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!

我为什么加入 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!

兴趣

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

我做过的一件不可思议的事情

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!

教，学，和分享

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.