CURRENT MISSION

Explore the western US, meet great people, go rock climbing, don't starve...

ABOUT ME

I am a friendly, easygoing person who will be doing a good bit of traveling within the next year. I've spent the last 7 years living in Asheville, NC, where I went to college and worked for two years as an Americorps member at a local land conservancy. I'm really looking forward to this next year as a time to explore the US and do some amazing climbing before pursuing graduate education in the Fall of 2014. I'm starting my trip by working for three months as a research assistant in Jackson, WY, where I literally couldn't be more excited to get out and spend time in the Tetons.

PHILOSOPHY

What a tough thing to have to type up? Give me a little while to think about this one...

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Although I've never couchsurfed myself, I've hosted hundreds (maybe more?) surfers over the last five years with my household account (Buttery Goodness) here in Asheville. I absolutely love the program and have made many lasting friendships with folks that have stayed with us.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

As mentioned above, I've never surfed myself, but hope to do so a good bit within the next year. I am a very respectful guest and I understand the dynamics of the host/surfer relationship very well from our 5 years of hosting.

Interests

Rock climbing, mountaineering, bluegrass/old-time music, ecology, land conservation, staying in your house, hiking, traveling, talking, swimming!, drinking, live music, etc...

• education
• drinking
• traveling
• music
• live music
• guitar
• hiking
• mountaineering
• rock climbing
• swimming
• ecology
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Mostly indy rock, bluegrass, old-time, and some electronic music. Right now I'm loving Devendra Banhart, Foghorn Stringband, Built to Spill, Shannon & the Clams, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, The Love Language, The Strange Boys, Toro y Moi, Ratatat, El Ten Eleven, STRFKR, The Carter Family, Atmosphere, and many others.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Last week I helped herd goats across a mountaintop grassy bald near Roan Mountain on the Appalachian Trail. The sun was rising and clouds were sitting at the lower elevations, obscuring everything except for the higher mountain peaks. That was pretty amazing. Another time, I watched my friend Yeager try to jump over a Subaru Forester. He didn't make it, but he definitely tried his best.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'll have all of my climbing gear and several instruments while traveling this year. I would be very (!) happy to teach rock climbing, bluegrass guitar, or mandolin. The coolest part of CS is learning from other people's perspectives and I can't wait to meet some of you.