I work as a park ranger at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. I recently moved here from Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa and before that, the North Rim of Grand Canyon.

I am one of those people who has changed her life many times. Once upon a time I was a housewife and a mom. Then I became a lobbyist and advocate. Then I went to work in public health managing an HIV/AIDS care and treatment program, then a rape crisis center. Then my beautiful daughters grew up, moved on and I found myself looking for another change... So I became an interpretive park ranger.

PHILOSOPHY

Because of my job, I have met some incredible people from all over the world. It has brought me quite a bit of joy. I love hearing and telling a good story. Sharing a meal, a bottle of wine and laughing is about as good a time as one can have.

I think the more we meet people from other cultures and places the more we realize that the world is indeed a very beautiful place with more good than bad.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

So far I have hosted but looking forward to doing some traveling later and being hosted. The folks I have met through this forum have been so fun and interesting. I love travelers! We make the world safe and small. The world's carriers of story!

Interests

I love to sing and play music. I am an avid photographer. Poking around the desert that I call home is a source of much joy and wonder.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've rowed the Colorado River through Grand Canyon seven times. I have guided sea kayaking trips in Alaska and used to guide backpacking trips in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. I have three daughters and seven grandchildren - giving birth is probably the most amazing thing I have done and then being there when my grandson was born probably left me the most awestruck.

Teach, Learn, Share

I enjoy hearing about people's lives, challenges faced and overcome, dreams lived or still wishing for, funny adventures along the way, a newly discovered amazing place you gotta go see.

I love sharing what I know about Arizona, especially Grand Canyon. This place has some of the most incredible light you will see, I love sharing my knowledge of how to chase it.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Simple, quiet home. A warm bed, dinner and the best advice about the area one can get. This is a simple but warm home. It is not a place for partying, or loud behavior. COVID vaccination and boosters are required to stay with me.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Mexico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Mexico, United States