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Three Hundred Zeroes
Dennis Blanchard's Vietnam Era promise to his brother haunted him for over forty years. Finally, when there were no more excuses, he set out on the Appalachian Trail to fulfill that promise. He learned that walking in the wilderness can reconnect one with a Norman Rockwell America that at times seems long lost and forgotten. The difficulties encountered walking over 2,200 miles are easily underestimated and trouble can begin long before setting a first step on the trail. Blanchard's introspective demonstrates that bears, rattlesnakes and challenging terrain may be far less formidable than some of life's more subtle dangers.
Three Hundred Zeroes is a Finalist in the 2010 Next Generation Indie Books Awards Contest.
About the Author
Dennis Blanchard was born in Bristol, Connecticut. After a stint in the U.S. Air Force he moved to New Hampshire with his wife, Jane. Never living very far from the Appalachian Trail, there was always the seductive siren's call to hike it. To support his hiking habit he has spent most of his life working as an electronics engineer. Dennis is an avid ham radio enthusiast and has authored many pieces for magazines such as the amateur radio journal, QST and other technical magazines, as well as motorcycle adventure articles. When not off wandering in the woods he lives in Sarasota, Florida.
Three Hundred Zeroes is a Finalist in the 2010 Next Generation Indie Books Awards Contest.
About the Author
Dennis Blanchard was born in Bristol, Connecticut. After a stint in the U.S. Air Force he moved to New Hampshire with his wife, Jane. Never living very far from the Appalachian Trail, there was always the seductive siren's call to hike it. To support his hiking habit he has spent most of his life working as an electronics engineer. Dennis is an avid ham radio enthusiast and has authored many pieces for magazines such as the amateur radio journal, QST and other technical magazines, as well as motorcycle adventure articles. When not off wandering in the woods he lives in Sarasota, Florida.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2010
35 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
About the author
Dennis R. Blanchard
2 books15 followersI was born and raised in Connecticut. In 1966 I went off to the Air Force for almost four years. Upon returning home I worked as a laboratory technician for a few years and later as an electrical engineer for many years. Most of my professional career was with The A. G. Russell Company, Bristol, CT, Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC) in Maynard, MA and Cisco Systems in MA. In 2004 I retired to Sarasota, FL with my wonderful life partner, Jane, and we lived happily ever after.
Well, no, not quite. I decided to hike the Appalachian Trail and things have not been the same since. The hike was interrupted by (minor book spoiler here)a six-artery heart bypass surgery. After three hundred days of recuperation I returned to the trail and finished the hike. The book Three Hundred Zeroes is the story of that hike.
Well, no, not quite. I decided to hike the Appalachian Trail and things have not been the same since. The hike was interrupted by (minor book spoiler here)a six-artery heart bypass surgery. After three hundred days of recuperation I returned to the trail and finished the hike. The book Three Hundred Zeroes is the story of that hike.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 30, 2012
I gave this book five stars because I loved it as a great story about people and adventure. (I'm a lot harsher of a critic with fiction books.)
The book a human-interest story about a man who had always planned to hike the trail with his brother. Unfortunately, his brother died in Vietnam. So one day "life stopped getting in the way" as the author says, so he packed up his pack, brought along his brother's Purple Heart medal, and set off. Along the way he met all kinds of people: fellow trail hikers, good Samaritans, and ordinary folks. He had memorable encounters with wildlife. Oh, and he had a sextuple-bypass also, which sidelined him for 300 "zero" (no miles) days, hence the title. In the end, he made a full recovery from his operation, got back on the trail and succeeded in his quest, and had his faith in humanity restored.
I read the EPUB version published by Smashwords. I like their philosophy: the book isn't DRM-crippled and it isn't priced just a couple dollars less than the hardback edition.
The book a human-interest story about a man who had always planned to hike the trail with his brother. Unfortunately, his brother died in Vietnam. So one day "life stopped getting in the way" as the author says, so he packed up his pack, brought along his brother's Purple Heart medal, and set off. Along the way he met all kinds of people: fellow trail hikers, good Samaritans, and ordinary folks. He had memorable encounters with wildlife. Oh, and he had a sextuple-bypass also, which sidelined him for 300 "zero" (no miles) days, hence the title. In the end, he made a full recovery from his operation, got back on the trail and succeeded in his quest, and had his faith in humanity restored.
