Unfortunately, due to damages to my property by Hurricane Milton, I may not be able to host for the foreseeable future. Safe travels...

CURRENT MISSION

Be safe, have fun, and do the right thing...!

Here is a link to my old, "legacy"profile. Maybe nostalgic??? :-)
https://www.couchsurfing.com/users/259820/profile/legacy

ABOUT ME

September 2023

I have completed another lovely road trip over the summer. This trip took me through Savannah, GA, Charleston, SC and up the Blue Ridge Parkway again. I was able to visit old friends and make new ones as I traveled up to New England. One of the high points on my trip north, included a stop at The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA.

From there I went up through Vermont and NY to the St. Lawrence Seaway. I explored many parks, water falls and hiking/cycling trails in New York, working my way to Buffalo and finally Toronto.

In Toronto, I had a great CS host in Brampton. (KarmaGirl and her family) I also met up with a Polish CS friend and we explored New York and Canada for two weeks before returning to Toronto.

My return south took me to Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and the Carolinas, (and again to the Blue Ridge Parkway) returning home to hot and humid Florida.

I mostly camped, along with staying with a few CS hosts and a number of friends. Occasionally, I used Bnbs, as well. I had many opportunities to hike, cycle and generally explore museums and historical places.

May 2023

Like all things in life, change is a part of it.

Now that Couchsurfing.org REQUIRES a fee to participate, I am willing to contribute for the moment.

If the powers that be are willing to clean up and remove the seriously inactive members, the program will be streamlined and improved.

In that case, I will continue to support the program and host when possible.

However, if it continues to be a source of "freeloaders" that neither bother to complete their profiles or even read the profiles of prospective hosts, then it will be time for me move on. I will take the memories of the hundreds and hundreds of people who have enhanced my life by sharing a bit of their time, either surfing or hosting with me. Best wishes to everyone.

April 2023

I have just had a wonderful adventure in Poland again. Followed by a road trip on the north end of Historic Rt 66. (From Tulsa to Chicago)

September 2022

I have returned from a delightful adventure in Europe. I had the chance to visit some of my old CS friends.

As of August of 2022,
I am traveling in Europe until early September.

During the summer of 2021, I had an amazing adventure on a two + month roadtrip, that included 25 states, 19 National Parks and many other locations.

The adventure began with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and went as far west as the Pacific Coast Highway from Washington state to almost San Francisco. Then back east through the Yosemite national park.

The travel included driving along a part of the famous Historic RT 66.

It was most likely, the most enjoyable road trip that I have ever made, with most likely, the best CS travel buddy ever.

Following the summer road trip, I made another road trip to Michigan and Wisconsin in late September to see the beautiful foliage changes.

And the 2021 ended with hosting three surfers from. Vietnam, that were studying in the USA.

My 2022 road trip took me to visit family and friends in the Midwest and NE US ( and Canada!)

Barely back to Florida, before leaving for 6 weeks in Europe.

This update is way overdue!😁

Due to the Covid pandemic, I spent 11 months of 2020 in New Zealand. I am NOT complaining) ;-P

I had a wonderful time while there, in spite of the pandemic. A two month holiday became 11 months. It gave me the opportunity to explore the country even more closely as it was my third trip to NZ.

I am prepared to consider hosting travelers, if proper safety considerations are applied. I have been fortunate to have gotten both of my shots and I still practice safe protocols as needed.

After my summer travels of 2018, I went to Ireland to meet up with CS friends.

In 2019, I traveled to Germany, Czech, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and the UK.

2020 has started well with a two month adventure to NZ.

Update: September 2018

I have just returned from a 10,000 mile (16,000KM) road trip around the eastern USA and Canada. It was a beautiful trip along the back roads and secondary roads. Traveling from the Smokey Mountains to Nashville, then the Natchez Trace Scenic Park way. I followed the Mississippi river to it's head waters in Minnesota, and enjoyed cycling hundreds of miles of rail-trails over a 11 week period. The trip took me up over the Great Lakes, to both sides (Canada and US) of the Niagara Falls, Followed part of the Erie Canal and the St. Lawrence Seaway. Finally through the eastern states and along the Atlantic coast, back to Florida.

I visited with family, friends and even CSers that I had hosted in the past.

Now it is time to start planning a trip to Iceland and/or Ireland for later this month.

Update (overdue)

I am off again exploring far away places..

I will be unable to host again until at least Mid August, 2018.

Fair winds and safe travels!!

Please excuse the absence of recent photos. For some reason it has become too difficult to create categories and also to upload photos in a timely manner. It took more than a half an hour to just upload two.

