CURRENT MISSION

To change people's lives...one thought at a time

ABOUT ME

Growing up I was often called "natureboy" because I was that kid who always collected wiggly stuff: like lizards, snakes, turtles, insects, or not so wiggly stuff like bird nests, rocks, whatever. I would have been happy living in a tree, thanks to "My side of the Mountain," if my parents would have let me.
Now that I'm a bit older, got a few grey hairs poking through my beard, I've made may way around the rock...seen some mighty fine places...and met some amazing people who inspire me to do what I do.
Currently, I live with my wife in Upper Austria (between Salzburg and Vienna) and work for WWF (not the wrestlers…they changed their name) and with young adults on a leadership program.
It's all about the journey…start walking!

PHILOSOPHY

Inter-Connections. Life is intricately connected to everything around us and exploring those overlaps and interconnections makes it exciting. I love connecting with new people. Exploring hills and mountains. Looking at the reflection of the woods in a still lake.
My work and life philosophy overlap quite well: developing an international youth leadership program for interested and environmentally motivated young adults. Mixes all of my passions together!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

just getting started. Up to now, I've just stayed with a few hosts. Once in Romania, 2x in Austria. So far, pretty good experiences.
I love the concept so don't plan to stop any time soon.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

As mentioned, stayed at 3 different surfers places. Interesting folks, didn't have a ton of time to really converse.
The most interesting was finding "Astro Bob" in Völklabruck, a laid back, white haired, Vietnam Objector, who escaped the draft by moving to Canada (I think) and then Europe. He's got a pretty active surfing thing going on and some good stories to go along with it. …and he liked bluegrass music!

Interests

outdoors, bluegrass music, good food/wine, culture, hiking, camping, cooking, climbing, rafting, sea kayaking, biking, ...basically anything that gets me outside. Teaching kids and adults. Getting people to think. Being challenged.

• insects
• culture
• education
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• walking
• gardening
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• surfing
• rock climbing
• teaching
• international relations
• mountains

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Lived on an island in the Galapagos studying Boobies! Steamed with Alaska Natives and ate moose ribs on the open fire. Danced with Maoris in New Zealand. Married a beautiful woman from Austria who I met while rafting a wild Alaskan river. Ran a few leadership programs for young adults that seemed to change their lives!

Teach, Learn, Share

I can offer stories on living on a Pacific island to travelling in the villages of Alaska, central Europe to po-dunk Hick'ry, North Carolina.
I've dabbled in permaculture and backyard gardening.
Experiential education - environmental ed, outdoor education, adventure ed…those are my specialities
International relationships and cross-cultural communication.