I read the EPUB version published by Smashwords. I like their philosophy: the book isn't DRM-crippled and it isn't priced just a couple dollars less than the hardback edition.
August 10, 2012
Definitely recommend! Dennis is a good writer.
I liked the book because Dennis is closer to my age (or make that I'm closer to his age) and I can relate (not to the heart issue). Plus he's an engineer with a sense of humor which is rare, and a bonus because of the intelligence/intellect behind the humor. There were a couple of times while reading where I actually laughed aloud at implied humor - I'm not sure every reader would *get* or understand but that's one of the things about his writing that makes the book all the more readable. I've read many books on the AT and this is one of the more appealing of those books. Humor and not too much whining - that will be my motto when I finally get my butt out there on a hike.
I liked the book because Dennis is closer to my age (or make that I'm closer to his age) and I can relate (not to the heart issue). Plus he's an engineer with a sense of humor which is rare, and a bonus because of the intelligence/intellect behind the humor. There were a couple of times while reading where I actually laughed aloud at implied humor - I'm not sure every reader would *get* or understand but that's one of the things about his writing that makes the book all the more readable. I've read many books on the AT and this is one of the more appealing of those books. Humor and not too much whining - that will be my motto when I finally get my butt out there on a hike.
August 12, 2016
A fascinating account of an individual's trek along the entire Appalachian Trail. Amateur Radio operators may be interested in the author's use of ham radio, but these are only passing mentions. The flora, fauna, and personal difficulties and observations provide great reading from front cover to back.
This book should be required reading for anyone considering assaulting the AT. It's absolutely riveting for the rest of us AT-hiker wannabees.
--Jim (Amateur Radio Operator KJ3P)
This book should be required reading for anyone considering assaulting the AT. It's absolutely riveting for the rest of us AT-hiker wannabees.
--Jim (Amateur Radio Operator KJ3P)
April 16, 2012
When I first ordered this book, I have to admit, I did not know much about the Appalachian Trail. I had heard about it, but never really took the time to research where it was exactly, its length, what wildlife was there and so much more.
For the past five years, I had been hiking a little and considered my walks of two to four miles once every other month something to be proud of. Then I read "Three Hundred Zeroes" and laughed at just how little two to four miles is to an avid hiker!
This is a beautiful story about a hike that was promised to the author's brother who passed away at such an early age in Vietnam. The author was finally able to do so forty years later and describes his experiences along the way.
His encounters with bears time and time again left me wondering if they had to decided to accept him as one of their own...especially when he came face to face with one while he was taking a shower!
Even the mere thought of hiking through a monsoon would send me back to civilization in a heartbeat, but the author pressed on and made it through. That takes determination and endurance. It was absolutely amazing to me that the author would persevere. That is a true testament to one's character to be that self-motivated to stick with it.
The helpful and caring people he ran into along the way restores your faith in humanity, in a time when the hustle and bustle of everyday life can make it seem like there is none.
The author's humorous story telling makes this an easy read, combining both helpful hints mixed with real-life experiences. This book has also left me wondering if I would ever consider doing such a thing.
I would recommend this to anyone, even if you had never hiked a day in your life, but especially if you are thinking of hiking a trail as long as this one, as there are many helpful pointers along the way.
For the past five years, I had been hiking a little and considered my walks of two to four miles once every other month something to be proud of. Then I read "Three Hundred Zeroes" and laughed at just how little two to four miles is to an avid hiker!
This is a beautiful story about a hike that was promised to the author's brother who passed away at such an early age in Vietnam. The author was finally able to do so forty years later and describes his experiences along the way.
His encounters with bears time and time again left me wondering if they had to decided to accept him as one of their own...especially when he came face to face with one while he was taking a shower!
Even the mere thought of hiking through a monsoon would send me back to civilization in a heartbeat, but the author pressed on and made it through. That takes determination and endurance. It was absolutely amazing to me that the author would persevere. That is a true testament to one's character to be that self-motivated to stick with it.
