I live in Corvallis, OR, United States with my wife, 2 dogs and a couple chickens.
We both work full-time as an Illustrator/PrintMaker & Massage Therapist.
At home we lead a very mellow life. I enjoy drinking good coffee, local beer & wine, cooking quality food, gardening and getting outdoors. I am a pretty casual adventurist these days, but enjoy rock climbing, bouldering, all hiking and skiing.
When traveling we spend most of our time walking, wandering, sitting, drinking coffee and generally exploring new places & meeting new folks. I am pretty reserved and Phil (my wife) is outgoing, so she tends to achieve most of the latter.
Mostly I enjoy seeing/finding new plants, birds, insects, mushrooms & fish wherever we are. I also spend an immense amount of time in my studio making art.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I find experiences in hotels a bit stale and dreary, hostels can be better but cater to a younger crowd mostly, and it is nice to experience new places in the company of folks who call it home. I suppose it feels more comfortable and integrated.

Interests

Many listed above, but again: reading, walking, hiking, nature, skiing, coffee, good food, foraging for wild mushrooms, and seeing new places/people/things.

• dogs
• chickens
• birds
• fish
• insects
• arts
• books
• literature
• architecture
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• beer
• coffee
• walking
• drinking
• gardening
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• bouldering
• outdoor activities
• fishing
• hiking
• skiing
• rock climbing
• animation
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

Wide variety of music. I don't greatly appreciate the finer aspects of pop music and current popular country in the US, but otherwise I find merits in most music.
I read tons of books. Right now I would say my favorite 3 authors are: Philip K Dick, Richard Brautigan and Haruki Murakami.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Some years ago I hiked the Southern half (1300 miles) of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Western US.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I enjoy conversation about books, art, politics, philosophy/religion, absurd concepts & ideas and general nonsense.
I have a fair bit of knowledge about building, architecture, art and literature. I am handy with tools and a paintbrush, and both my wife and I love to cook.
If necessary I can strum a banjo, though I claim no musical skill.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Costa Rica, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States