Originally from Northern California, currently living in Auckland, New Zealand. I am an avid ultra-distance trail runner, and enjoy most any outdoor activities. When I travel I really enjoy getting to know the culture of the place, so I usually stay for at least a few days. I love going to coffee shops, dining local cuisines, attending farmers markets and other events. I equally love staying home with people and cooking meals together (I used to have my own catering business, so happy to prepare most anything you request)!

I have lived in New Zealand for ten years and am eager to help others discover this beautiful country.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I Traveled around the world in 2018, and enjoyed the more intimate and personal experience I received by sharing time with a host. I am equally eager to host others now that I am settled in a semi-permanent place again. I love the exchange, and the bonds that can be formed in these types of arrangements.

Interests

Hiking, trail running, biking, swimming, cooking/baking, politics.

Music, Movies, and Books

Inoffensive singer-songwriter ;-)
No strong preferences for music, though am not a huge fan of anything with long electric guitar solos. The lyrics are what really sell me on any song.
Movies - love most documentaries. I also have a soft spot for Marvel movies.
Books - most any nonfiction, particularly books about language, etymology, grammar. Mark Forsyth’s books are incredible.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Ran around lake Taupo (153km)in eighteen hours.
Second amazing life-time go achieved - I ran around Mont Blanc. 173km, 8860m elevation gain.

Teach, Learn, Share

I know a lot about travel and environmental issues around NZ and California. I follow politics in most commonwealth countries, and of course, the USA. I enjoy discussing and hearing different perspectives.

My friends call me a “dendro-philiac” I.e. an extreme lover of plants/trees. My MSc was in drought ecology, and I have a particular fancy for big, old trees. So, I have a bit of knowledge when it comes to the inner hydraulics of plants, be it big native trees, or home gardens.

I am an ultra- distance trail runner. Since I push my body very hard, I am quite focused on health and body mechanics. I have a fair amount of knowledge when it comes to injuries, muscles, recovery. I can also help you with your running stride, if you want a lesson.

I LOVE food, and would be lying if I did not say that about 75% of the reason I run so far is so that I can eat anything and everything. I love to cook, so happy to cook/bake anything you request, or learn together in the kitchen.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I cook, keen for activity, and enjoy intelligent conversation. I truly believe that you should leave a place better than you found it, so I try to contribute however most suitable for the hosts (cleaning, preparing food, providing needed items for the house). I also do not expect anything to be done for me, and appreciate everything that is provided.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, France, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States