CURRENT MISSION

I love life and everything it brings! I would describe myself as a humble, generous and loving person. I like to go on adventures and to be surrounded with high mountains, stars, forest and oceans.

People always ask, “why do you climb?” I’m always asking the same thing. The short answer is, “Because I love it.” But there’s so much more… connecting deeply with friends and with the natural world, challenging my notions of what’s possible, living life as intensely and as simply as I can. Climbing gives lots of time to think, during quiet evenings in the Moab desert, or hanging off the side of rock face in Yosemite. It’s good to sit quietly in a wild place, listening to the birds fly by.

One of the best parts of climbing is meeting other climbers.

I have made my life about exploring the beautiful mountains of the world. I am passionate about climbing and pushing my own limits, but my ultimate joy comes from taking that journey with others, helping them push their limits and get to their own summits. My ultimate surfing adventure is to surf the waves of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), a spectacular and mysterious island of the coast of Chile.

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up. totally worn out and loudly proclaiming: WOW.....what a ride!!!!!

ABOUT ME

2004 National Outdoor Leadership School Graduate.
Certified Wilderness First Responder.
Big City Mountaineers Volunteer.
I have big goals, big dreams and big workouts. I am inspired by creativity and I always try to stay positive.

PHILOSOPHY

My personal philosophy can be basically be summed up as an optimistic existialism. I think that all that we can be sure is of the life we have know. Rather than blame our past or personal traits as excuses for behavior, I am inspired by people who rise above it. Whether the divine is real or not is no matter to me; it is real because we make it so and we are important to ourslves to be meaningful. I try to live my life simply, doing random acts of kindness mixed with more effortful endeavors to better the world. Overall, I just fell so lucky to have the opportunity I've had and not take them for granted by giving back in any way I can.

Live life, Live free, Live fit!
If you cannot do it, do it!
You can really experience climbing on a deep level without being super-strong!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I am relatively new to couch surfing, however when I heard of it, I laughed and wished I had known about it during my past travels. Can't wait to do more surfing!!

Interests

Family, Rock Climbing, Bouldering, Mountaineering, Hiking, Surfing, Slacklining, Mountain biking , Volleyball, Exercising, Biking, Skiing, Organics, Canoeing/Kayaking, Tennis, Meeting new people, Walking on the beach, Meditation, Yoga, Farmer markets, Star gazing, Reading, Scrabble, Chess/Dominoes, Laughing, Skipping stones, Music, The Arts, Museums, Art exhibits, Adventure, Photography, UL Backpacking, Traveling, Drawing, Dreaming....but one who makes them a reality!

I really like to try and learn new things so right now I am taking some violin lessons and its a great fun! I like the simple things in life and I like to enjoy life!

• birds
• arts
• photography
• beauty
• cooking
• vegan
• exercise
• yoga
• meditation
• walking
• flying
• chess
• reading
• traveling
• drawing
• bouldering
• music
• violin
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• backpacking
• canoeing
• kayaking
• mountaineering
• surfing
• skiing
• rock climbing
• tennis
• volleyball
• volunteering
• beaches
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Reggae, Salsa, Bluegrass, Cajun, Indie, any kind of music that moves my soul.
Favorite Bands: The Sadies, See-I, Sylvan, The Corrs, Elle Varner, Maceo Parker to name a few.

Books:
All the classics, Louis L'amour, Anything about travelers, beatniks, and explorers, The Power of Now, The Power of One--the best book ever! The Alchemist, Jules Verne, Haggard, Dickens, Hemingway, Whitman, Kerouac, Steinbeck, Stevenson, Fenimore, Dumas, Shackleton, Twain, Neal Stephenson, ....

Movies:
The Pursuit of Happyness, Shawshank Redemption, Motorcylce Diaries, Remember The Titans, The River Runs Through It, Boyhood, Inherent Vice, ....

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Took a National Outdoor Leadership School course, Big City Mountaineers volunteer trip mentor.

Climbed: A winter ascent of the Trap Dike in the Adirondacks, NY, Mt. Shuskan as part of my Summit for Someone benefit climb in 2010 (raised $3500 for the at-risked teens Big City Mountaineers serves), The Grand Teton, Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, Mt Whitney, Cotopaxi, to name few....

Thru hiked the Laurel Highlands Trail.

Saw the Ai Wei Wei show at the Brooklyn Museum.

I participated in a National Outdoor Leadership School Alumni service project trip in New York's Adirondacks. We'll team with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to conduct meaningful and challenging service projects that protect public lands and enhance visitor safety and enjoyment in the backcountry. I speak passionately about the beauty of the area, the team spirit of my group and the satisfaction of "giving back" to the land through service!

Teach, Learn, Share

I love to spend time with people who have passions and are willing to share/teach me about them.

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will have peace. -Hendrix.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Teach them some gentle exercises and stretches to improve posture and balance. How to cook a simple delicious vegan meal.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Scotland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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