The helpful and caring people he ran into along the way restores your faith in humanity, in a time when the hustle and bustle of everyday life can make it seem like there is none.
The author's humorous story telling makes this an easy read, combining both helpful hints mixed with real-life experiences. This book has also left me wondering if I would ever consider doing such a thing.
I would recommend this to anyone, even if you had never hiked a day in your life, but especially if you are thinking of hiking a trail as long as this one, as there are many helpful pointers along the way.
July 26, 2012
This is the 4th book I've read about the AT and I feel it's definitely the best one besides A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail.
The author shares his experiences hiking the entire AT, albiet split over two years. He's interrupted by the need for heart surgery - the 300 zero mileage days referenced by the title. Along the way he encounters something like 38 bears and nearly steps on 3 rattlesnakes. He struggles with a drought on the first year of his hike and frequent storms on the second. All the while he carries two unusual items: the Purple Heart medal from his brother's death serving in Vietnam and a self-built miniature ham radio.
Blanchard is colorful and cheery. He writes well and focuses on his experience, with some good self-reflection. The chapters are all broken up into short sections, making for ease of starting and stopping your reading. I'd say it's definitely better than "Skywalker" and "A Journey North" (the two non-Bryson AT books I've read).
The author shares his experiences hiking the entire AT, albiet split over two years. He's interrupted by the need for heart surgery - the 300 zero mileage days referenced by the title. Along the way he encounters something like 38 bears and nearly steps on 3 rattlesnakes. He struggles with a drought on the first year of his hike and frequent storms on the second. All the while he carries two unusual items: the Purple Heart medal from his brother's death serving in Vietnam and a self-built miniature ham radio.
Blanchard is colorful and cheery. He writes well and focuses on his experience, with some good self-reflection. The chapters are all broken up into short sections, making for ease of starting and stopping your reading. I'd say it's definitely better than "Skywalker" and "A Journey North" (the two non-Bryson AT books I've read).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2014
Retired Electrical Engineer, Dennis Blanchard, had been considering hiking the Appalachian Trail for over 30 years. Connecting with a hiking club in Sarasota FL gave him the push he needed so with his wife's blessing he begins his journey dedicating it to his brother's memory (killed in action in VietNam). Having hiked about 675 miles, Dennis decides he better return home to have the recurrent chest pains checked out, thinking it was minor and he would be back on the trail soon. Unfortunately, he had 6 blocked arteries requiring major surgery. The books title is for the 300 days of recovery, afterwhich he returned to the trail to complete the next 1400 miles!
The story is told with a touch of humor, inspiration, courage and strength - never bogging down in depression but stating it as a fact of the recovery process and moving on.
The journal of the trail is one of people (and animals)interacted with, weather conditions, physical challenges of the trail and of course, the emotional finish.
I highly recommend this book to any outdoor hiking enthusiasts or people who are meeting their own physical challenges!
The story is told with a touch of humor, inspiration, courage and strength - never bogging down in depression but stating it as a fact of the recovery process and moving on.
The journal of the trail is one of people (and animals)interacted with, weather conditions, physical challenges of the trail and of course, the emotional finish.
I highly recommend this book to any outdoor hiking enthusiasts or people who are meeting their own physical challenges!
September 23, 2013
I loved the humor and candid observations that Mr. Blanchard makes as he tells his story step by step as he progresses down the AT. I have long had a goal to be able to thru-hike this trail, and this book was an inspiration for me to re-visit that dream. The book is more than just an entertaining story, it is a great educational tool for anyone aspiring to hike the AT. It answers questions about the little nuances of trail life, and gives one insight into what to expect.
The author dealt with many adversities in his journey through the AT, including bears, rattle snakes, rough terrain and worst of all a serious heart condition that he later overcame. His story is told from the heart as he awakens the reader to the Norman Rockwell America that still exists in the culture and life surrounding the trail. I truly enjoyed staying up all night reading this wonderful story. It is a must read for anyone who loves hiking.
The author dealt with many adversities in his journey through the AT, including bears, rattle snakes, rough terrain and worst of all a serious heart condition that he later overcame. His story is told from the heart as he awakens the reader to the Norman Rockwell America that still exists in the culture and life surrounding the trail. I truly enjoyed staying up all night reading this wonderful story. It is a must read for anyone who loves hiking.
