View Full Version : Three hundred zeros
Doc Mike
12-27-2010, 16:42
I've read most of the books about the AT and just read this one yesterday. Thats right I started yesterday am and finished in the pm. I don't know the author personally and have never met or talked to him. I highly recommend this book for anyone contemplating a thru hike. His descriptions of the trail, tips, and hiking strategies are all descibed with a sense of humor that I found enjoyable. So not only a great story of perseverance but also very informative about the trail and trail towns. Oh so much better than Bryson.
Just my .02
Doc Mike
couscous
12-27-2010, 16:50
k1ypp (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/member.php?u=10668) will be happy to read this.
pistol p
12-27-2010, 20:36
Oh great...I have this book on the shelf and it's 3rd in line. Now I may have to bump it up the list.
:)
Oh great...I have this book on the shelf and it's 3rd in line. Now I may have to bump it up the list.
:)
Definitely bump it up. It's a quick read and very entertaining. I loved it.
Fog Horn
12-27-2010, 21:18
Downloaded it on my Kindle :) The description of the book on Amazon was really sad to me though. Is the book ultimately uplifting or does it leave you with the loss of the brother?
Rain Man
12-27-2010, 22:11
I've read most of the books about the AT and just read this one yesterday. Thats right I started yesterday am and finished in the pm. I don't know the author personally and have never met or talked to him. I highly recommend this book ....
I got three AT books for Christmas. Already finished "Becoming Odyssa" (really good book) and am in the middle of "The Laughalachian Trail" (funny, of course), and "300 Zeros" I saved for when I got home (which was tonight). I look forward to starting it tomorrow and appreciate your review.
Rain Man
.
Doc Mike
12-27-2010, 22:24
Not a sad book at all, uplifting yes. Sounds like he would be a fun person to hike with. A little quirky (thats the engineer part) about his radios but i totally get it. Maybe because I have a BS in electrical engineering. But i think anyone who has made some of there own equipment can relate to the pride he shows in what he has made.
Doc Mike
Buzz_Lightfoot
12-28-2010, 13:59
Agreed ... great read. Most would have given up the dream after a major heart operation. Not him. I wonder if I would be that strong?
Also, I operate radios from the AT sometimes myself. :sun
Al
W2GZN
SawnieRobertson
12-28-2010, 15:50
I ordered about seven trail books to get me through the long wait until Departure Day for the attempt. There is, after all, for those who think I oughta be out there hiking to get physically ready, good argument for getting mentally ready. Anyway, it IS a good book. I especially appreciated his mentioning the trail magic efforts of one of our own, RockDancer. And so, what else have I read while lolling about, awaiting March? ODYSSA is suffering from her mistakes a lot, but she is also teaching. FOOTPATH, MY ASS is worth the time spent with Bluebird's tweeting. The new guidebooks and maps have arrived. They are for butchering and savoring while on the trail--an excuse for stopping and resting, y'know. Then I read a book put out by a close high school friend, Jim Evins, called A HAPPY MAN. It is a collection of stories about his early life that makes the trail's more challenging moments seem trivial. Anyway, back to the subject at hand, 300 ZEROS is very, very informative about what one can accomplish these days through rehab.--Kinnickinic
kolokolo
12-28-2010, 23:26
:sunHey, I got 3 AT books for Christmas also. I just read "The Road to Damascus and Beyond", and have "300 Zeros" and "Odyssa" waiting in the wings.
I thought that "Damascus" was a pretty good read. Not laugh out loud funny like "A Walk in the Woods," but this guy (Old Smoky Lonesome) was a real hiker, AND he finished the trail.
He warns the reader near the beginning that they should not read the book if they are going to attempt a through hike, though. I guess the book has its dark moments, but who would expect otherwise.
He's kind of a purist about the trail (seriously frowns on any blue-blazing, slack-packing, hiking out of sequence, etc), but hey, he is hiking his own hike.
I enjoyed the book, and found it very encouraging over all.
Based on the OP's review of "300 Zeros", I am going to save that one for last.
This one is on my list to read, so thanks for the advice. So far I've read AWOL, White Blaze Fever, and On the Beaten Path. I'm into "Hiking Through" and "Then the Hail Came" now. Have liked them all.
