It was interesting to read this 15 years after it was published. Bryson includes so much commentary about how humans have impacted the environment, and makes so many predictions, that I found myself sometimes looking into how his concerns played out (since we have google now, and everything). I liked his casual, funny writing style, his combination of recounting experience with local history, and his honesty. This book does not make me want to hike the Appalachian Trail.