Any excuse to quote Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" is worthwhile, even if there was some confusion. Best book I've ever read on through-hiking. You would stand in open-jawed amazement at Amicalola Falls State Park (gateway to Springer Mountain and the official start of the AT) seeing what some people come prepared to hike 2100 miles with (or without). A few years ago I saw a guy about 100 pounds overweight with an enormous pack. He had a Golden Retriever with very heavy saddlebags as well. I asked him what the dog was carrying. "Beer."

Chris and I agree: Katz tossing the Little Debbies was just priceless!