CURRENT MISSION

Explore new places & pass on the kindness shown to me from friends, hosts and other travellers

ABOUT ME

I get actively involved in any community that I live in (community festivals, volunteering, puppet shows, etc), and try and see and do as much as I can. I'm friendly, love to learn, and have an open mind. Through experiences treeplanting and exploring, I've stayed on many couches across Canada, and opened my couch to others, before hearing of CS; I'm excited to learn of this international network. I try to be open & respectful, and am personally and professionally dedicated to creating resilient communities, economies and environments. When I get to a new place, I like checking out the library(ies!), local trails, bakeries, coffee shops and am open to recommendations. I'm interested in the history and cultures of areas and how people relate to natural spaces. I never get tired of water and have learned about preparing and preserving my own food - fish and fruit.

I'm happy when I can share cookies, a hike, coffee & wine.

PHILOSOPHY

Live life to its fullest, and be kind to everyone.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Would love to tap into the network when exploring new places and willing to host if I'm home. Can provide tips to Prince Rupert BC and Toronto ON. I've recently moved to Yellowknife and don't have too many local insights yet, but working on it! I've got a new job that involves some travel to the Arctic, and am looking forward to discovering new places.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Have hosted and surfed; all experiences were positive and I thank the CSers for broadening my horizons and sharing their experiences and adventures. I've had guests from Taiwan, PEI, Saskatoon, Calgary, UK, Australia, Ireland, Spain, USA, New York/Cambodia, and Germany, all lovely. I receive numerous requests and can't always host, but I will try and give recommendations to things to see and do around town.

Interests

Rain or shine, I like to hike, bike, and paddle (in a kayak or dragonboat). I value time with good friends, whether discussing books, cooking or baking; love live music (and go to as many Home Routes Tour house concerts as possible) and writing postcards; get repeatedly involved in planning and supporting community events; and generally try and live life to its fullest. I would like to explore new cities and towns on foot and public transit - so many more people watching opportunities!

• fish
• books
• festivals
• cooking
• recipes
• wine
• coffee
• baking
• traveling
• music
• live music
• cycling
• fishing
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• history
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: many, including 84 Charing Cross Road (Helen Hanff); The Tent Peg (Aritha Van Herk); The Time Traveler's Wife (Audrey Niffenegger); Margaret Atwood; Nick Hornby; Joseph Boyden; & Michael Ondaatje.

Music: I love a wide variety of music, although I have a particular affinity for Canadian musicians and try to support them as much as I can (Matt & Jill Barber, Joel Plaskett, Kathleen Edwards, K'naan, Tegan & Sara, Matt Anderson, Red Moon Road, Esthero, Wailin' Jennys, the Stars, Danny Michel, Elliot Brood, & many more).

Movies: Toronto International Film Festival (highlights include Innocent Voices; the Most Fertile Man in Ireland); Prince Rupert Community Arts Council selections (particularly Lars and the Real Girl; the Duchess); and whatever captures my interest at the local library (especially Once; the Lives of Others)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've been privileged to paddle the Nass River (BC) twice during oolichan season; we drove through lava beds, put kayaks in in Laxgalts'ap, had hundreds of birds on the river and then got to visit a camp in Fishery Bay where oolichan were being turned into oolichan grease - a highly valued cultural product. At night - a visit to natural hot springs! Float planes and helicopters around the North Coast are always spectacular and I've been lucky to travel in those too.

Taking the ferry to and from Alaska and sleeping on the outer deck so that I could watch the stars - amazing.

New and old friends can make any adventures fantastic.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can share baking recipes and books, as well as recommendations for BC and Toronto.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada