Guide at a Glance
Locations
Big Sur, Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez, California, United States
Activities
Adventure, Bike Tour, Cycling, Eco Tour, Hiking Trekking, Kayaking, Lifestyle, Nature, Sightseeing, Wine Tour
Guiding Experience
26 years
Languages
English, German
Awards
TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence for 2012 and 2013 for Central Coast Outdoors
Guide Bio
Growing up in California, Virginia developed a passion for the outdoors at an early age. By age ten she was a veteran of many Sierra backpacking trips led by her father. “I remember feeling complete happiness at being outside backpacking with my dad. It was very special to be together in such a beautiful place.” Virginia’s family members are long time residents of the Central Coast.
Virginia is an accomplished world traveler, having spent part of her childhood in Germany and traveling to virtually every country in Europe. Since then she has also traveled to South America, New Zealand, Australia, Africa, the Himalayas and Indonesia. Virginia graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 1985 with a B.A. in German Language and Literature and can still manage to hold a conversation in German. As a guide, hiring coordinator and European field manager for Backroads® for 15 years,
Virginia developed a knack for creating smooth running events and trips, no matter the size nor complexity. “I get a kick out of taking the hassle out of trips so people can focus on why they are really there, to be outdoors having fun and to enjoy a beautiful natural place.”
A competitive swimmer for much of her youth, Virginia now enjoys mountain biking, road riding, kayaking or stand up paddling on the bay and simply being outside here on the Central Coast. Her other passion is wildlife rehabilitation and she works as a Supervisor for the local non-profit wildlife rehab center, Pacific Wildlife Care. She also does educational talks with PWCs educational animals.
