I am a student of the world, but my destination knowledge is mostly inspired by the beautiful and storied lands of Washington, Oregon, and northern California. I work closely with adventure and educational travel companies to lead enhanced itineraries that reveal meanings, are fun, and celebrate science and creativity.
– C O A S T & V O L C A N O E S of O R E G O N –
Bend Area & Newberry Volcano – Exploring a Fundamental Force of Nature
The approachable, active Newberry Volcano of central Oregon allows for first-hand discovery and connection to one of the most fundamental forces of nature – in both its creative and destructive roles.
Oregon’s Coast – A Dynamic Edge
The coastline of Oregon is a dynamic edge, a resource-rich environment that has attracted maritime explorers for centuries and into today.
Crater Lake Discovery
Crater Lake’s breathtaking beauty, seasonal weather extremes, and distinguishing natural and cultural features, combined with a variety of recreational opportunities, provide visitors with abundant chances for discovery, reflection, and inspiration.
– W I L L A M E T T E V A L L E Y of O R E G O N –
Scholars & Scoundrels at the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class center for education, science, and sports. Yet, hidden in plain sight, and within the surrounding community, are countless stories of daring scholars and desperate scoundrels. On our 1.5-hour walk, we will enjoy many of these duck tales. This is a discreet walk for a small group.
Walking Eugene’s Murals & Street Art
Eugene, Oregon, has become a center of urban murals and street art. Discovering such art often requires that visitors look into places they might otherwise overlook. Join this enjoyable walk during the day, or at twilight when shadows gather, to see these from a new perspective.
Covered Bridges of Lane County, Oregon
Covered bridges offer a distinctive charm to a visitor, and Oregon has the largest collection of covered bridges in the American west. Learn about the timber and materials, how the useful life of the structures was maintained, their heyday, decline, and new life.
– C A L I F O R N I A –
Walking San Francisco’s Wicked Barbary Coast
San Francisco is a city born within a moment – the discovery of gold in 1848. The city’s parents were not elites or idealists, but gritty prospectors, sailors, railroad workers, gamblers, ladies of the night, grifters, poets, and carney hustlers. Like then, today’s San Francisco is often idealized as being a place where a person can discover one’s fortune, where an individual can craft their future, and where it’s okay to be weird. But, beneath the sidewalks, unimpressive alleys, and among lonely buildings of the original city —the old Barbary Coast— is a hidden San Francisco, a city that was forged in fear, sex, and gold.
Mark’s interpretive wander explores how the city changed in three important ways. On our walk, we’ll see how fear directed at those considered “unfit” by society (poor, minorities, and women) reveals they are the true backbone of the city, how the censorship of sex led to modern freedoms, and how gold fever changed forms never really disappeared from this place.
Walking Among the Giants of California’s Coastal Redwoods
Coming Soon!