G'day, my name is Grace, I'm a Kiwi, born and bred North Islander since way back, though I live in Australia now. I spend much of days traveling and exploring the vast lands of 'straya, mate, thanks to the journey based work I do.
I have been chasing the summers for some years now, it works in well with the ebb and flow of my work. In this seasonal movement I have been blessed to meet many good folk of the free spirited nature, those who have introduced me to their own lands and different ways to live, often closely connected to the land and the waters, and in a simplified and yet fulfilling way.
I have myself taken this journey to simplify the tangible constructs of life, thus to broaden the intangible through experiences, connected to place, people and nature, and by exploring and wetting my curious thirst with reading, thinking and talking with people.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Though I live a life that can be fairly disconnected from technology and from the main cultural centers,

I have met many good people of this world through traveling, couch surfing has aided that connectivity of this transient traveling community.

Interests

I run a lot, mostly out in the hills on nice trails with interesting terrain. I also like to test myself in hiking lightweight and solo, a way to develop resourcefulness, resilience and reflection of what we really need and don't need.
I enjoy boating, mostly in the realms of kayaking, both whitewater and sea kayaking.
I love just being in nature, up in the hills, in the trees, by the water or on the water. Being around good people with positive energy, living in a simple and yet creative and knowledge gaining and giving way.
I like playing with arty crafty mediums, currently I live in a tent in a garage when I'm not just living in a tent out in the hills, it's my special place to tinker and do renovations on.

• culture
• dining
• running
• drinking
• boating
• technology
• reading
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• kayaking
• surfing
• history
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I love listening to all kinds of music, it's a universal language we can all connect with. I love dancing and spontaneous jam sessions.

I've been really getting into that Vikings History Channel TV Series.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a goody, the soundtrack is epic, the cinematography is beautiful, the story is engaging and I've been drawn to the likes of Iceland and Greenland forever.

I like reading the classics though they're not always the most straightforward to read. Authors I will always read regardless of the topic are: Bill Bryson, Jack London and Tim Severin. I read a lot here and there though.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I thru hiked the Appalachian Trail in the USA in 2009 from Georgia to Maine.
The best place I have lived was my Tarp Land in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Nor Cal. I had a rough trail down through the pines and manzanitas to a ply wood platform by the river. It had a big tarp over head and a queen sized pillow top mattress on the ground. I got to go to bed with the stars and wake up with the sun every morning!
I can safely say I now live in a tent.

Teach, Learn, Share

History, I like history. Teaching is such a holistic thing. It starts with a connection, as soon as you have a human connection with another human, there is endless learning and teaching opportunities from both sides. Specifically though I can share stories of life in the Aussie bush, life and culture of the South Pacific, and technical outdoor skills.

What I Can Share with Hosts

What I may save in accommodation costs I am generous and keen to share the good and interesting foods and drinks I pick up from local food markets. I am really easy going, I am very independent and can respect the privacy and peace others may want, and I can be wild and up for anything if that is also the way :-)

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Australia, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States

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