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~~ Discover Me ~~

I think the word that describes me best is "understated". I tend to be on the quiet side but am social and can be extroverted when the need arises. I'm happily low-maintenance and independent, and looking for the same.

I enjoy playing outside - cycling (road/mtb), running, swimming, hiking, pilates, triathlon, strolling, gardening,... I'm usually up for just about anything, but I also enjoy down time as well. I moved to Santa Cruz for graduate school and fell in love with the area and all it has to offer. I'm grateful to live in such a beautiful place.

My 7-year old daughter stays with me 2-5 nights a week, and I adore her for allowing me to see the world again through the eyes of a child. Her mother and I are on good terms and co-parent in a manner that surrounds our daughter with lots of love. I've been single now for over 4 years and have done the necessary work to bring closure to the past and prepare for an exciting future.

That's me in a nutshell - the shell's not too ornate but the nut inside is pretty exotic!

Just returned from bobbing around on a dodgy survey boat in the equatorial Atlantic east of Brazil and eating beans and rice with every meal. Seriously - consider this the modern day equivalent of a message in a bottle...

I'm self employed (oceanography/geoscience/consulting) and am balancing my time between academic research and applied science. I enjoy the flexibility and time I get to set aside to be an engaged dad and play outside. I've also finally come to terms with my inner science geek, but I'm also balanced by a strong artistic side - I used to do quite a bit of art and also payed bass in a speed-metal/punk rock band (no need to talk about hairdos from the 80's).

Taking chances and learning from them.

You'll have to tell me - I believe we see what we're looking for.

I read just about anything, love Pandora and Netflix, and eat real food (organic, not processed).

I've gone without lots of things while traveling, and this has given me a greater appreciation for things like q-tips and floss.

Water, the environment, and if I'm on a dodgy boat - if the EPIRB works...

Although these OKC profiles make everyone sound amazingly awesome, the truth about me is that I'm certainly full of contradictions and flaws; I view them as opportunities for growth. You might find them charming or simply be baffled. I can only say that I strive (often slowly) towards self-improvement and to be a great father.

I also admit that I did a search on OKC for guys just to see what it is that comes up on your screen, and have to say that I was both amused and somewhat horrified. Egad. Prior to this exercise I had wondered why so many female profiles had the byline "replies selectively", and now I know. I have empathy for you. Seriously. What a fishbowl.

Message me if you are active, enjoy getting outdoors, and believe that the best things in life aren't things at all - you enjoy luxury but are also content with simple necessities.

You're not looking for a quick hookup, but rather a friendship with the opportunity for more if the chemistry is right.

You live within reasonable biking distance of Santa Cruz (less than 50 miles).

You value family, compassion, equanimity, and a nice cup of coffee or tea.