CURRENT MISSION:

Mandie, Kyle and Odin found themselves an opportunity to stay and experience the magic of Alaska, and we want to share it! Mandie plays the ukulele and loves spending free time reading, crochet/knitting, or singing! Kyle is a prospective prospector and hopes to find a career in the life of a gold miner. Odin is a sweet pup who wants nothing more than to meet new people and animals and sleep on top of his people.

ABOUT THE FAMILY:

Mandie is the adventurer. She believes that one's life experience is truly fulfilled by adventure. She is super flexible and loves meeting new people and hanging out with all walks of life. She is always willing to try new experiences (especially with food) and share all she knows from recipes to languages.

Alaska is Kyle's first venture from home and he is loving the ability to experience more raw nature and prospecting abilities than from his native Colorado. He has excelled at stepping out of his bubble and embraced the adventure. A lover of gems and stones, he would love to share his interest in prospecting, metal detecting and gemstone finding anytime. An experienced camper, Kyle loves the outdoors and being in nature.

Odin our 2.5 year old pup is the sweetest dog you could ever find. He loves playing and hugging and giving kisses. He's still young and energetic and could go for hours before passing out for the night. His parents are not quite sure what breed he is, but we definitely see some husky, lab, dane and staffy in him. At 55-60 lbs he is definitely the runt of all the mixes though. A quiet dog, the most noise he makes is when he's whining to meet another dog or person.

We are loving Alaska after the #vanlife and we are hoping to share our experiences with others in the couchsurfing community. We're in a pretty tight fitting one bed cabin at the moment, but we are hoping to move to a two bedroom here soon so we can open our home to couchsurfers as they once opened their home to us. For the time being we are always up for coffee or food or Aurora sightings throughout the winter!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Mandie has surfed on and off again in the last 5 years. Kyle and Odin's first experience was the summer of 2015. It was and always has been a great community to us. We hope to give back once we have a good space to do so.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Mandie first participated in CouchSurfing when she rode the MegaBus from DC to IL by way of PA, OH and MI. She went to a couple of CS meetups in Chicago and met some awesome people. On the way back to DC, I surfed with a first-time hoster in WI and it was a great experience to meet her and introduce her friend into the CS experience. Mandie utilized the CS community when she came to Denver for an internship. She stayed with a lovely family who really helped initiate her stay in Denver and she wouldn't be where she is and around the people she is around today without their open arms and positivity. I am forever grateful for them.

Kyle and Odin surfed for the first time in the summer of 2015 and we found some wonderful people who were willing to let us use their showers and washing machines and let Odin play in their yard.

Interests

Mandie loves music. She has played the ukulele for the last 4 years and plays as much as time will allow her. She listens to anything that really grooves her. Musicians that show a profound amount of heart in their music is what she is usually drawn to. She is also a book worm, and while the trip is just beginning - she is hoping to be able to delve into a new reading adventure while she is on her own adventure. Finally - Mandie crochets, just about anything...that she can find on the internet. :)

Kyle is really into prospecting. His hope is to be able to meet up with some cool prospectors here in Alaska and get an idea of prospecting on a major level. He is more than happy to teach gold panning as well. He has most of the equipment and technical knowlege needed to gold pan and metal detect, but always glad to learn more.

Odin is a typical, lovable dog. He loves his bone and his blanket and will take any opportunity to snuggle with his parents on their bed.

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Mandie and Kyle love Sci-Fi and anything with a good twist! Odin sleeps through movies.

Music: Mandie will listen to anything that has heart. Kyle is tuning into more folky music similar to Head and The Heart and Jamestown Revival. Odin sleeps through music.

Books: Mandie is a bookworm! Mainly interested in sci-fi, adventures and new twists on classic fairy tales. Kyle wants to be a better reader. With a resolution to read 5 books this year he is 1.5 books deep right now, but WINTER IS COMING. Odin sleeps while we read.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

We quit our jobs, sold the house and moved into a van to travel! We ended up in Alaska for now, but we're hoping to pick up where we left off one day!

Teach, Learn, Share

Mandie's parents are Deaf and her first language is ASL. She also plays uke and crochets and is a great teacher. She most likely will tell you about all the great food she has found in town and where to go when you're craving.

Kyle knows geology and could talk about different rocks you may have found in your life, and what he doesn't know he is willing to learn with you. He is also now gaining knowledge on solar and propane power if you were ever considering going efficient in your home. He's also a member of the Gold Prospectors Association of America and can let you know (and most likely accompany you to) where to go to do some prospecting.

Odin will teach you how to be curious and love anyone you meet.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Mandie is pretty creative and can help with any cooking, decorating, or organizing you may need. Kyle is pretty handy and can help with any small issues around the house/yard.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Laos, Mexico, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Thailand, United States

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