Back from an extended sailing trip, I'm homesteading in Hood River. Working as an engineer and land developer, I get out and about often. I try to curate eclectic pursuits - but mostly I just try to keep up with the super locals in their outdoor activities.

Living at my new spot just outside of the city, surrounded by forest and mountain biking trails, I'm learning to be more of a woodsman. Lumberjack in training.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As your typical American backpacker, I've learned the value of hospitable locals and definitely feel that it's finally my turn to return the favor.

Interests

I like traveling, obviously. Although the hostel-hopping, full moon party phase of my life seems to be over. Trekking in the mountains is always a good time. With mountaineering on one side of that spectrum and hot springs poaching on the other.

In general, I just like getting out and doing shit. Rich person hobbies like sailing and flying helicopters or airplanes. Less-fancy hobbies like shooting guns and riding motorcycles. Climbing is definitely one of my favorite things to do. I ride my bicycle every single day.

Scuba diving, underwater rugby, and chess-boxing are all fun too, but happen on a more occasional basis. Going out to the bars and hanging around can be fun once in a rare while.

And, I've gotta say, I'm really enjoying the professional part of my life: field engineering is a blast. I'm going down the backcountry flying route too.

Music, Movies, and Books

I definitely like most music (even country western) but find myself putting on loungey sort of downtempo stuff when I'm by myself. Melodic electronic? Not sure what you'd call it.

When I have time to read, my favorite books are memoires of really crazy, intense people. Or fun "how to" books. Such as "how to survive in the woods". Novels are good for long flights.

Don't really watch much TV or movies. When I do, I like the normal Hollywood crap.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Watched a city of people break the ramadan fast at a huge park in Istanbul: noisy conversation instantly turned to a million mouths chewing.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'll teach you to chop wood. Or maybe you'll teach me.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Firewood, unlimited spring water, organic garden.