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Welcome to the Couch Surfing board!
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Jul 7, 2005 11:36am
Thread Board (disabled)
This board is inspired by the wonderful website at http://www.couchsurfing.com Couch Surfing is just another name for finding free places to crash for a night or two, or a week, or however long is necessary! You work those details out with the people who offer you their couch to crash. (They often have beds available too, but "couch surfing" sounds so much more cool.) Anyhow, for more options, check out the Couch Surfing website. This is just a quick option if you'd like to find other letterboxers who might be able to put up with you for a night or two. ;o) -- Ryan
Re: Couch Surfing
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #5952 by Green Tortuga
Jul 7, 2005 6:38pm
Thread Board (disabled)
How cool is this I'll be couch surfing this weekend for the Stone Mountain Gathering. Mark has a futon and a fig full of beer waiting for me to arrive. Wish I had time to check the website but I'm out the door after hitting the send butto.....
Re: Couch Surfing
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #5961 by BOXDN
Jul 8, 2005 6:35am
Thread Board (disabled)
This website was featured in an interview on the local Atlanta corporate-adult-rock-blanched-of-all-spontenaety-pre-programmed radio station this morning. I felt like I was privy to information before the rest of the world. Thanx Ryan!

-Red
Re: Couch Surfing
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #5964 by Red
Jul 8, 2005 7:03am
Thread Board (disabled)
What did they say about it?
Amyrica
Re: Couch Surfing
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #5965 by Amyrica
Jul 8, 2005 7:26am
Thread Board (disabled)
Quote What did they say about it?
Amyrica


They led into it by saying how unsafe it must be for people to offer up access to their home to complete strangers. The deejay pointed out that this kind of thing would probably work in Europe, as they're used to thinking in terms of hostels and such, but in the US it just seems like you're asking for trouble. They had a local woman who's one of the "listed couches" on for the interview. She sounded a little freaky, and I'd wager her usual guests are too, and the deejay was beginning to annoy me.

After that I switched to another station for traffic and weather reports.

The safety thing occured to me as well... too many weirdos out there for my comfort. So you found a couch - how could you sleep?

-Red
Re: Couch Surfing
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #5966 by Reds Bunch
Jul 8, 2005 8:26am
Thread Board (disabled)
Quote he safety thing occured to me as well... too many weirdos out there for my comfort. So you found a couch - how could you sleep?


Actually, letterboxers couch surf quite often--they just never called it "couch surfing" per se. =) Wes has couch surfed at my mom's place here in California. I've couch surfed at several residences along the east coast during my Appalachian Trail hike. TurtleMcQ even set Amanda and myself up with a place to stay during our visit for the Ithaca gathering. Hey, I even couch surfed unexpectedly at Aryn from Idaho's place once upon a time! =)

All of whom I'd never met in person before staying the night. Well, Amanda had at least met TurtleMcQ before we went over, though it was my first time meeting her during that trip.

And there are additional precautions available as well. The site can track where you've couch surfed before so people have a list of references. If you pay $20 or something, it'll verify ones identity through a credit card.

Granted, anything you do can be dangerous--just traveling to another location can cause death--but with a little common sense and precautions, there's no reason it has to be more dangerous than any other hobby.

I've never made use of a couch from couch surfing, however, though I dream of doing so at some point. =) One of these days..... Just wish I had a couch to offer myself! Might meet some fascinating people that way. =)

-- Ryan
Re: Couch Surfing
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #5967 by Green Tortuga
Jul 8, 2005 8:33am
Thread Board (disabled)
I'd think we could get our own "ring" going of boxers. There are plenty of us around. I'd feel pretty safe offering a place to a fellow boxer. Gosh, I thought I had offered my spare bedroom to Boxdn if he came this way. And he's one of the craziest folks I've ever met!! (said with love of course)

bz
Re: Couch Surfing
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #5968 by bzmom
Jul 8, 2005 9:24am
Thread Board (disabled)
I'd think we could get our own "ring" going of boxers. There are plenty of us around. I'd feel pretty safe offering a place to a fellow boxer. Gosh, I thought I had offered my spare bedroom to Boxdn if he came this way. And he's one of the craziest folks I've ever met!! (said with love of course)

bz


I'd love to see that happen! Often, the cost of travel keeps us from going boxing out of town. We'd appreciate even just a floor to put our air mattresses on or a yard to pitch a tent and the use of a bathroom. I know I would certainly be more than happy to offer my couch or guest room up to a fellow boxer. Consider this an informal invitation to come couch surf at my house!

Liz
Re: Couch Surfing
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #5970 by Penguin Patrol
Jul 8, 2005 1:07pm
Thread Board (disabled)
I love this idea!!!

I live in Concord NC and have a spare bedroom! I'd love a chance to meet fellow boxers and maybe if those boxers are nascar fans he/she/they can come one weekend when there's a race here. I live about 8 miles from the speedway. I am not (or perhaps i should say, i've never been) a race fan but my brother loves it.

I've love to visit up north sometime!! Perhaps for one of the MANY gatherings they seem to have up there!

:-D
Couch surfing since the 60's for Peace
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Jul 8, 2005 5:47pm
Thread Board (disabled)
"Couch Surfing" seems to be old wine in new bottles. Guitarzan and I belong to SERVAS.ORG which has been linking like minded peaceful people for years. Somewhat safer I think than the couch surfing as you are screened, interviewed in person etc. to become a member. No member's info is available online. So less chance of an ax murderer showing up on your doorstep ;-).
The intent of the organization is to promote peace through understanding. Servas is represented as a NGO (non-governmental organization) at the United Nations. We have stayed with some really great people in the US, Europe and Asia. We've also had some very interesting guests tho' one doesn't have to host in order to travel. Happy trails,
Norasta
Re: Couch Surfing
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #5961 by BOXDN
Jul 12, 2005 8:38am
Thread Board (disabled)
You surfed so fast you missed Mark's couch and landed on ours for two nights.

We had a blast. Hope you surf this way again soon..for the Haunt perhaps?

Silly ol Bear
Red's Bunch
Snowbirds heading South need bed.
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Nov 10, 2005 7:52am
Thread Board (disabled)
We are heading from MA to SC for Thanksgiving and then on to our winter quarters in FL. Our routes, starting with PA will be I-78, I-81, I-77 down to Columbia. We plan to leave MA on Nov 18 and need to arrive in SC on the 23rd.

If you have a bed for the two of us, not far from the beaten path, we would greatly appreciate hearing from you.

Our plan is to get at least one letterbox in each state through which we pass. However, there are concentrations of boxes in Carlisle, PA and Charlotte, NC that will probably cause some lingering. I haven't completed a box analysis for VA, yet, and that is a terribly long stretch. All that means that we cannot predict yet exactly where we will be on any particular day. However, we both carry cellphones which should help.

We are retirees and quite harmless. The LB addiction hits us starting last Feb and we have over 700 finds so far. Letterboxing and doctor appointments take up most of our time these days. Our needs are simple and we respect the property of others.

I rarely go to the boards, so emailing me is the best way to reach us.

oldhounder and Siamese
Couch Surfing-Boston
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #5952 by Green Tortuga
Nov 18, 2005 12:54pm
Thread Board (disabled)
Any boxer here is welcome to stay with us in Boston for a night or two. Our place is miniscule, but we can make room. We live right near the T too. We do have cats, so if you are allergic or hate them you may want to reconsider.
amymisha, Camera Obscura, and Misha who keeps changing her trail name
Other 'Couch Surfing' sites
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Jan 20, 2006 1:21pm
Thread Board (disabled)
Hey there fellow travel junkies.

Just learned of several 'budget' travel related sites some of you may enjoy:

In addition to:

http://www.couchsurfing.com
http://www.servas.org

You can find lodging via:

http://www.digsville.com/
http://www.globalfreeloaders.com/

Or swap your homes at:

http://www.intervacusa.com/index.aspx
http://www.homelink.org/index.html

Enjoy!

dvn2r ckr
new at Couch Surfing
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
May 15, 2006 5:53pm
Thread Board (disabled)
I decided to try it!!
With much excitement, I exclaimed (with my southern twang),
"Hey Y'all, Watch this!!"
I then immediately jumped from a flatfooted position up onto my couch, arms flung outward as to get a surfer's stance and whata ya know...
snap, whack, bang...
I fell clean thru the bottom. Poor couch!!

true or false

?????

dixiekin
Unicycling across the US
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
May 29, 2006 11:09pm
Thread Board (disabled)
We'd discussed crossing the US in various fashions on this board a while back--walking, running, cycling, skating--etc. Here's a new one: unicycling. In light of the publicity that's surrounding the woman from NC who's unicycling across the US to raise money for charity, I decided to research the 'hobby' a bit. I stumbled on this article about a man who did do just that a while back and it rings so similar to some of Green Tortuga's antics--it's funny.

If you want a laugh and an interesting interlude for a few minutes check out Keith Cash's journal about his experiences a few years ago:

http://www.unicycling.org/unicycling/tales/kcash.html

Enjoy!

daelphinus
Re: Unicycling across the US
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #24627 by daelphinus
May 30, 2006 3:57pm
Thread Board (disabled)
That was a wondeful, touching article. What a journey! Thanks for sharing that with us dealphinus!

Liz
Re: Couch Surfing
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #5961 by BOXDN
Feb 7, 2007 6:35am
Thread Board (disabled)
This board has been quiet! Now that I've had a cup of coffee, I thought I'd speak up.

I've been a member of couchsurfing for a couple of years, it's a great site. I'm always up for cheap ways to travel (hence, not being able to afford premium membership here yet). I just checked to make sure my profile was updated, and indicated that my couch is available again, after a hiatus due to illness.

If you're in need of a place to stay in the Portland, Oregon area, my couch is at: http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=4V3CVP

Letterboxers, of course, receive priority couch space! ;-)

Singing Wolf
Couchsurfing for Events
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #69902 by Singing Wolf
Feb 7, 2007 8:05am
Thread Board (disabled)
Quote This board has been quiet!



Wow, you ain't kiddin.

I love couchsurfing, too! Haven't done any recently (have a six month old these days). But I've always had a good time. Adds to the adventure of travelling, don'tcha think? =) I've never felt unsafe. I find most people to be nice, decent folks.

