I'm a Florida native, as were my parents and my grandparents. I moved to Japan when I was seven and didn't come back until I graduated high school.
My chosen profession, landscape architecture, allows me to draw from the two worlds that I grew up in. Both are steeped in nature and history and I'm a geek for both.
I play the tuba in the world's largest adult marching band and recently retired from a 31 year gig playing bass guitar and tuba in a rock band. Playing the Big Horn has been great cross training for my other passion - bicycle touring.
I am a geek for all things in nature, and love to share my knowledge of wild Florida.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've been taking advantage of spontaneous travel opportunities, particularly if the travel includes riding a touring bike, paddling a kayak, or playing a tuba.
I've worked hard to simplify my life so that I can indulge in an adventure on short notice, and couchsurfing is a natural compliment to these adventures.
Warmshowers (like Couchsurfing, but for bike tourists) has taught me that a place for my mattress pad and sleeping bag is all I need for a good night's sleep.
I live and work in an artists studio in the downtown of a small Bohemian city located on Tampa Bay. If you can sleep on a small couch, a big recliner, or a small fully reclining chair, then I'd love to help make your adventure a little easier.
I share my space with two very social dachshunds, and the Most Beautiful Cat In The World.

Interests

I'm a freak for all realms of landscape architecture, gardening, nature, Florida, Japan, music, popular culture, kayaking, bicycling (particularly fixed wheel and touring) and travel.
I consider the mountains of western North Carolina to be a second home, so I'm always trying to increase my knowledge of river kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking.
I love animals and critters of all fur, feathers, shells and scales and I've always found people to be the most interesting creatures on earth.

• animals
• cats
• culture
• architecture
• walking
• gardening
• traveling
• drawing
• music
• guitar
• cycling
• hiking
• kayaking
• history
• beaches
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Music - Everything, really. I grew up in the Pacific with the Motown/California Rock culture and came of age with my Punk inspired rock band. I majored in electronic music composition BEFORE the digital revolution, and currently volunteer for the Florida Orchestra.
I find the sound of bagpipes disturbing.

Movies - Anything by the Coen Brothers or Quentin Tarantino. Obscure Japanese horror films hold a special place in my heart. Bladerunner is still my favorite mainstream flick.

Books - Anything by Carl Hiaasen or Tim Dorsey gets read. Books on Florida nature or history regularly challenge my bifocals. I try to read at least one Japanese comic book a month to keep my knowledge of the language at a kindergardener's level. All scholarly Journals on Landscape Architecture get a peek.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Lived this long, against the odds.
I've also climbed Mt. Fuji a couple of times but, as you in the know already know, this is not necessarily a good thing....

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a scholar of Florida Landscape History, so I will gladly bore you if you let me. I can share a lot about tropical and subtropical plants. If you love to garden and own your own place, bring your property survey and some pictures...I'll give you my two cents.
I will talk and talk and talk about music. I love to learn everyday about any and everything so just start the jabber...I'll listen.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share a couch, my recliners, a sleeping bag, or a place to pitch your tent in my garden. My place is in walking distance of some of Tampa Bay's coolest restaurants and watering holes. There is a beach at the end of the street - I have lawn chairs and a bicycle for you to borrow if you wish.

Countries I’ve Visited

Ireland, Netherlands, Philippines, Taiwan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan