Published: Dec. 20, 2010
Words: 93,542 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781452463674

Short description

A promise to his brother haunted him for over forty years. Finally, Blanchard set out on the Appalachian Trail with his brother's Purple Heart Medal to fulfill that promise. He learned that the wilderness and solitude can reconnect one with a Norman Rockwell America that at times seems long lost and forgotten. This humorous story demonstrates that adventure truly begins in the heart.

Extended description

Brothers often promise to do something together when they 'grow up." Do they always follow through? When war and a Purple Heart Medal alter those promises, should the surviving brother continue? My promise to my brother haunted me for over forty years. Finally, life stopped getting in the way and I set out on the Appalachian Trail to fulfill that youthful promise.
Three Hundred Zeroes describes the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) as it meanders for almost 2,200 miles (3,500 km) through some of the most awe inspiring, remote, vibrant woodlands and mountains in the eastern United States. Maddeningly indirect at times, the trail wanders aimlessly from Springer Mountain in Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, in Maine. Along it's length the A.T. is home to every conceivable form of plant life, vegetation, tree and animal from the minuscule pygmy shrew to the titans of the north woods, the American black bear and moose.
Three Hundred Zeroes describes a Norman Rockwell America that at times seems long los.. (Read more) Brothers often promise to do something together when they 'grow up." Do they always follow through? When war and a Purple Heart Medal alter those promises, should the surviving brother continue? My promise to my brother haunted me for over forty years. Finally, life stopped getting in the way and I set out on the Appalachian Trail to fulfill that youthful promise.
Three Hundred Zeroes describes the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) as it meanders for almost 2,200 miles (3,500 km) through some of the most awe inspiring, remote, vibrant woodlands and mountains in the eastern United States. Maddeningly indirect at times, the trail wanders aimlessly from Springer Mountain in Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, in Maine. Along it's length the A.T. is home to every conceivable form of plant life, vegetation, tree and animal from the minuscule pygmy shrew to the titans of the north woods, the American black bear and moose.
Three Hundred Zeroes describes a Norman Rockwell America that at times seems long lost and forgotten. Walking through small boroughs, villages and out-of-the-way places, I encountered people that don't judge others by their worldly possessions, the car they drive, or how big their house is. Conversations evolved around severe weather; trail conditions, distance traveled, and destinations. The predominate question that always arose was, "Can I help?" or "Are you hungry?" Appalachian Trail life is more often than not factored down to its lowest common denominator: honest to goodness caring and personal connections.
A menagerie of personalities leads to numerous comical situations. A cast of characters with monikers such as "Cookie Monster," "Bone Lady," "Half-Elvis," "Motor Butt," "Bilge Rat," "Privy Monster," and "Serial Killer," guaranteed that there was never a dull moment.
Serious obstacles abound. The difficulties I encountered walking over 2,200 miles were easily underestimated and trouble began long before setting that first step on the trail. Three Hundred Zeroes demonstrates that bears, rattlesnakes, extreme weather and challenging terrain may be far less formidable than some of life's more subtle dangers.
Explore this national treasure, the Appalachian Trail through my adventures in Three Hundred Zeroes.
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Tags

adventure, travel, maine, backpacking, brothers, massachusetts, pennsylvania, virginia, author, tennessee, west virginia, north carolina, new york, new jersey, hiking, georgia, non fiction, connecticut, maryland, trail hiking, appalachian trail, new hampshire, white mountains, vermont, purple heart, bears, trails, traveling by foot, travel essays, travel mishaps, rattlesnake, travel adventure, adventure humor, travel books, amateur radio, ham radio, hiker, qrp, springer mountain, katahdin, thruhike, heart surgery, travel north america, hammock, trail angel, zeroes

Available ebook reading formats

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Videos

How to make a fire rubbing sticks together.
This video describes how to build a fire rubbing sticks together, a talent I perfected before going off on the Appalachian Trail hike. It is both, a useful take on how to do this and a humorous demonstration of the skill needed. See this author in action!

Reviews

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Review by: Rob Locher on Jan. 29, 2012 :
This book was just a delight to read. Dennis obviously has a real zest for living and a great sense of humor, and it's a pleasure to hike along with him. I'm so glad I decided to read this!
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: SunnyWalker on March 24, 2011 :
Three Hundred Zeroes is terrifically entertaining and informative about the AT. More info on the trail then many books about thru hiking. It was delightful to also read of the the authors hopes, dream and struggles. the link with his brother was a link to my heart also. Thank you for this wonderful book on the AT. Awesome was the authors return to the AT following open heart surgery! This was a personal note I watched as I read as I am 58. Take care and I hope we have another book coming from this author on hiking.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

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