UPDATE May, 2018
Returned from a 2 month adventure to SE Asia. I spent a month in Vietnam and another month in Taiwan. In Vietnam, I was received and hosted by a wonderful CS couple in Ho Chi Min City. They were a great way to be introduced to the country and culture of Vietnam.

In Taiwan I met with old CS friends and met new ones. I enjoyed a week-long meditation Retreat (my first one)!
I enjoyed the wonderful hot springs, beautiful parks and great food.

UPDATE December 2017
Just returned from spending a week in Costa Rica, visiting old friends and making new ones.

UPDATE October 2017
Had a wonderful ( 100+ day) road trip that took me to Canada as well as at least 24 States. I met up with Friends and CSers along the trip and had a few of them travel of them with me for parts of the adventure. This trip was almost 12,000 miles (almost 19,000 km) I had the opportunity to see the 217 Eclipse, as well as visit many National, State and local parks.

UPDATE July 2017
On the road again. This time will be long trip up the Blue Ridge parkway and on up into Canada.
Then down to Kentucky to catch the Eclipse.

I will continue through the Midwest, visiting family and friends. Then to Las Vegas to meet up with friends to enjoy the national parks,in the West and the changing foliage in the east as I return home in mid October.

UPDATE June 2017

Off on another road trip to the Smokey Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway. Exploring with the RV, and hiking wherever possible.

UPDATE April 2017
Back from three months in New Zealand.

I have had a wonderful adventure exploring both islands of this beautiful country. I stayed with CS hosts for almost a third of my time in New Zealand. Otherwise, I stayed in some of the wonderful NZ HI hostels and Air BnBs.

For such a long stay, it worked out well to buy a used car and then sell it at the end of the trip. It was a lot easier to buy and insure the car than I had imagined. Driving on the other side of the road? That was a little more challenging. (at first, anyway)

I had the good fortune of being joined for parts of my trip by three different friends that I had met previously through CS.

This second adventure to NZ took me to the northern, southern, eastern and westernmost points of the island. (and lots of wonderful places in between) From mountains to beaches, from glaciers to fjords, from natural hot springs to clear, cool lakes, and to many local and national parks.

Within a week of getting home, I was on my way to Texas to look at and buy a small RV. (VW Rialta FD 22 Twin)

Now I am in the process of preparing the RV for another long road trip adventure, this summer around America and Canada. I will be visiting family and friends and making new friends as I travel.

My travel blog can be found at Ramblingman2017.wordpress.com

UPDATE January 2017
Time for another travel adventure!.

Leaving soon for a three month exploration of NZ! I will explore a bit of the North Island for a second time and then a couple of months in the South Island for the first time. I look forward meeting old CS friends and new ones as well.

Back in April in time to prepare for another long road trip around America and Canada for the Summer and Fall.

UPDATE May 2016

Back from spring time in Asia.

About to embark on a fun filled summer trip. I will be traveling up the east coast to upstate NY and back, (visiting friends and camping/cycling/hiking)

Then, it's off to the American NW , exploring as many state and National parks as possible then return home in mid to late September.

I will be traveling in a small 21' RV called a Rialta. Might be willing to take a passenger or two, at times. Guests may have to sleep in a tent. :-P

Update March 2016

I am sorry, but I am unavailable to host, at this time. I will be traveling until early May 2016.

UPDATE 02/22/16
Where has the time gone? I guess it went so quickly because I have been hosting guests and friends since mid-December. :-P

We traveled around Florida, visiting many parks, springs and beaches.

Now I am preparing to head off on my own travels for a few months. So, I will not be hosting for a while. But please do not hesitate to write to me if I cn provide any other guidance or assistance.

Update 12/02/15
Had a wonderful holiday weekend with CS guest. Went to parks, beaches, springs and a day at EPCOT! Warm days and cool nights with good company...

Time to start travel planning for next Spring and for a variety of guests to host over the next few months.
For the moment. planning a camping trip to the Florida panhandle... for this weekend!

Update 11/26/15
Just back from a chilly week with CS host in Montreal! A little cooler than I usually enjoy. (Actually, COLD!) :-) Back just in time to pick up CS guest from DC. Arrived at the same airport with minutes of each other!

Update 11/07/15
Had a wonderful time with Ming & Terri. We visited Florida's parks, springs and beaches. Now they have returned home and I can start on various projects, while waiting for the next guests or travel opportunity.

Update 10/19/15
Back home from wonderful summer adventure. ( and about 8,000 miles of driving) :-) Good to be home and ready to receive guests. Will be hosting a CS couple from NZ, next week.

