciation [...] I was entering a new world. (2.15.19)
This is about as close to being a real explorer as Bryson gets. But maybe we're selling the guy short. After all, he does indeed traverse the eastern seaboard of the United States, even if he does take a few vehicular shortcuts along the way. That's still pretty impressive.