December 14, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. This is my 4th AT book - and all of them have been different. This memoir is the story of 60 year old Dennis Blanchard (trail name K1) who is hiking the trail in part, in memory of his late brother - killed in Vietnam. They had always talked of walking the trail together. It's a more modern story than any of the others I have read - K1 starts his hike in 2007. This story takes different twists and turns, but still gives the reader the essence of the trail. Lots of good stories in this one, and told in a very "folksy" manner - as if K1 himself were sitting down with you to tell his story.
I will say this is a worthwhile read for anyone who loves the great outdoors, who believes in the good of the American people, and believes that there is a piece of all of us that has the ability to overcome!
Thanks to K1 for sharing his story!
I will say this is a worthwhile read for anyone who loves the great outdoors, who believes in the good of the American people, and believes that there is a piece of all of us that has the ability to overcome!
Thanks to K1 for sharing his story!
November 10, 2014
This is the second AT Hiker story I have read ("A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson was the first). I enjoyed this book very much. It is a perfect depiction of how every hiker's story is going to be different, but in the end there are some key commonalities. I liked how Dennis offered insight into the human side of his hike... Like many hikers before him, he had a set of goals to accomplish from the onset. But along the way, Dennis does a wonderful job taking in the interactions with people and wildlife around him and sharing that with the reader. Not as funny as Mr. Bryson's account, but holds a better balance of funny and useful information for those who are really serious about hiking. The author's account was an inspiration on many levels and has prompted me to begin setting my own personal goals for hiking expeditions beyond day-hiking.
May 29, 2011
I started this book with average expectations and fell in love with it shortly after the 10th page. The author is really an inspiration, the story is easy to read and he really kept me laughing with his tales from the trail.
I now understand what the title means - which I won't spoil for anyone else.
Anyone who has thought about, planning on or has hiked (thru or section) the AT should read this just to read another's perspective on the trail and his life lessons he received from it.
Sure there are some parts I wish the author would have expanded on more but for the most part this was a great, light read.
I now understand what the title means - which I won't spoil for anyone else.
Anyone who has thought about, planning on or has hiked (thru or section) the AT should read this just to read another's perspective on the trail and his life lessons he received from it.
Sure there are some parts I wish the author would have expanded on more but for the most part this was a great, light read.
April 26, 2012
The personalities encountered on the trail lead to countless humorous moments. A cast of characters such as “Cookie Monster,” “Bone Lady,” “Half-Elvis,” “Motor Butt,” “Bilge Rat,” “Privy Monster,” and “Serial Killer,” ensured that there was never a dreary moment.
There were serious obstacles as well. The difficulties I endured walking over 2,200 miles were easily underestimated and trouble began long before setting a first step on the trail. This book demonstrates that bears, rattlesnakes, extreme weather and challenging terrain may be far less formidable than some of life's more subtle dangers.
There were serious obstacles as well. The difficulties I endured walking over 2,200 miles were easily underestimated and trouble began long before setting a first step on the trail. This book demonstrates that bears, rattlesnakes, extreme weather and challenging terrain may be far less formidable than some of life's more subtle dangers.
August 10, 2012
Most people who hike the Appalachian Trail report learning some lessons along the way, one of the most common being that people are better judged by what they are on the inside, not what they look like on the outside, and that the two don't always match up as well as we might think.
This guy? Never learned that lesson. I got very tired of listening to him mention time after time after time how many overweight people he saw on his journey.
There are many books with stories about hikers and the AT that hang together better than this one does. I found this book to be more of a log of what happened, just the facts.
This guy? Never learned that lesson. I got very tired of listening to him mention time after time after time how many overweight people he saw on his journey.
There are many books with stories about hikers and the AT that hang together better than this one does. I found this book to be more of a log of what happened, just the facts.
September 10, 2012
I just want to say "thank you," to all of you wonderful readers. Writing the book allowed me to relive the Appalachian Trail over and over again. What really makes the experience all that much more exciting is hearing the reader reaction, both favorable and otherwise.
I'm currently working on finishing my next book, A Few More Zeroes: Lost with the wind and the stars on the Camino de Santiago. As I write it, I'm keeping in mind all of your comments and hopefully that will make this next book even better.
