In Bill Bryson's book 'A walk in the woods' he describes his walk on the trail...a quick summary from his web site...
Back in America after twenty years in Britain, Bill Bryson decided to reacquaint himself with his native country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine.

IThe AT offers an astonishing landscape of silent forests and sparkling lakes--and to a writer with the comic genius of Bill Bryson, it also provides endless opportunities to witness the majestic silliness of his fellow human beings.

For a start there's the gloriously out-of-shape Stephen Katz, a buddy from Iowa along for the walk. Despite Katz's overwhelming desire to find cozy restaurants, he and Bryson eventually settle into their stride, and while on the trail they meet a bizarre assortment of hilarious characters. But A Walk in the Woods is more than just a laugh-out-loud hike. Bryson's acute eye is a wise witness to this beautiful but fragile trail, and as he tells its fascinating history, he makes a moving plea for the conservation of America's last great wilderness. An adventure, a comedy, and a celebration, A Walk in the Woods is destined to become a modern classic of travel literature.
http://www.randomhouse.com/features/billbryson/

This is the book that acquainted me with the true nature of long distance walking. Also at a vital bit Bryson makes the decision "I said I was going to walk The Appalachian trail, but who said I was going to walk all of it!" Wise words...I wish I had learnt them on my trip from Le Puy
http://www.lievesley.co.uk/Pilgramages%20.htm

Since then I have completed numerous long distance walks ( see link below!) knowing this & my love of Bryson's humour Jim organised my own 'Appalachian Trail Experience' on the way to the football match. The photos on this page give you the true flavour of our walk. Like Bryson we did not walk all 2,100 miles... we managed half a mile... if that .....But like Bill, we had ...
'A Walk in the Woods'

The star on the map shows where we started (& finished ) our extensive adventure.