Chris

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

I am very young at heart and deeply interested in immersing myself in other cultures. I'm open to all experiences as I wish to travel to different parts of the western US for the next six months.

Description

Hi I'm Chris,

I am a retired teacher currently living on the Oregon Coast. Prior to moving to Oregon, I lived in Southeast Alaska for 25 years which was an amazing experience. While in Alaska, I lived on a sailboat when my daughter was born for over a year while I attended graduate school. During my teaching career I taught in a residential facility for emotionally disturbed adolescents, an alternative high school, and a mainstream high school. I retired in 2019 after 20 years as an educator.

In 2015, I started a food truck business making soft pretzels to provide my daughter with a summer time job so she could earn money for college. Unexpectedly the business grew. I've been operating the business off and on since then but have finally recently sold the business and am now enjoying retirement by pursuing travel and my long standing interest in photography and adventure motorcycling.

I've lived in many states to include Maryland, Florida, Colorado, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. I have traveled to England, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Norway, and Canada.

I'm very open minded and can get along well with anyone. I'm an excellent communicator and am self-motivated, self-reliant and will get significant work done for whoever hosts me.

I've done extensive remodeling on my home in Alaska prior to selling it which allowed me to develop skills in carpentry(both rough and finish), power tool operation, some plumbing, and tiling(custom bathroom job and tiled entire main floor of home). Please note, I am not a licensed contractor. Rather I'm just an individual who has watched, learned, and taught myself when needed.

I am physically well and have plenty of energy. I often have to force myself to slow down. I'm an optimistic individual with a zest for life. I hope to meet you soon.

Interests

Self development

Sustainability

Photography

Adventure sports

Mountain

Outdoor activities

Fitness

Hiking

Cooking & food

Carpentry

Camping

Yoga / Wellness

Vegetarian or vegan

Sailing / Boating

Nature

Culture

Cycling

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I'd love to become more proficient in Spanish or learn other languages. I'd also generously share my English speaking fluency with those who wish to learn English.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Gardening

Eco Projects

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Some knowledge of:  

DIY and building projects

General Maintenance

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

Hospitality/Tourism

Helping with Computers/ Internet

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Able to teach about:  

Teaching

Languages

More details about your skills

Hello,

I feel my greatest attribute is that I am well rounded as far as skills are concerned. I've done extensive remodeling in my own home to include tiling, rough and finish carpentry, basic plumbing, and minor electrical. I can use all power tools associated with carpentry(table saw, circular saws, drills, sanders, etc.) Physically I can lift upwards of 50 pounds comfortably. Additionally, I'm receptive to working outside of my knowledge and expertise. I'm intelligent, I learn quickly, and I'm a self starter.

I was a small business owner as well. I operated a pretzel company(Peterson's Pretzels) in Florence, OR as well as Alaska. I built the business over the course of the 6 years while teaching full time. This is a testament to my energy level and ability to work hard. I retired from teaching in 2019 to operate the business full time. I sold the business in August 2024.

Additionally, I have extensive experience working with the public in both tourism as well as hospitality so I'm not averse to providing direct support to visitors or guests of your facility.

I'm also familiar with building and managing a website(with software supports). I currently use GoDaddy for my business website and its webpage builder is easy to use.

Age

65

What else ...

I am approaching a time when I will have a copious amount of time to explore and enhance my life through travel and volunteerism. I embrace this opportunity to see and experience other lifestyles and cultures. I want to share my knowledge and energy with people not only in the United States but other places around this amazing place we call Earth.
There is so much I don't know and as a retired educator, I embrace the concept of lifelong learning. Regardless of your current project or need, I assure you I can be of assistance.

With an open heart and mind, I look forward to meeting you and supporting your cause.

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  basically your typical seasonal allergies of pollen

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  Special dietary requirements
  No I do not.