CURRENT MISSION

I'm about having fun and photographing all the wonderful places i go. I love rafting, kayaking, backpacking, hiking, playing bridge, readinge,e

ABOUT ME

Even though i am well educated in science and technology ,I long ago realized that my calling was to be in the outdoors and show people a good time. I have spent many years teaching high school science and math and then many more years as a photography instructor for the University of California , taking people in the wilderness for a true hands on experience. I spend much of my free time (when not teaching or guiding clients) in the wilderness - hiking, backpacking, rafting and photographing nature. I also have an intellectual side to support - love to playing duplicate bridge and reading about science and political situations around the world.

PHILOSOPHY

I was once hired by Nasa as an engineer to help get the US to the moon before theRussians. I hated the idea of wearing a suit and tie and working in a factory with lots of people and noise on a project that benefitted no one except our "National ego" - what a waste of money for mankind. i quit so i could be a photographer and be working in the outdoors and loving what I do with my time. I have had many fine jobs - most did not pay so well, but all were what I liked to do. Life is too short to watch TV or spend in shopping malls. I think people should do what they truly like to do both for their work, and for their personal enjoyment. I like working with people either as teacher or student, or on various adventures.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm a very healthy 70 - usually out-hiking my clients , but I'm not in a hurry to go places - i'm more about enjoying the places I go in detail , partly so I can find the best photos but partly because I love to look at all the many details around me like insects and birds. I'm physically fit and try to eat a healthy diet and drink healthy drinks. No smoking and minimum alcohol or drugs. Not interested in watching sports onTV(I don't even own a TV) - I'd much rather be out there doing those fun things. When i spend home time ,its to read books, or research internet subjects of interest to me, or gardening, or working on my photos on Photoshop, - i'm a bit of a PS addict. High quality photo prints are my specialty.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I'm excited about the prospects - hotels don't appeal to me - i'd much rather connect with real people. My money is better spent on traveling, equipment and hiring guides, not squandering lots of money on fancy dinners or expensive lodging (where all I need is a place to sleep).

My most memorable experience- while trekking around Annapurna in Nepal, my friend and I got separated from our sherpas who had our tents and sleeping gear and warm clothing,etc. As darkness approached, we arrived in a tiny mountain villa and a very kind 17 year old girl rescued us. She took us to her home where her mom cooked us a nice dinner and we spent the night sleeping on their straw covered floor with the family cow and goat who they did not leave out at night. I'm still in touch with that angel 20 years later.

Interests

Hiking everywhere, kayaking, rafting, either white-water or mellow, backpacking with my camera. Other interests - I love reading science and adventure stories. I also love to play duplicate "bridge" weekly to keep my brain active. I spend a lot of time talking with friends about life and planning our next adventures and figuring out how to live on this planet with sustainable energy and about how disfunctional our government is..

• birds
• insects
• books
• photography
• instructor
• reading
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• backpacking
• kayaking
• astronomy
• geology
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Adventure stories, like "Endurance" or "Into thin Air" or "Touching the Void". Spy novels. Photography books, National Geographics

All kinds of movies like -- "Saving Private Ryan", "Lincoln", "Air Force one", "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" , "The Count of Monte Christo". African Queen, Avatar, Ice Age, Everest

Music - oldies, Classical, New Age and meditation. Enya, Vangelis, lorenna McKennett, Fleetwood Mac, Judy Collins, Joan Baez. Roy Orbison,

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was in one of the first groups to rappel the 1,100 foot free drop into Golondrinus, a limestone sinkhole in the jungles of Mexico. We hiked 13 miles with a 1200 foot long rope strung between three of us as we hiked. The cave had thousands of swallows and parrots flying in circles as they ascended to get out of the cave each day. At the time, this was the longest drop in any known cave. The rappel to the bottom took a half hour while we watched the parrots squawking as the flew around us. We camped on the bottom for two days as we explored the very green moss and fern covered walls. Being chased by an angry Grizley bear in Alaska was the 2nd most amazing event(a bit more exciting though) - I will tell you about that one later.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a teacher by my very nature - I love to share whatever I know with others. My strongest teaching areas are my knowledge of photography, geology and astronomy. I seem to have a role of entertaining my friends with my great sense of humor and stories of my many adventures. I take most things lightly and love to tease and be teased. I'm also very open to learning from others which is one of most exciting parts of this couch surfing. When visiting you, i would most appreciate your sharing and teaching me about the things and places you know best.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I have been a guide in Yosemite and the Western USA for years, so I can help anyone to plan their stay here. I like people and to share my knowledge and experiences with others. Life is supposed to be fun and fulfilling and I like to share thoughts about living on the planet in healthy ways, eating, adventuring, sharing.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bhutan, Canada, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nepal, Peru