Ladytrekker
12-29-2010, 19:11
Thanks for the tip on the book.
I am presently reading Walking Home The Barefoot Sisters. It cracks me up to see what a small world the hiking community is to see the trail names in the book and relating to ones on here.
I am assuming that the Lone Wolf in the book is the one and the same on Whiteblaze.
I had lots of time this holiday while visiting relatives in Pennsylvania. "Snowmageddon" hit don't ya know. Turns out my California ditch digging skills translate very well to driveway and sidewalk snow shoveling in 0 degree windchill. (I made sure to put on a brave face.. albeit under many layers of fleece!)
Anyways, I read: A Walk in the Woods- by Bill Bryson, Hiking Through- by Paul Stutzman, and perused The Thru Hikers Handbook (2010 edition)- by Bill "501" McCaw cover to cover. I am still trying to get the hang of the place names back there in the East. Places like Nantahalla surprised me with their correct pronunciation. :)
I have already read Walking the Appalachian Trail- by Larry Luxemborg and Long Distance Hiking- by Roland Mueser in November.
I am a total "Data Geek". Even after having hiked two other Long distance trails I am still eager to research and read all I can about my upcomming trail; the AT. I am not going to make the mistake of taking the challenge ahead, the Appalachian trail, for granted just because i have already hiked other LD trails.
For what it's worth, A Thru Hikers Heart- by No Way Ray (Ray Eccles) is a great book to read along the thru hiking thread. It is written in regards to his experience on the PCT but translates the experiences of being on any long trail as well. I read Ray's book after i finished the PCT and it was Hilarious, deep, motivating, and made me cry read in the context of my post PCT hike world.
These books amaze me. The details are different for each persons hike but the themes, the motif's are the same. In the same way that the trail unites us as brothers and sisters, these books bring our minds back to the trail. That simple beautiful life governed by the sun and hunger and sweat, and pain and joy and strength. The english language might be inadequate to contain the totality of experience of a long distance hike... but these authors get as close as is possible.
I wish i were 1/10 as good a writer as some of these authors. they put into words many of the feelings I had on my hikes.
Anyhow, Thanks for the suggestion. i am gonna read this book next.
Is it March 15th yet? :sun
Amicalola.. here I come!
Thanks for all the book suggestions. I just finished AWOL; ready Bryson years ago. Ordered Luxenberg's book and will definitely pick up all these others...just waiting for 14 April!
Myakka Mules
02-23-2011, 19:36
K1 is a friend of ours down here in Sarasota Florida. He is a real great guy and is a member of our Appalachian Trail Club of Florida. He is an inspiration.
I'm glad this book is bringing so much joy to so many. It was the thrill of a lifetime to complete the AT and a thrill to write about it! It is especially wonderful to see so many nice comments. I wasn't certain about the reception the book would get but judging by the comments thus far, I needn't worry. This is a great community to be a part of.
I'm finding that the Kindle (http://tinyurl.com/2cvecyg) reader population is taking over the lead in people reading the book. I have to plead guilty, I finally broke down and ordered a Kindle (http://tinyurl.com/2cvecyg). To be honest, it does seem pretty neat. Jane and I are planning our next hike, the Camino de Santiago in Spain and it looks like the Kindle (http://tinyurl.com/2cvecyg) will go along. I do plan to take the tiny ham radio with me as well. Another book? Who knows?
The book is now also on Nook (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/THREE-HUNDRED-ZEROES/Dennis-Blanchard/e/2940011977428/?itm=1&USRI=three+hundred+zeroes), Smashwords (https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/34135?ref=k1ypp), Diesel, Kobo, Sony and Apple products, so I'm expecting it will be all over the place before long.
I'm also re-learning what little German I once knew for the hike. Forty years ago I learned a little and I understand there is a huge German hiking population on the Camino, so I figured it might be fun. Jane is fluent in French and Spanish, so I'll let her handle that.
Thanks again to all you readers! See you out there.
Dennis "K1"
Downloaded this book a couple weeks ago on my Nook. Not quite through with it yet. Thoroughly enjoying it. Thanks for letting me live vicariously through you.
crazystick
03-05-2011, 22:00
I finished the book a couple days ago. I really liked it. Had alot of fun reading it. I read it on the kindle.
I read the book early last year. I really enjoy backpacking, although I haven't had the time recently with my job, and I am also an avid ham radio operator (have radio; will travel) so the book grabbed me from the two aspects. It was a very good read, and I am one to not read too many books. Most of what I read are informational - as in I am reading through guides, manuals, technical writings, etc, trying to learn something. Three Hundred Zeroes was similar, but more of a normal book. There is a lot to learn in there too.
I'm glad this book is bringing so much joy to so many. It was the thrill of a lifetime to complete the AT and a thrill to write about it! It is especially wonderful to see so many nice comments. I wasn't certain about the reception the book would get but judging by the comments thus far, I needn't worry. This is a great community to be a part of.
I'm finding that the Kindle (http://tinyurl.com/2cvecyg) reader population is taking over the lead in people reading the book. I have to plead guilty, I finally broke down and ordered a Kindle (http://tinyurl.com/2cvecyg). To be honest, it does seem pretty neat. Jane and I are planning our next hike, the Camino de Santiago in Spain and it looks like the Kindle (http://tinyurl.com/2cvecyg) will go along. I do plan to take the tiny ham radio with me as well. Another book? Who knows?
The book is now also on Nook (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/THREE-HUNDRED-ZEROES/Dennis-Blanchard/e/2940011977428/?itm=1&USRI=three+hundred+zeroes), Smashwords (https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/34135?ref=k1ypp), Diesel, Kobo, Sony and Apple products, so I'm expecting it will be all over the place before long.
I'm also re-learning what little German I once knew for the hike. Forty years ago I learned a little and I understand there is a huge German hiking population on the Camino, so I figured it might be fun. Jane is fluent in French and Spanish, so I'll let her handle that.
Thanks again to all you readers! See you out there.
Dennis "K1"
Hi Dennis,
Met you briefly at the club meeting in January and hope to join soon. Your story is a great inspiration to me and I've handed it off to my 88yr old father. He taught me everything I know about the out-of-doors and gave me his blessing to hike the AT after reading your book. We only wish we could have done it together years ago. Thanks, Julia
My bad. Should have been a PM but good testimonial on this book
Thanks for the nice comments Skooch! That is a great club, the ATC Florida. The members are truly an inspiration to me. I don't think I've ever met a more friendly bunch of people all in one place.
Glad you enjoyed the book, and I'm really happy to know that Dad approved of the hike after reading it...he sounds like a character. Send him my regards.
By the way, if you know folks that are looking for an ebook copy of Three Hundred Zeroes, Smashwords.com (https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/34135?ref=k1ypp) is having a sale this week, ends on 12 March, 2011 (Saturday). Three Hundred Zeroes (https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/34135?ref=k1ypp) is on sale there for $7.39, which is 26% off. We just purchased a Kindle and I have to admit, I can see why the ebook is so popular. It really does seem to be everything they claim it is.
Regarding the ebook, I guess that guy I hypothesize about in my book, the one delivering 50 Bibles to the shelters, would have a much easier time now, all he would have to do is leave a link to an ebook web site! No more slaving up the hills with 50 Bibles :>)
1, 2...47
Take care...
Dennis, "K1"
It might seem an odd time to drop the price on something when it is selling at record rates. The e-reader market is in a great state of flux at the moment and authors everywhere are debating what should be the "right price" for an electronic edition of a book. I've been following a few hot debates on the topic lately, especially one between authors Joe Konrath and Barry Eisler (http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2011/03/ebooks-and-self-publishing-dialog.html).
The answer to "What is the correct price for an ebook?" is not really settled at this point. However, I'm seeing a trend that says the most mainstream ebooks are now settling around the $4.99 price point, with introductory prices of either $0.99 or $9.99.
So, last night, I dropped the price on the electronic version of THREE HUNDRED ZEROES on Kindle (http://tinyurl.com/2cvecyg), Nook (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/THREE-HUNDRED-ZEROES/Dennis-Blanchard/e/2940011977428/?itm=1&USRI=three+hundred+zeroes) and Smashwords (https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/34135?ref=k1ypp)to $4.99. My hope in doing this is that I will find more readers. Books without readers are of little value and I'm loving the fact that my reader following is growing by leaps and bounds. This month, March, has been, by far, the best month ever and it is thanks to my readers.
