My name is Kurt Rowe and I am an explorer, adventurer, international traveler, nomad, storyteller, long distance hiker, cyclist, and WWOOFer.

In December 2015 I was laid off from my job.
In 2016 I spent 9 months thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Georgia to Maine.
In 2017, I volunteered in West Yellowstone, MT for The Buffalo Field Campaign in winter to track wild buffalo.
In 2018, I walked the Camino de Santiago 600 miles across Northern Spain.
In 2019, I have been WWOOFing at farms in VA, WV, OH, and WI. Six months at a mushroom farm outside of Cleveland, OH
On February 23rd, 2020, I began an epic transcontinental bicycle tour around the U.S. My plan was to pedal about 6000-8000 miles with a route following several of the Adventure Cycling Association's network of trails.
I completed 750 mile from St. Augustine, FL to just shy of the Lousianna border before deciding to abandon my ride because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Summer 2020 - WWOOFed at a CBD Hemp farm outside of Staunton, VA and a homestead farm in Elkins, WV.
Winter 2020/21 - back out in West Yellowstone for my 3rd winter season with the Buffalo Field Campaign.
Winter 2021/22 - A six month practice residency at SokukoJi Buddhist Temple Monastery in Battle Creek, MI.
Fall 2023 - I completed this amazing 1200km pilgrimage on the Shikoku - 'Way of 88 Temples' on November 16.

I hope to meet you along my travels.
My social media branding is 'Just North of Anywhere' (JNoA) and you can find me here:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/justnorthofanywhere/
YouTube Channel: http://tiny.cc/JNoA_YouTube

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To find a place to lay my head along the way and out of the elements. To make new friends and share my passion for travel and exploration.

Interests

I have been practicing meditation and now studying Soto Zen Buddhism.

• cooking
• knitting
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• skiing
• travel
• mountain biking
• cycle touring

Music, Movies, and Books

Dear Park Ranger (Jeff Darren Muse)
Braiding Sweetgrass (Robin Wall Kimmerer)
The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
The Prophet (Kahlil Gibran)
The Four Agreements (Don Miguel Ruiz)
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (Barbara Kingsolver)

I enjoy everything from jazz to classical, rock to blues. I grew up following the Grateful Dead.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hiked the whole Appalachian National Scenic Trail, covering 2190 miles from Georgia to Maine from Feb-Nov 2016.

These were also amazing adventures ...
- Solo 10 day backpack in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, southeast Alaska.
- Solo 27 day exploration and backpack in southern Crimea along the Black Sea (formerly Ukraine).
- 10 day canoe trip with my father on the Suwannee River, Florida as his retirement present.
- 17 day adventure in Japan with my 75 year old father (yes, I did make him use a backpack).
- Two weeks touring Iceland with my daughter for her high school graduation gift.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have my Permaculture Design Certification and love talking about edible landscapes, self-sufficient living, growing organic food, food forests, and much more.

At a Couchsurfing host's, I taught a little about the art of fermentation and we made a batch of spicy sauerkraut!

I have lots still to learn - what can you teach me?

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook a great meal or teach knitting.
I can join you on a bike ride. I can share stories and photos about my Appalachian trail adventures.
I can help with projects around your house.

I can share my experience and knowledge about traveling and help you to dream BIG and plan your next (or first) adventure.!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain