Strap on your hiking boots, folks. We’re off to Haunt Jaunt with Marianne O’connor, author of Haunted Hikes of New Hampshire.
You might recall Ms. O’connor’s book was one of the prizes in my fiberdoodles-inspired Halloween Blog Party Giveaway. I mentioned back then that I’d be interviewing her. True to my word, here it is!
First up are the questions I came up with for her. But I also gave her a chance to answer some of the questions you all left as bonus entries into the drawing. She graciously took the time to answer those as well!
Why Haunted Hikes? What was the inspiration that led you to writing it? (Did you have a personal experience? Was it a fascination with the legends of the area?)
Haunted hikes combines two of my favorite things: ghost stories and hiking. Originally, I wanted to have a book out that would encourage children to go hiking. What developed is the book Haunted Hikes of NH.
I’m a kindred spirit. That’s why Haunt Jaunts, a combination of my passion for ghosts and travel. Do you have any other “Haunted” books planned? Any other “Hike” books in any other regions? Any other books coming out at all?
I would love to do another similar book, right now I am concentrating on writing essays and stories for magazines.
Any tips you can pass along for people to get the most out of the hikes recommended in your book?
Obviously there are “no gaurantees” you will experience something on the trails. But I always say to keep an open mind, and bring your camera. My belief is, once families begin a trip to do a haunted hike, they discover a really fun adventure!
Here, here! Any tips for prime potential ghost spotting times or seasons? (Like did you run across any day of the week or time of day or month when the ghost sightings seemed to happen the most?)
I don’t believe there are any better times than others. Some of the hiking trails in the book may not be accessible in winter months. Always plan with safety in mind.
On the giveaway I held for your book, I asked readers to submit questions they’d like to have you answer for bonus entry chances of winning. Here are some of their questions. (Feel free to answer or not whichever you want.)
- What sort of animals are you likely to run into on these hikes? Any Bigfoot sightings along any of the trails?
Hopefully, you won’t meet any bears, but you are likely to see forest wild life like squirels, beaver, birds, maybe a moose. When I researched the Bigfoot story, I actually discovered a giant foot print in the mud. The area was investigated by the BFFRO.
- What’s the ideal month(s) or season(s) for hiking in New Hampshire?
Summer and fall are the best times to hike in NH. Though there are many winter hiking enthusiasts, if you go in winter, make sure you have proper gear.
- What’s the path you take most often/your favorite haunted hike? (This question appeared a couple of times.)
One of my favorite trails is the one up Mt. Washington, The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to the lakes of the Clouds Hut.
- Did you bring an EMP machine with you on any of your hikes? Is there any equipment in particular you’d recommend people bringing on the hikes to try and capture evidence?
I am not a paranormal researcher, therefore I have no equipment for tracking evidence. I have captured orbs with my digital camera. Take lots of photos!
Ms. O’connor, thank you so much again for obliging Haunt Jaunts with some of your time. Your book is really neat –I almost hated giving it away! I know the winner enjoyed receiving it very much. She lives in New Hampshire, has children, and loves to hike. She was over the moon to be the name I drew out of the magic Halloween hat!
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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That’s a great idea–people don’t often talk about outdoor hauntings, except for battlefields, but I’ve found land to carry equally as many memories as buildings. In fact, when I pass, I hope to haunt the great outdoors and not the indoors–I spent enough time there alive!
LOL! Your last comment…classic you!
Thank you for doing this interview! It’s great to hear about more and more people who just want to get out there and explore like this. I love it. Well, obviously.
Thanks, Susan! Oh yeah! You are most definitely in the category of outdoor ghost adventurers!