CURRENT MISSION

Walking from Alaska down to South America

ABOUT ME

When I was a kid (many years ago) I had epilepsy, and I had many seizures. Then in 1981, right after I graduated from high school, I had brain surgery to correct it -- and I've never had another seizure since! So 20 yrs later, in 2001, I decided to walk from Seattle (where I had the surgery done) to Washington DC, to help raise awareness for epilepsy. Now trust me, all my friends and family would've much rather locked me up in a mental institute, because they just knew that they'd find my dead body in a ditch somewhere. But I had the most wonderful experiences being out on the road by myself -- and that is where my wanderlust was truly born. Not only did I walk to Wash DC, but I continued on up to Maine, back west to Wisconsin, south to New Orleans, east to Orlando, and then back up to Washington DC again. The whole trip was 9,000 miles, took 2.5 yrs, covered 35 states, and I wore out 18 pairs of shoes!

PHILOSOPHY

I love waking up to new scenery each day. I like not knowing whats over the next hill or around the next bend -- and then finding out. I like meeting new people and learning about different cultures and ideas. I thoroughly enjoy learning about the history of different areas.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

After that trip, the wanderlust has never left me. So now I've started walking from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to as far south as my stubby little legs will take me. I'd like to go all the way to the tip of South America. ETA: 4-5 yrs. I am currently at the north tip of Vancouver Island and am heading south down to Victoria, BC.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

While I've been on this trip, I've had several wonderful experiences of couch surfing. It's been wonderful being accepted into others homes and meeting new friends!

Interests

I enjoy the outdoors, walking, hiking, camping, photography, history, reading, and on my downtime when I'm sitting in my tent during a rainstorm...I enjoy doing cryptogram puzzles (sorry, I can't help it.)

• photography
• walking
• partying
• reading
• puzzles
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• surfing
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Earnest Shackelton is my hero. I also like Thoreau and Muir.
I like old, classic music (sorta like me...)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

* In 1981 I had brain surgery for my epilepsy, and haven't had another seizure since!
* In 1988 I learned how to drive an 18-wheeler, and drove truck for 5 yrs. I've been in every state except Hawaii.
* In 1996 I created a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Kansas, Community Thanksgiving, Inc., that fixes a free community dinner on Thanksgiving day and another on Christmas day for anyone who wants to come. The organization is still in operation, and currently cooks dinners for around 700 people.
* From 2001-2003 I walked from Seattle to Washington DC to help raise awareness for epilepsy.

Teach, Learn, Share

Hmmm. I'm not sure what I can teach, but I can make the darn best Chex Party Mix you've ever had!

Countries I’ve Visited

United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States