Monday, November 11, 2013

Book Release Party Day 2 - Hiking the Appalachian Trail as a Teenager

Day 2 of the Book Release Party features an interview with the companion on a trip of 2,000 plus miles, Joshua Bliss, who hiked the trail with his mom the author. Don't forget to enter the great contest afterward as part of the all week celebration!


Mom and son reunite on the Appalachian Trail this past summer

Tell us a bit about yourself.

"Well, I'm 23, I'm the lead assistant manager of a local gas station. I play games online and I read in my spare time."

How was it hiking the Appalachian Trail as a teenager? Thinking back on it, what were the highlights for you? 

“It was hard, but fun. Anyone who has spent more than a week or two on the trail can tell you, it ain't easy. The people I met were the biggest highlights. As you go along, you find groups of people that are going on the same adventure as you, and you can't help but feel a camaraderie with these strangers. It's like a second family.”

Taking it easy

How about the one thing that didn’t go so well on the hike?

“I know that there are several difficult moments mentioned in the book, Overmountain Shelter for example, but the one moment that stands out the most was having a tough night in Connecticut outside a close-to-trail town, and waking up to slugs in my boots and all over my tent. Talk about gross.


What was your favorite state to hike in and why?

Sunset in Glastenbury fire tower, Vermont
Vermont, no questions asked. The woods were beautiful, the people extremely friendly, and some of the best weather the entire trip.


How about your favorite food on the trail?

“We had this strange concoction of mashed potato mix and dressing mix. It was very filling, and very good. Looked kind of like plaster, though.
(Side note: Stayed tuned for the recipe on Wednesday’s Refreshment Day! Thanksgiving Dinner on the trail)


Ok, we know you spent six months hiking with your mom. How was it, really? And would you recommend it for a teen and parent?

“Honestly, it was fun. Not many kids that age get to have experiences like that, and the bonding time we had, I wouldn't trade it for the world. 
Would I recommend it? If you have the chance, definitely. It's a life-changing journey, something you can share for years to come.”



What is some future dream you’d like to see fulfilled in your life?

“I would love to hike the trail again, but solo. I loved doing it with my mother, but i know doing it on my own, at my own pace, would be an adventure all its own.
  
Describe yourself in one word

“Stubborn. Sad but true.



To Order our Book:  

In Print - Amazon and Barnes and Noble

E-book - Kindle  or  Nook


Enter the CONTEST!




2 comments:

Pam Halter said...

I think it's very cool that Josh hiked for 6 months with his mom and found treasure in the adventure! Thanks for doing that, Josh. If I didn't have a special needs daughter, I could see myself and my youngest daughter doing something together. She's one of my best friends.

Lauralee Bliss said...

Thanks, Pam. It was an amazing time for us. I'm glad we did it.