Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Nonfiction/Hiking
ISBN: B003NX6YOW
File Size: 4205 KB
ISBN-10: 1450557465
ISBN-13: 978-1450557467
Print Length: 342 pages

This is humorous, engaging, and inspirational read about the At. In Three Hundred Zeroes, Dennis Blanchard describes his “Lessons of the Heart on the Appalachian Trail.” After walking about 600 miles, Dennis leaves the trail for a six-artery bypass. In hiker parlance, a day off is termed a “zero” day — a day with zero miles walked. Three-hundred-zero days later, he returns to the trail to complete his life-long ambition. As he walks through the heart of America, Dennis meets townspeople, trail angels, and other hikers. His stories about these people are humorous, endearing, and, at times,  motivational. Dennis not only describes the people he meets but also his encounter with bears, rattlesnakes, moose, mice, and other wildlife. What would you do when confronted with a charging bear?

Dennis walked with the brother’s Purple Heart; fulfilling a commitment to his brother to someday walk the Appalachian Trail with him. His devotion to the brother killed in Vietnam is very touching.

Additionally, the book has a theme related to Amateur Radio. Dennis has a goal to make amateur radio contacts in each state.  Amateur radio enthusiast may enjoy his descriptions of his attempts to contact other radio “hams.” For those who know little of amateur radio, this is a great opportunity to learn about the hobby without having too much exposure.

This is a must read book not only for those contemplating hiking the AT but for anyone interested in adventure, outdoor life, or middle-America. I found this book inspirational and motivating as well as entertaining.