Hey Ryan,
Think there might be a way to have a mini-couchsurfing board here on AQ (besides the obvious couchsurfing board--not everyone marks it as a favorite). I'm thinking about the 2007 SouthEast Gathering - 4th Annual in Stone Mountain. I'd hate for someone not to come because they can't afford the hotel. I'd like to offer up a couch or two, but I'm fairly new to AQ and have only met a handful of people. No one knows I have a couch.

It'd be great to have a link on the event page for accommodations. Then everyone would see that there are free places to stay during a gathering and make arrangements. Meet up at the gathering and if folks give you the creeps, you keep the number for Motel 6 on speed dial!

Maybe a carpooling board too, for those out-of-towners! Even folks without transportation could make it to the gathering.

Just thinking...
Happy Breakfast!
Amy
Re: Couchsurfing for Events
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #69935 by Pierced8x
Feb 7, 2007 8:26am
Thread Board (disabled)
Quote Adds to the adventure of travelling, don'tcha think? =) I've never felt unsafe. I find most people to be nice, decent folks.


It really does. It's like this little segment of the population where we choose to be open, friendly, trusting people.

I love the idea of helping people being able to couchsurf for events through AQ. I'd definitely participate.

Singing Wolf
Re: Couchsurfing for Events
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #69935 by Pierced8x
Feb 7, 2007 9:30am
Thread Board (disabled)
Quote It'd be great to have a link on the event page for accommodations. Then everyone would see that there are free places to stay during a gathering and make arrangements....Maybe a carpooling board too...


Hmm..... That's a really good idea. =) I'll have to think about the best way to implement a feature like that. Consider it added to my to-do list!

-- Ryan
Re: Couchsurfing for Events
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #69968 by Green Tortuga
Feb 7, 2007 7:03pm
Thread Board (disabled)
Quote I'll have to think about the best way to implement a feature like that. Consider it added to my to-do list!


Cool! I can't wait to see it.

Dang, Ryan. This site is addictive. Now if more ebay stuff would sell, I could go premium! Wish I hadn't missed the price increase deadline. Holidays are bad for the bankbook. ;-)

Singing Wolf
Couch near the Fall at the Falls Gather?
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Mar 20, 2007 6:20am
Thread Board (disabled)
Hey all!

I'm hoping to make it to the Fall at the Falls Gather in Twin Falls, Idaho. Probably will be just me, but possibly Storm Wind as well. Anyone have a couch or floor space available? I'm well behaved, housebroken, and will help out around the house. ;-)

Singing Wolf
Want to LB in Portland?
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Sep 17, 2007 2:42pm
Thread Board (disabled)
I just wanted to say I have a hide-a-bed couch and 2 showers!

If you wanted to LB in the Portland area, I might be your crashing place.

It would help if I had met you already.

If I have not met you, I would need some other LBer that I know to vouch for you. (Sorry, just cuz you're listed as a LBer, doesn't mean I'm opening my house to you without some sort of vouching to go couching.)

But I would love to host you in your LB endeavors.

Think of me for your Portland adventures.

KuKu
Boaters Unite!
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Mar 26, 2008 8:57am
Thread Board (disabled)
Okay the revolution has started! The insurection is on!
Take this board over and talk boatin to your heart's content.
BOATERS RULE!

Don
Re: Boaters Unite!
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #203744 by Don and Gwen
Mar 26, 2008 9:03am
Thread Board (disabled)
Being totally new boaters, I think we may get some use out of this board! We just bought a little Starcraft and are getting ready to sign up for a boating safety course.

I am sure we will be coming at you with tons of questions!

crazyolis
Re: Boaters Unite!
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #203744 by Don and Gwen
Mar 26, 2008 9:13am
Thread Board (disabled)
I had wondered what this board was supposed to be for. From the title I had visions of a bunch of crazy dudes clad only in their baggies riding the waves on living room furniture. :-)
Re: Boaters Unite!
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #203754 by Dilton Martian
Mar 26, 2008 9:25am
Thread Board (disabled)
When you post here make sure that 'Boating' is in the title. That way some folks will find it due to the title.

Maybe everyone should be wearing an eye patch since we are pirating the board.

Don
Re: Boaters Unite!
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #203744 by Don and Gwen
Mar 26, 2008 9:48am
Thread Board (disabled)
talk boatin to your heart's content.
BOATERS RULE!


OOOO, I could get used to this! ARG matey, mind if I hop a'board?

~C~
Re: Boaters Unite!
Board: Boating, Paddling, and Stuff
Reply to: #203754 by Dilton Martian
Mar 26, 2008 10:04am
Thread Board (disabled)
Couch surfing is when you're out traveling...can't afford to stay at a hotel/ don't want to stay at a hotel.

And you just need a place to crash for the night. So you ask to borrow somebody's couch.

=0D

I've kept this board in my favorites. It does have some interesting reading on it sometimes.
So I was curious to see it being used again. Nice to see the dust knocked off.

I love to canoe...but I haven't been out in forever. Some nice canoeing here in Central Florida too

S~N~K