This is a profile n my name but which also is intended to include my wife, Jill. Together, we're looking for a way to work less, at this stage in our lives, and have more time to travel and do the things we love... which includes touring by bike. We've been married for 35 years and have a grown-up family of four adult kids. Family life is holy ground, for us. We're considerate, mature, low-maintenance and easy to have around... We love to share, preferably over a glass of wine or a decent craft beer (I'm particular about that!) but will never impose any conversation. We're each very content in our own company, too.

As I'm new to couchsurfing, I want to explore the possibilities before spending money in becoming verified; if it works for me, then I fully expect to invest in that way. (Just wanted to explain why we're not Verified at this stage!)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I (and Jill, occasionally!) am determined to create more opportunities to travel, and particularly to tour by bicycle; we want to to be able to travel economically and meet people with knowledge of the areas we'll be passing through.

Interests

• music
• film
• cycle touring

Music, Movies, and Books

Played guitar forever, but never got much better... Love discovering music that's under the radar. Have hosted house-concerts in our home for many years, and met some wonderful musicians who'll never 'make it big' but are much better than many who do. Jill is a (properly gifted!) musician too, and we've spent a lifetime playing in different contexts - including some occasionally-impressive ones ;-)

We love indie films, that tell stories - rather than the big blockbusters.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

We acquired a derelict church almost accidentally (it's a long story...) and we converted into a lovely hospitality business - which was awarded 'Britain's Best Bed and Breakfast' by VisitEngland, the Govt's national Destination Marketing body, in 2014 and again in 2017.

Teach, Learn, Share

We set up an adult-learning hub here in the rural area when we moved here 20+ years ago, which ultimately withered when grant-funding was withdrawn. We love to travel (we have family in NZ) and have always sought to do so authentically, and slowly, whenever practical.

What I Can Share with Hosts

We are good company, good listeners, private and respectful, and generally easy company to have around! We love our homeland, here on the beautiful Northumberland Coast, and love to share stories of the amazing history and the 'hidden' places...

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Scotland