I am a Registered Nurse in my early 60's, who has lived in Maine since the early 70's. I came here as a back-to-the-land hippy, then moved to Portland, the state's largest city, met my former wife, and subsequently raised our three beautiful children, all now grown and gone. I am entrepreneurial by nature. I recently left clinical nursing in a local hospital (traumatic brain injury) to start a nonprofit therapeutic bike riding program called Portland Wheelers(.org). We give rides to people living with disabilities, young and old alike, who cannot ride a bike by themselves, but would love to go for a ride. It's way fun for both our "wheelers" and our volunteer "pilots." Check us out! .......... I have done most of the maintenance on my homes, am handy with all kinds of tools, and am happy to help with gardening, small maintenance repairs or building projects. Just ask! If you have the tools, I'll do what I can. ......... I've traveled extensively in North and Central America, Europe, and the Caribbean. When I was young, most of my traveling was by hitchhiking and bicycle. With my family, we did a lot of house trades. My daughter and I once did a Green Tortoise bus trip to Alaska (the best!). I like to dive, hike, and hangout in cafes. I love to explore by motorcycle. ........ I'm told I'm a "good guest." I keep my space neat, clean up after myself, offer to help where I can and, genuinely like people of all kinds and enjoy good conversation. That said, I can, and often do like to, spend time alone, and I'm very respectful of my host's home and personal space.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

This winter, I'm taking my first extensive break from work in a long time. First, I'll be heading out west to see a couple of my children, then down south to the island of Dominica - the "Garden of the Caribbean" - for three weeks of rest, relaxation, and exploration. Starting next year, I'm considering making Dominica my winter home. .......... Why aren't I offering to host? Because, I sold my house last spring. For awhile anyway, I'm renting a room in a friendly neighbors' house, until I figure out what's next.

Music, Movies, and Books

I whistle all the time, sometimes like to hum to myself, and can play the harmonica ... sort of. And that's about it. ........... Movies? I watch a lot of them, and enjoy many different genres so long as their done well. Favorites? A quick scan brings up The Martian (anything with Matt Damon), Notting Hill (I am a complete sucker for a good romantic comedy), and Peter Pan (Disney's 1953 original). Books? I'm a fiction fan and widely read, but no kind of snob about it. I just like to read. My granny, who frequently took me to the library with her, would read 3 novels a week, every week. I caught the bug, but not the speed.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Delivered my first child at home ... unattended. There's a good story there.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Canada, France, Israel, Saint Lucia, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States