Holiday Short Story Podcast: Snowy Days and Mondays

For the next 4 Tuesdays, I will be re-releasing two of my Christmas short story podcasts mixed in with a holiday story as it originally aired in my radio days on WMML in Mobile, Alabama, and WBCA in Bay Minette, Alabama, under my radio name, Joe Davis. There will also be a brand new offering from my radio days of a special series of newscasts I did for Christmas in 1991.

If you have followed the podcast versions of my short stories in the past, the radio versions I just mentioned will give you a good look at how the stories morphed from simple radio storytelling to the written word then to the podcast. 

My first story today is the tale of my gang of friends attempting to break the world speed record for sledding. Well, it was our own record, but we thought it would be a world record. Trouble was, instead of sledding in thick, fluffy snow, it would be down a mountain blanketed with ice from the worst ice storm the northeast had experienced in decades leaving one of the gang – that would be me – taking the ride of a lifetime. Here is Snowy Days and Mondays-the Podcast Version. And if you enjoy these podcasts, please let me know. I'm considering bringing back the short story podcasts. 

By the way, you can get an eBook or PDF copy of the stories by visiting my Holiday Giveaway 2019 page at:

http://www.joe-cuhaj.com/holidaygiveaway2019.html

Enjoy, won't you?

Joe's 2019 Holiday Giveaway Begins Today

Once again this year, author Joe Cuhaj has put together two thank you gifts as his way of saying thank you for all of your support with his books, podcasts, and articles over the past year.

The first is for the hikers in your life "Joe Cuhaj's 10 Favorite Family Friendly Hikes in Alabama". This is a PDF file with all of the information you need including maps of 10 great hikes to take your kids on. Inside the booklet, there is information on how you can also download a free copy of the GPX files that you can load onto your GPS device for all of the hikes described in the booklet!

The second holiday giveaway is for short story lovers. Joe has compiled his three favorite winter and Christmas short stories (all loosely based on faulty memories) into a new book, "The Christmas Collection". The book is available as a PDF file or eBook. PLUS, you can download audio versions of the stories as MP3 files that you can listen to whenever and wherever you want.

The MP3 cuts include a couple from his podcast, "Joe Cuhaj's Shorts", plus a couple that were read live on the radio during his broadcasting days at WMML radio in Mobile, Alabama, in 1985 and on WBCA in Bay Minette, Alabama, in 1991. With the radio cuts, you'll hear how the stories morphed over the years from simple story telling on the radio to written word to podcast.

To get your gifts, simply visit Joe's 2019 Giveaway web page.

Upcoming Events

Here is a list of Joe's upcoming events:

• Nov. 29, 2019: Christmas Giveaway Begins (Details TBA)

• Dec. 02, 2019: Holiday Short Stories Re-Release on Facebook and Joe-Cuhaj.Com

• Dec. 16, 2019: Bama Bound Podcast Preview Episode Drops on Facebook and Joe-Cuhaj.Com

• Dec. 18, 2019: Taping of the History Press Podcast, "Author Conversations"

• Jan. 20, 2020: Book Release: Hidden History of Mobile

• Feb. 01, 2020: Premier of Bama Bound podcast on Facebook, Joe-Cuhaj.Com, and wherever                            you get your podcasts

Joe Cuhaj Scheduled to Speak at the A.H.T.S. Annual Conference

The Alabama Hiking Trail Society has announced that author Joe Cuhaj has been tapped as a speaker at their annual statewide hiking and outdoor conference March 27-29, 2020.

The conference features multiple tracks of educational presentations on a wide range of topics dealing with not only hiking and backpacking, but the outdoors and environment as well. The weekend also features hikes, great food, prizes, and plenty of fellowship with like-minded outdoor people.

Joe's presentation is set for 9am on March 28th and while the topic hasn't been firmed up yet, it will most definitely deal with hiking in the state of Alabama. Joe is the author of four Falcon Guides on hiking destinations in the state with a fifth set for release in late 2020. Besides the presentation, he will also be signing copies of his books.

