by Kristine Martin, Chicago Area Rep 

Maybe a two-night stay doesn't fit your travel schedule - or maybe you already have comfortable place to stay - or maybe overnight hosts are not available (it happens).  Don't overlook the delight of a brief visit with a day host.  Sharing a few hours walking, chatting over coffee, or enjoying a local event can be "just right."   

Last month my self-supported cycling trip to Denali began and ended in Anchorage.  A few weeks prior to my trip, I reached out to Joan Diamond. We decided to play our get together by ear.  When I arrived, Joan made time for me.  We spent an afternoon walking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (and saw a moose!) while exchanging Servas experiences.  She shared advice on bear spray, mosquitoes (Deet), the Denali Highway... and then wished me luck.  What a treat to reconnect with Joan after my wilderness cycling adventure.  We had lots to talk about while we walked part of the Knowles Trail. It felt like we were longtime friends.  So again ... Servas isn't only a two-night stay.  Take time to savor brief local connections.