Hi!

I recently graduated from VIrginia and am looking to travel more! For the time being I'm based in Charlottesville working in medical research.

I enjoy all outdoor activities primarily hiking and climbing. I thru hiked the Appalachian trail in 2015 and hope to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2020. In the meantime, I will be climbing as much as possible so if you're looking for a belay partner hmu. I also enjoy attempting to mountain bike and kayak.

I also love reading (ask for or give me book recs!) and am dabbling in writing short fiction. I listen to a wide range of music mostly indie/alternative/newgrass and play the cello. I am trying to become a better cook this summer by following the Binging with Babish series on youtube.

I'm here to experience new things and like meeting passionate people. I'm happy to share my interest and knowledge. Hopefully I will be able to host soon depending on roommates. Otherwise, I'm going to start taking some short trips to nearby areas just to get my feet wet in the CS community.

Happy Trails!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm excited to engage with people as I travel. Locals provide the best guidance to experiencing their hometowns. I like experiencing new often bizarre things whether its some food, an obscure hike or crag, or maybe some live music.

I like sharing my interests with other people and in turn learning from them.

And sometimes I just really need a shower and a night out of the cold rain :P

Interests

• writing
• literature
• dancing
• cooking
• live music
• hiking
• history
• science
• stargazing
• climbing
• canyoneering

Music, Movies, and Books

Books -
East of Eden by John Steinbeck - the modern retelling of the Cain and Abel story. Shows us the power of forgiveness, redemption and change.
All quiet on the western front by Enrique Remarque - Tells the story of world war I from the German perspective (Originally banned in US). Made me realize the absurdity of fighting an "enemy" with the same needs, dreams, hopes common to all humans.
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut - By my favorite author and portrays the horrible influence of war on mental health.

Songs -
Total Entertainment Forever by Father John Misty, Feels like we only go backwards by Tame Impala, "Cars" by Kendall Street Company

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I spent 5 months 10 days thru hiking the Appalachian Trail when I was 18 years old. It was my first time away from home and I met so many incredible people. A guy from Germany (Trail name Breakless) introduced me to couchsurfing. I stayed with a cult, met a guy wanted by the FBI, hiked with a professional musician and a retired green beret and many other extraordinary people, slept on many picnic tables and skinny dipped in countless rivers and lakes. It was a great time and I'm happy to tell more stories in person!

Some answers to common questions I get...
20 miles a day (with a break or zero every 5 days)
9 bears
No I didn't carry a gun.
I got food by hitching into towns weekly
New Hampshire was my favorite state

Teach, Learn, Share

I have lived in Charlottesville for four years now and know the area very well. I am happy to show travellers around the University of Virginia and give both a historical and student perspective. I can provide advice on the local music and food/drinking scene.

I know all of the local hikes well and would be happy to go with you! I also enjoy climbing although this requires more travelling away from cville. I have access to gear for climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and pretty much any other outdoor activity so I'm happy to share this with you.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Food, Beer, Stories, my outdoor knowledge

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Canada, England, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States