Born and raised on the East Coast, I moved to the Central Coast of California, after a couple of years at University of Idaho, to complete college. 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. My docent duties included sharing 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  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. For the past three summers, I have been working in Alaska as a Tour Director. Guided activities include trains, planes, automobiles and boats.
My favorite aspect of being a Tour Director is the time with guests on tour, hearing their stories and getting to know them personally. Helping guests schedule an activity they want to try, or shop for that special gift is a welcome opportunity. Many of my guests continue to stay in touch with annual messages, or photos of other tours.