Admission is charged for attending the conference with all proceeds benefiting the Alabama Hiking Trail Society, the statewide volunteer organization that builds and maintains hiking trails across the state.

Additional details about the conference, the speaker schedule and registration information will be available soon on the AHTS website, www.hikealabama.org.

New Podcast, "Bama Bound", to debut in 2020

Joe Cuhaj is proud to announce that he will be producing a new podcast that will debut in early 2020.

Bama Bound will be a travel guide to the state via its incredible hiking, paddling, biking, equestrian and rail-trails. Joe promises to take listeners to breathtaking landscapes and fascinating history, explore the state’s rich biodiversity, and introduce you to the people who help protect its fragile environment. And you never what other surprises there might be.

A preview of Bama Bound will be released soon. Be on the lookout!

Falcon Guides Announces Joe Cuhaj's Latest Book - "Hiking Waterfalls Alabama",

Falcon Guides and author Joe Cuhaj are pleased to announce that Joe has contracted to write his 9^th outdoor recreation guide for the publisher. The book will be titled, Hiking Waterfalls in Alabama.

As the title implies, Hiking Waterfalls in Alabama will take hikers of all stripes to some of the most beautiful and secluded cascades in the state. The guide will feature roadside waterfalls that people of all ages and abilities can visit, short easy hikes down a mountain or canyon trail to rushing waters with beautiful blue-green pools, and difficult hikes for more seasoned hikers to some of the state’s lesser known and more remote waterfalls.

Cuhaj says that research for the book is now underway. “The first step is to map out travel plans to visit all of these falls. As of right now, the list is at about 150 waterfalls that I will explore and from that decide the best 50 or 60 to include in the book.”

Of course, waterfalls in Alabama are mostly seasonal. “Yeah, summertime isn’t the prime waterfall watching season in the state, unless there are some decent rains. The best times are in the fall and winter months, maybe into early spring, when there is plenty of rainfall. So, I’ll actually start hitting the trails in September.”

The book is scheduled to be completed by March, 2020.

Cuhaj’s other books for Falcon include:

·     HikingAlabama (formerly Hike America Alabama, now in its 4^th edition)

·     Hiking the Gulf Coast

·     Hikingthrough History Alabama

·     BestDog Hikes Alabama

·    PaddlingAlabama

Joe has also penned a book for Menasha Ridge Press titled, Best Tent Camping Alabama, and a brief history of baseball in the state’s Port City titled, Baseball in Mobile, for Arcadia Publishing. He is currently wrapping up work on a new book for History Press titled, the Hidden History of Mobile, that will be released fall of 2019.

July 2019 Calendar of Events

Joe Cuhaj Book Signing: Best Dog Hikes Alabama

Saturday July 6th - 11am to 1pm

at the 

Barnes and Noble

Eastern Shore Center, Spanish Fort, Alabama

Click Here for Directions

June Calendar of Events - Update

Here is author Joe Cuhaj's updated calendar of events for June and July 2019:

June 2019 Calendar of Events

June Calendar of Events

06/01/2019

Presentation & Book Signing

Page and Palette

Fairhope, AL – 3pm

Well-Behaved Dogs Welcome

Directions

  

06/04/2019

Presentation & Book Signing

Red Beard’s Outfitter

Mobile, AL – 6pm

Directions

Date TBA

Book Signing

Barnes and Noble

Eastern Shore Center

Spanish Fort, AL

Directions

May Calendar of Events - Updated

May 11, 2019:

Best Dog Hikes Alabama Presentation and Book Signing

10am to Noon; Bailey Cove Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza SE, Huntsville, AL 35803

Join us in the cozy confines of the Bailey Cove Library in Huntsville for a discussion of hiking with your dog and the great hiking trails found in Alabama. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers and a chance to pick up an autographed copy of Joe's latest book. It's always a fun time!

June 1, 2019

Best Dog Hikes Alabama Presentation and Book Signing

3pm; Page and Palette, 32 South Section St., Fairhope, AL 365232

Page and Palette is a great little nook for book lovers on Mobile Bay's Eastern Shore, and Joe is thrilled to be presenting his latest book, "Best Dog Hikes Alabama", there on Saturday, June 1st, at 3pm. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome!

