I moved to the Central Coast of California to attend college and chose to make it my home. The area suited me as the climate is perfect for year round outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and beach walking. I retired from the State of California, continued to host high school foreign exchange students, and volunteered  as a Morro Bay State Park Museum docent, where I shared our local cultural and natural history in the museum and on walks. While chaperoning trips for our foreign exchange students,  I learned about ITMI. I knew I  would enjoy a Tour Director career as I organized and led tours for the students and seniors in my community. My tour director assignments began in Washington DC, on to National Parks and a few international trips. In my spare time at home I continue to volunteer for local events such as Hospice, Beer Fest, Musical Festivals and such, usually as a beer or wine server, or sharing time with my grandson. Traveling solo to new destinations annually fills in the gaps between tour assignments. Recently I  started offering personal local wine tours in the Paso Robles region. Summer of 2022 I began working in Alaska as a Tour Director. Adventure, food- I love to eat and cook, or history, I enjoy learning and trying new activities, except bungee jumping. That I will not attempt. My favorite aspect of being a Tour Director is the time with guests on tour, hearing their stories and getting to know them personally. If I can direct them to an activity they want to try, or shop for that special item, I will do my best to help. Many of my guests continue to stay in touch with annual messages, or photos of other tours.