One of my long-held dreams is coming true, it would seem. I’m going to be co-author of a hiking guide book. As in, a real book… One that will be on shelves in bookshops and stuff.
I’m excited beyond words, which (as I’ve said before) is a bit of a worry for someone who calls himself a writer (ssshhhhhh… don’t tell the publishing company). I obviously can’t wait to get started, so sometime in the next month I’ll be heading down to the Great Ocean Road for an epic camping trip – the goal being to HIKE ALL THE THINGS.
Image stolen from the incredible Hyperbole and a Half, and altered by me. Thanks Allie Brosh!
You might be wondering how this happened (hell, I’m kind of scratching my head too)… So back in February 2012 I got an e-mail from the lovely Julie Mundy, who writes a blog called Walks Melbourne and, at the time, had just released a book called Melbourne’s Best Bush, Bay & City Walks. She asked me if I wanted to review the book and, naturally, I agreed.
My jealousy must have come across quite well during our e-mail discussions, because it wasn’t too long after that blog post that Julie suggested the idea of co-writing one of the next books together. I was absolutely stoked, but didn’t want to get my hopes up. These things tend to fall through when you get yourself all excited. Then, a few weeks ago, I had an e-mail from Julie to ask if I was still keen. I said yes and now here I am, ready and raring to go.
The book is aimed at the tourist market, so the walks aren’t going to be huge day-hikes or overnighters. It will cover some of the most beautiful spots along the Great Ocean Road though, and would also be suited to people with young children or those who aren’t all hardcore about their hiking.
At this stage it looks like being on shelves by Christmas 2014, but I plan to write up a few of the hikes for Bushwalking Blog. Most of them haven’t been covered here already, so stay tuned for some new additions.
In celebration of our partnership, Julie Mundy has provided three copies of her previous book to give away to Bushwalking Blog readers. Here’s how you enter…
- You must be signed up to the newsletter to be in the running.
- Leave a comment below stating your favourite short bushwalk along the Great Ocean Road. I need to know which walks absolutely MUST be in this book* (leave your comment using the same e-mail address that you are signed up to the mailing list with).
- Bonus points if your comment includes an image to help convince me.
- The competition closes at 2pm on Sunday 29th of December. If you haven’t signed up and commented below by that time, you will not be considered.
- Entry is only open to Australian residents.
- The draw will take place as soon as possible after the closing time.
- I will choose the winner based on the quality of their walk suggestion. No further discussions will be entered into.
- The winner will be contacted by e-mail and once contacted, will be announced on Twitter and Facebook.
- If I’m unable to contact a winner within 72 hours, the competition will be re-drawn.
* Most of the walks are already set in stone, but there is a chance your suggestion might make it into the book.
So, what are your favourite short hikes on the Great Ocean Road? Is there anywhere that you think I absolutely shouldn’t miss. Let me know in the comments section below.
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The post The man behind Bushwalking Blog is co-authoring a Great Ocean Road hiking guidebook appeared first on Bushwalking Blog.