- No smoking in the house this includes vaping.
- Kitchen available for light cooking.
- Please clean up after yourselves
- There maybe maps, brochures and books for you to consult
- Check my favourites there are links to local hikes and eating establishments as well as pubs
- Pet free house and building
- No children reside here
- Nor do children regularly reside in this building (some visit)

This place is a security access building with no extra keys.

If you wish to visit a local establishment I can make recommendations and have via tripadvisors.

We are all adults 'curfew' would involve me buzzing you in. A reasonable hour can be negotiated. Access door to my home is electronic which I can set up within minutes to a number that is easily recalled by separate guests.

A retired person who is willing to share my space with couchsurfers who are OK with a clean hideabed in the living room (Queen sized) or an air mattress that may be available as well as a single air mattress. It may be possible to house up to five persons with enough advance notice.

Need a place to sleep? Here it is complete with linens, pillows and a blankets for one of those sleeping surfaces.

Need a shower? Here you go. There's a walk-in shower available in the 3 piece bathroom. Fresh towels that are always washed and dried between guests.

Need to do some laundry? There's a laundromat 3 blocks away OR toss a few dollars towards the hydro bill. That choice is yours.

Other than that, I am willing to share a hot beverage (tea or coffee or hot chocolate).. from time to time there may be a glass of wine to enjoy either from the balcony with a view of Mt. Arrowsmith or in front of the fireplace.

Music? My tastes in music are eclectic. I am a voracious reader who doesn't keep magazines available as I try to not have more to UPcycle, reuse and recycle.

Where would be be without internet access? Lost in the wilderness!!?? wi-fi access will be provided.

OR simply peace and quiet.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I prefer to know that not everyone is out to make a dollar of the space that they have as a home. So.. here you will be welcome without an outstanding invoice.

Some of the reviews in https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/kingaroo profile mention me by name.

FB was unlinked.. so here I am: https://www.facebook.com/denniceg/

Tripadvisors.. some of my reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Profile/DADIG?fid=919b2965-bc2d-44ed-93dc-e9711bd51180

Interests

Genealogy. History. Climate Change. Truthfully too many to list.

Cribbage (warning *** MUGGINS *** you miss 'm I peg them)

Politics (if you aren't.... say so... I'd welcome the break given the "trending" topics all over the world... HOWEVER, disagreements and discussion that involve respect and passionate beliefs are welcome)

• reading
• music
• art history
• genealogy
• art
• art museums
• 60s music
• 50s music
• photography 📸
• 50+ travellers

Music, Movies, and Books

Source publications for genealogy or history or art or sociology. Music tastes are eclectic

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Been part of the #MeToo to the degree of being part of the movement to have the age of consent in Canada raised to 16-years-old.

Gave birth to 3 children who have all attained adulthood and reside on their own. YAY me... FREE. Free at last!

I went back to university to study Fine Arts through Emily Carr and....... was accepted as part of a class of 30 persons who were younger than my youngest child purely based on my portfolio and a short interview. I even went onto study after that first year of a two year program to realize that, in all truth, I found no joy in commercial art.

I love both film and digital photography.

Teach, Learn, Share

Back Country Etiquette

In the Valley of Trails, as across Vancouver Island and British Columbia, we encourage visitors and residents to enjoy the natural resources in our backyard. We do insist that everyone enjoying the valley follow the Eight Rules of Back Country Etiquette. By following these eight simple rules, we can all ensure that the Valley of Trails will be enjoyed by the next visitor and the next generation.

Eight Rules of Back Country Etiquette

The Eight Rules of Back Country Etiquette are the cornerstone of the Valley of Trails message:

- Respect Private Property
- Much of the Valley of Trails consist of a working forest
- Be aware of posted signs and stay away from active logging areas
- Do not approach any machinery or equipment
- Drive defensively with you headlights on at all times
- Educate yourself as to the ownership of land
- Do not trespass on private property

Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- - Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 70 meters from lakes and streams.
- - Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.

In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- - Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
- - Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 15 to 20 centimeters deep at least 70 meters from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- - Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- - To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 70 meters away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

Leave What You Find
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

Minimize Campfire Impacts
- - Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- - Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- - Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- - Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife
- - Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- - >>>> ESPECIALLY THIS: Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- - Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- - Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- - Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Others

- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises

All of the above work well in life and relationships ESPECIALLY if one is honest, has integrity and is forthright. That is all.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Respect
Discretion

Sharing of recipes I have access to

Minimal impact on your life

Countries I’ve Visited

Puerto Rico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada