When I was growing up on a small cattle and grain farm in Iowa I always loved getting out to the hills, forests and streams where the most wildlife was. Now I like to travel my planet and see far flung spots preferably while there's a good music event or festival to check out as well.

I'm a pretty quiet and open minded guy who enjoys his comforts and like to take care of the occassional guest.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

There isn't always a friend available to put me up in the places I want to go or the times I want to go there. And accommodation price puts a real damper on the annual travel budget.

Its also important to meet the locals and see life in their country through their eyes, hear the stories and experience the real feel of the place rather than just seeing the tourist sites.

Interests

I like moderate hiking, horseback riding, live music, festivals, campfires, beach volleyball, tracking wildlife, philosophy, meditation, yoga, healing, spirituality, science, social justice causes, old English pubs, ancient ruins, scrabbling in mountain streams and waterfalls to name a few.

• wildlife
• design
• festivals
• causes
• yoga
• meditation
• drinking
• pub crawls
• traveling
• music
• live music
• equestrian
• hiking
• volleyball
• engineering
• psychology
• science
• beaches
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I like blues/rock/folk music especially Pink Floyd, Metallica, Black Crowes, Guns n Roses. I go to a lot of local music in Tonbridge Wells, Brighton and London. A friend takes me around to see a lot of indie music in London that I wouldn't normally think to attend.

Movies: epic sci-fi / fantasy / thriller in IMAX 3D
Books: Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Michael Crichten, maps and factual resource material

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Took time out of my career to practice spiritual healing, yoga and psychology. That led me to travel India, Malaysia, South Africa and parts of Canada. For awhile I ended up working in the gardens of Kensel Green cemetary as a memorial consultant helping a little bit with my clients' grief while we sit down and design something unique to them to remember their loved one.

Teach, Learn, Share

I could have been a lecturer so be careful you don't bring up one my my favourite topics or it could be a long in depth chat !! I don't really do trivial and superficial very well; I tend to focus on real issues and seek comprehensive solutions (I am an engineer after all.)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can get a meal, tickets, drinks or local treats. It's no problem to pitch in with the tidying up of course or any preparations we need to complete our mission. I can also do relaxing massage, reiki healing, life coaching and talk therapy if a host fancies a dose of such things.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Colombia, England, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, England, United States