Thank you all
Dennis "K1" Blanchard
I'm currently working on finishing my next book, A Few More Zeroes: Lost with the wind and the stars on the Camino de Santiago. As I write it, I'm keeping in mind all of your comments and hopefully that will make this next book even better.
Thank you all
Dennis "K1" Blanchard
July 19, 2011
It's been years since i've read any first hand accounts of hiking the Appalachian trail. This was a newer, more "modern" look at life on the trail. Even though the technology changes around us, the trail is still a more basic, raw, primitive way of enjoying nature. This book helped give you a sense of what it is like, especially with the photos added that he took along the way. A must read for any AT enthusiast.
March 8, 2014
Interesting account of a 2 year hike of the AT. Dennis focuses on the unexpected stories of the "trail angels" encountered along the way, and his own personal challenges and victories.
The warmth of real people comes through the vignettes woven together with the life of long-distance hiker. I learned some things not read in other accounts of hiking the AT.
The warmth of real people comes through the vignettes woven together with the life of long-distance hiker. I learned some things not read in other accounts of hiking the AT.
February 12, 2012
Dennis flirts with his death as he tries to complete what was once a promise between brothers. A "zero" is a day without hiking. Three hundred is many more than normal even for a fit 60 yo. Find out how he completes his quest. Very good AT book.
May 21, 2012
An excellent AT trail journal. Much more informative and funny than A Walk In The Woods. If you want to know what the AT is like to a real hiker who happens to have a real voice and sense of humor, skip the other books and start here.
September 29, 2013
Reading this book felt like being on the trail with the author in of the thrill of adventure, development of new friends, while at the same time frighting hunger and fatigue. He is a captivating story teller steering the reader through a roller coaster of emotion throughout the entire book!
July 23, 2011
An excellent read - I so enjoyed Dennis K1YPP's tale that two evenings took me through the whole book.
Well written and inspiring! Well done!
Well written and inspiring! Well done!
November 23, 2011
Just one more AT book...
March 16, 2012
Dennis always seemed to handle the trail with great character!! I never thought that I would ever care if he got his HAM radio to get signal..But as the book went on, I did.. Great little book...
September 8, 2012
Very engaging story of the author's attempt at hiking the entire AT. Enjoyed reading this and felt like I vicariously traveled along. Although now I am cold, wet and hungry. And extremely tired.
November 14, 2012
Good book if you like trail stories. A well written account of an Appalachian Trail journey. Not quite on par with "Walking on the Happy side of Misery", but cut out of a similar mold.
October 28, 2012
I have read a ton of books on the AT...this was up there among the best.
January 22, 2015
Good read on hiking the at
Interesting read on thru hiking the at, factual and interesting book that will give you a good idea on what to prepare for.
Interesting read on thru hiking the at, factual and interesting book that will give you a good idea on what to prepare for.
January 25, 2013
Excellent book. Very funny as well!
April 17, 2020
I read this years ago. At the time I belonged to Toastmasters and the author visited our club. I cannot remember why. He mentioned that he had written this book and, since I have hiked parts of the trail (I live in New England) and I've met many through hikers, I was curious. So I bought the book. I remember not really liking the writing, and I didn't think it was the best book on hiking the trail - I've heard better stories from though hikers who stayed at the huts and for a free meal and a place to sleep would regale us with stories of their adventures.
July 29, 2024
I should have been able to get this read a lot quicker but work had me too tired to stay awake for more than a few pages at a time. It was a good read and easy to follow. It is basically another hikers diary of his time on the trail. You do get a feel for how difficult some areas can be. He deserves a lot of credit for finishing especially after undergoing heart surgery.
April 12, 2018
I really enjoy reading books about people who venture out on hiking adventures! I’m so inspired to see people living such minimalist life styles and covering so much distance by foot. Maybe someday.....
January 4, 2023
Fun account of a thru-hike. K1 sets out to complete a thru-hike, and use his homemade shortwave radio to make a contact from every state on the trail. He completes the trail, but a near death experience causes him to do it over a 2 year period...hence the "Three Hundred Zeroes."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews