CouchSurfing

In an earlier post, I said that I would talk a bit more about couchsurfing.. www.couchsurfing.com This is a web site that caters to hikers, cyclists, and other travelers by offering a way to communicate to others that you have a bed, couch, or tent site at your home that you would share with them. On the site you post your profile, your available accommodations, and any other pertinent information that would allow a visitor to contact you ahead of time to ask for a place to stay. We received a very nice email from two young hikers (college students) who also happened to be Boy Scout leaders, headed to their summer job at a Boy Scout camp 150 miles from here.

They were interested in leaving a car and getting transported to the Appalachian Trail for a 7-10 day hike. After several emails, a few phone calls, and discussions, we agreed for them to visit. After all, we know the AT in our area like the back of our hands, have lots of room in our home, and ended up having a really nice visit with them. It was their luck that our asparagus bed and our pea patch both had ample supplies for our dinner. Local strawberries are also in abundance right now. It was a delightful evening and we had many common interests, even though we are 40 years older. I think they appreciated the help with their itinerary and were especially pleased with the ride to the top of Roan Mt. to start their hike, after making a food drop at Kincora Hostel at Dennis Cove. It all worked out perfectly.

We picked them up at the end of their hike, as agreed upon, and after another good dinner here (if I do say so myself) they were on their way to their summer jobs. It was a great first experience with couch surfers and we will do it again in the future if the situation presents itself.

I had told our friend from Australia about this last year when he was flying to Denver to meet Ben and our boys for the Bicycle Tour of Colorado. He made contact with a guy in Denver who met him at the airport and toured him around until Ben and the boys arrived two days later. He has now signed up as a host in his home in Australia.

We have also met a young couple who live right here in Bristol who are signed up as a host family with CS and we have had them to eat here and gone to their home as well. They are new here and we have enjoyed meeting them.