I cannot do much about the print version pricing of the book. Print books are much more expensive to deliver to readers. Even though I still love the feel of an actual book in my hands, I have to admit really enjoying reading on our Kindle (http://tinyurl.com/2cvecyg). Ultimately, as an author, what is most important to me is that you are reading. Hopefully, this price change will make that possible for many more readers...
On another note, Jane and I will be going off to hike the Camino de Santiago in Spain this year. I'll be taking that little ham radio with me on that trek as well. Who knows, another book in the making?
This is no April Fool, enjoy!
Dennis "K1" Blanchard
Hey K1, I just finished your book yesterday and it's right up there with my favorite trail journals. A must-read.
Skywalker
04-06-2011, 18:29
Yes, indeed. Let me add my voice to those touting Three Hundred Zeroes. I know the author well and he is as authentic as the day is long. He missed his calling as a stand-up comedian. Instead, he chose the root canal activity of thru-hiking. Great he gets to tell this story in such an entertaining way.
Skywalker
Thanks Perrito, glad you enjoyed it. It's a thrill to know so many are having fun with the book. As for your signature, according to my wife, yes, I'm still wrong.
As for Skywalker's comments, I think he's just trying to get me to put him in my will. :>)
What's your next book Skywalker, "Tall tales on a short trail?"
Speaking of next books, build some excitement here in this forum Skywalker, what is your next work, give us a teaser. I think I've read so many trail books now that I've lost count, but I always anticipate the next one. Do they have treatment centers for that?
Dennis "K1" Blanchard
Author of: Three Hundred Zeroes (http://tinyurl.com/2f74mdt): Lessons of the Heart on the Appalachian Trail
Well, I just ordered Three Hundred Zeroes and looking forward to it! I am going to finish Just Passin Thru tonight so I will have a few days before Three Hundred Zeroes gets here...but that's ok I need to finish Then The Hail Came...
So, I didn't read through all of the prior posts, but the last line of K1's post leads me to believe that he is the author of Three Hundred Zeroes...I hate making assumptions, so let me just ask a stupid question...is this correct?
:)
Anyway, looking forward to it...
You are correct and Skywalker is also a published author. I wish I had the talent
Thanks...and I thought so... :)
Speaking of the book, I was in an interview yesterday on radio station WSLR on the show Local Matters. Myself and another author, Sharon Fitzpatrick, were on to talk about our works and to discuss publishing a book these days. The podcast is at Local Matter/Author Matters (http://localmatters.podomatic.com/entry/2011-05-03T11_00_34-07_00)on Podomatic.com Its half an hour, give a listen if you have nothing better to do.
If you do listen, leave them a comment. Radio folks never know if anyone hears what they say, it is a one-way street. They love feedback.
Dennis "K1" Blanchard
Author of Three Hundred Zeroes (http://blog.threehundredzeroes.com/)
By the way, those of you that have read Three Hundred Zeroes (http://threehundredzeroes.com/), I'm curious: On page 175 (Kindle at 52%) where I talk about the helicopters, did any of you get the strange feeling I was prescient in my observations as they relate to the incident in Pakistan this week when they hunted down Osama Bin Laden. Any comments? Lets not be too political here, I'm more concerned about what I observed about the helicopters and how they may have related to the events that unfolded.
Dennis "K1" Blanchard
Author of Three Hundred Zeroes (http://blog.threehundredzeroes.com/)
I got three AT books for Christmas. Already finished "Becoming Odyssa" (really good book) and am in the middle of "The Laughalachian Trail" (funny, of course), and "300 Zeros" I saved for when I got home (which was tonight). I look forward to starting it tomorrow and appreciate your review.
Rain Man
.
You forgot your sun
:sun
Doc Mike
05-05-2011, 19:57
It sounds like K1 was the first to document the use of the new stealth helicopters. Previously a thing of speculation, now a proven reality and K1 said it first.