UPDATE 101215
Way overdue... :-)
En route back to Florida. Taking the slow, scenic route...
Via Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Acadia NP, fall foliage in New England, Boston, Cape Cod, meeting new and old friends and traveling through small town, America...

UPDATE: 081815
Please note that the CS system for noting reply rate has not be working correctly for some time. Regardless of the percentage noted, I have and will continue respond 100% to all CS requests and messages. There may be a bit of a delay if I am traveling,

UPDATE: 052015
There appears to be some problems with the CS mailing system. Many messages are not getting sent or received. Some are just disappearing. ?? Please be patient and keep trying! :-)

05/15/15
Hi Folks! I am going to be away all summer on a road trip that will include spending a lot of time near Lake Ontario,. (NY) Unable to host, but happy to be of any assistance...

Back around late October..

Over two years have passed since April 2013, when I retired from a long, adventurous career with the Florida Park Service. I loved my job and living in my home state of Florida. I am a positive and open-minded traveler, who not only sees the glass as more than half full, but more than full enough for everyone to share. (and no one has to wash it! ) :-)

Now it will be my turn to travel and reconnect with old travel friends and make new ones.

Update: June 2013: Returned from 7 weeks in Taiwan. (4th trip!) Wonderful country with great CS hosts and friends...Not to mention the food and great natural areas..especially natural hot springs!)

Update: August 2013: return from 7 weeks of exploring Europe by train and car, visiting old friends, surfers and making new ones.

Update: November 2013: back from 5 week road trip of the mid-west, including the retracing Historic Route 66 from St. Louis to the Grand Canyon. Then a week snorkeling and exploring Bon Aire in the Dutch Antilles.

Update: May, 2014: Just returned from a 3 week trip to explore New Zealand's North Island. (Saving the south Island for a longer, slower adventure.)

Update: September 2014: Just returned from a 10,400 mile/ 62 day, road trip around (part of) the eastern half of the USA. It include all of the Great Lakes, (Circumnavigating Lake Ontario) and include 18 states, (not counting the state of confusion) :-P
Explored another section of Historic Route 66. (Chicago to St. Louis) Had wonderful CS hosts and other camping adventures.

Update: March 2015
A week in the US Virgin Islands! Sailing and snorkeling and hiking in St. Thomas and St. John. Beautiful weather and the beaches were fantastic!

ALSO:
I have had a surprising number of CSers since I moved to the "country".

Since December 2014:
2 Israelis
2 Belgians
3 Germans (twice!)
2 French Canadians (Twins!)
11 Americans
6 Taiwanese
1 Russian
4 (more) Canadians
2 French

While I am home, I hope to get more involved in CS, hosting, surfing and events...

~ Bike Friendly Couch ~

PHILOSOPHY

I like to share this great adventure called life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

PLEASE NOTE:
Even if my profile reads "meetup" I am still happy to host, if I am in town. Please send me a message if you are looking for a place to stay or travel information. It is set for meeting up, because I travel often on very short notice. I usually get a notification, if a message is waiting for me.

I welcome every opportunity to host guests from every corner of this marvelous planet. I hope to share the opportunities that this world and life have to offer.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have hosted many people, many of whom I have met in my travels. I tend to use hostels and camp when I travel. Since I have joined CS, I have had more opportunities to host even more travelers

Interests

Sailing, Cycling, hiking, camping, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, TRAVEL, meeting people, and my retirement. :-)

• boating
• traveling
• cycling
• hiking
• canoeing
• camping
• scuba diving
• snorkeling
• sailing
• beaches
• parks
• naturism
• road-tripping

Music, Movies, and Books

Sci-Fi, drama, mystery, romance, historical, comedy, etc. You can keep the horror & mayhem movies, the daily news is scary enough. ;-)

I prefer easy listening music, but generally enjoy all genres except violent, heavy metal or chaotic music.

I enjoy musicians such as Vienna Teng, Secret Garden, Gordon Lightfoot, Celtic, foreign music and much more...

I prefer reading and movies to TV. I very rarely watch any TV.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Sailing and diving around some of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, or, cycling through the south of France along the canals, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean sea, or, hiking down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, or, taking a boat trip from Cologne, Germany to Vienna, Austria, or, boating within the floating Market in Thailand.

Teach, Learn, Share

I like to teach sailing, snorkeling, canoeing, road-tripping, and camping. I would like to share what I have learned in my years of travel and life. I want to learn healing massage and other healing arts. .

What I Can Share with Hosts

Local information. Possible transportation. Loaner bicycles... Information about Florida Parks. Clothes washer. Place to sleep and eat... Internet access... Camping space.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand, United States

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