May 2019 Calendar of Events

May 11, 2019:

Best Dog Hikes Alabama Presentation and Book Signing

10am to Noon; Bailey Cove Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza SE, Huntsville, AL 35803

Join us in the cozy confines of the Bailey Cove Library in Huntsville for a discussion of hiking with your dog and the great hiking trails found in Alabama. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers and a chance to pick up an autographed copy of Joe's latest book. It's always a fun time!

Calendar of Events - April 1, 2019

April 13, 2019: Alabama Book Festival 2019

All day; Old Alabama Town, 301 Columbus Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

Celebrate Alabama’s rich literary landscape at the annual Alabama Book Festival! The event showcases the best Alabama writers over the past year who will be on hand to sign copies of their book. Panel discussions focus on varying topics in writing, history, fiction, and more. There’s also free writing workshops, and plenty of food, music, and drinks.

Author Joe Cuhaj will be joined by authors William G. Deustch ("Alabama Rivers") and Craig Guyer ("Lizards and Snakes of Alabama") for a discussion of Exploring Alabama's Outdoors at 10am followed by a book signing session of his latest book, “Best Dog Hikes Alabama”

Joe will also take part in an Open Mic session at 12:15 pm, telling one of his humorous short stories of growing up (which will, as always, be loosely based on faulty memories).

May 11, 2019:

Best Dog Hikes Alabama Presentation and Book Signing

10am to Noon; Bailey Cove Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza SE, Huntsville, AL 35803

Join us in the cozy confines of the Bailey Cove Library in Huntsville for a discussion of hiking with your dog and the great hiking trails found in Alabama. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers and a chance to pick up an autographed copy of Joe's latest book. It's always a fun time!

Joe Added to Alabama Book Festival 2019 Schedule

Author Joe Cuhaj is pleased to announce that he has been added to the 2019 Alabama Book Festival schedule! This free event will be held Saturday, April 13th at Old Alabama Town in Montgomery and features incredible authors from around the state in wide ranging genres discussing their work and issues.

Joe has been added to the 10am panel along with the author of the definitive guides to snakes, turtles, and reptiles in Alabama, Craig Guyer, and William G. Deutsch, author of Alabama Rivers: A Challenge and Celebration, to discuss environmentalism in the state.

Joe will also be performing during the Open Mic sessions during the day re-telling one of his many humorous short stories about growing up which is loosely based on faulty memories.

Check out the full schedule of events:

http://www.alabamabookfestival.org/2018-schedule-of-author-panels.html

Wagging Tails and Happy Trails Event Schedule

I'm proud to be co-hosting the Wagging Tails and Happy Trails event with Cheaha State Park on Saturday March 30th. The event is a combination pet adoption / fund raiser for the Clay County (Alabama) Animal Shelter, education event for dog owners, and a celebration of the release of my latest book, Best Dog Hikes Alabama.

There is a lot on the schedule for the day. I hope you can join us! Here's the schedule:

Calendar of Events

March 30, 2019: Wagging Tails and Happy Trails Pet Adoption / Book Launch Party

10am-2pm; Cheaha State Park, Delta Alabama

Join author Joe Cuhaj and the Clay County Animal Shelter atop the state’s highest mountain at Cheaha State Park for a special pet adoption party and the launch of Joe’s new book, “Best Dog Hikes Alabama”! The event is a celebration of the launch of the Joe’s latest book, "Best Dog Hikes Alabama". A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Clay County Animal Shelter (CCAS). The Shelter will have rescues on hand that are up for adoption and looking for a new home – hopefully yours. There will be presentations by area vets and trainers on bringing your new dog home, Joe will discuss getting your pup ready for hiking, plus music, snacks, drinks, and more.

Admission is only the standard park entrance fee: $5 adults, $2 children 6 and under and seniors over 62; Vets and active military-free.

