A Walk Across America - Chapters 1-2

My first impression of Peter Jenkins is that he is a nature lover because he is walking across America. He must love to be outdoors.  I thought that he was walking across America because he loved his country and wanted to experience everything about it.  That was not the case.  He grew up in the 1960's and seems to be a hippy who is anti-American.  He was searching for something to fill the hollow space inside him.  He was unhappy with his country politically.  He was anti-war and disagreed with the government so much that he thought it would be best to leave the country.  When his friend suggested that he truly learn about his country before he leave, he decided that to walk across the country would be a good idea.  I think the relationship Peter has with his dog is neat.  I like the story about when Cooper saved Peter from being bitten by a copperhead snake.  Peter seems to have a negative attitude about our country and the people that live here.  When he was in the country store and was about to leave he was surprised that the strangers in the store seemed concerned about him and didn't want him to go out into the blizzard.  He was touched that each one gave him something, either money, food or just kind words.  He seemed surprised at the compassion the strangers showed him.