April 13, 2019: Alabama Book Festival 2019

All day; Old Alabama Town, 301 Columbus Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

Celebrate Alabama’s rich literary landscape at the annual Alabama Book Festival! The event showcases the best Alabama writers over the past year who will be on hand to sign copies of their book. Panel discussions focus on varying topics in writing, history, fiction, and more. There’s also free writing workshops, and plenty of food, music, and drinks.

Author Joe Cuhaj will be there to autograph his latest book, “Best Dog Hikes Alabama”, and participate in a panel discussion of the amazing biodiversity that is only found in Alabama. Joe will also take part in an Open Mic session to tell one of his humorous short stories of growing up (which will, as always, be loosely based on faulty memories).

May (Date/Time to be announced):

Best Dog Hikes Alabama Presentation & Book Signing

Bailey Cove Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza SE, Huntsville, AL 35803

CHEAHA STATE PARK TO GO TO THE DOGS FOR A CAUSE

CHEAHA STATE PARK TO GO TO THE DOGS FOR A CAUSE

New Hiking Book and State Park to Team Up for Pet Adoptions

Cheaha State Park to Host “Wagging Tails and Happy Trails” Pet Adoption Party  and Launch New State Hiking Guide

Cheaha State Park and outdoor recreational guide author Joe Cuhaj are teaming up to help the Clay County Animal Shelter find “furever” homes for their rescues and to raise money and awareness for the organization by hosting a book launch party for Cuhaj’s latest Falcon Guide, Best Dog Hikes Alabama, on Saturday, March 30th from 10am to 2pm at the park’s new Mike Bosarge Memorial Dog Park.

With the state’s tallest mountain as a backdrop, “Wagging Tails and Happy Trails” will be packed with activities and information for pet owners and potential adopters:

 Pet Adoption by the Clay County Animal Shelter

 “Best Dog Hikes Alabama” Book Launch & Signing with a portion of the proceeds benefitting        

   the Clay County Animal Shelter

 A Chance for Potential Adopters to “Test Drive” their canine choice on a short hike

 Presentation by an Area Trainer on Bringing a New Pet Home

 Presentation on Getting Your Dog Ready for Hiking

 Presentation by Area Vet on Essentials of Dog Care

 Music  

 Snacks and Drinks

Admission to the party is the park gate admission fee: $5 adults, $2 children/seniors, Veterans and Active Military free.

“Wagging Tails and Happy Trails” was organized by Cuhaj and Cheaha State Park Superintendent, author, and dog lover Renee Simmons Raney to be not only a pet adoption, but to also connect humans and their best furry friends to trails in Alabama’s parks and forests and to encourage outdoor recreation as a vital, effective and fun part of wellness.

About the Book

“Best Dog Hikes Alabama” details the best dog friendly hiking trails in the Heart of Dixie. From mountain views to the coveted coast with full-color photos and maps, helpful tips, and tailored hike specs with information on leash requirements, trail surface, other trail users, as well as important advice about hiking with dogs and preparation before you hit the trail.  

About the Author

Joe Cuhaj is an Alabama transplant, having grown up in northern New Jersey where his love of hiking and the outdoors began with the Appalachian Trail virtually in his backyard. He moved to the Alabama Gulf Coast almost 30-years ago and immediately fell in love with the remarkable biodiversity and outdoor recreational opportunities found in the state. He is the author of four editions of Hiking Alabama, Hiking through History Alabama, as well as Hiking the Gulf Coast.

Research for the New Book "Hidden History of Mobile" Begins

A new book that digs deep into the 300+ year history of Alabama’s Port City, Mobile, is currently being researched by local author Joe Cuhaj.

The book, which is titled “Hidden History of Mobile”, will delve into some dark corners to reveal long forgotten historic tales from the city’s past.

“I’m spending a lot of time with dead people,” Cuhaj jokes. “Seriously, though, I’m looking for the stories and history that have been lost as well as putting new twists on stories we all know like how Mobile helped start Mardi Gras in New Orleans, or that Alabama Crimson Tide football coach “Bear” Bryant coached his first game in Mobile, a game that actually saw the bleachers collapse. But that is just skimming the surface. The book will be digging much deeper than that.”

Hidden History of Mobile is being published by History Press and will hit bookstores early Fall of 2019.