Who was Jake Meissner? Was he a vagabond, a gypsy, a drifter, a searcher, an explorer, a rolling stone, a lost soul, a free spirit, or a teacher? Or was he just a man who enjoyed life to the fullest? Whoever Jake was, he paid the consequences for decisions he made both good and bad, molding him into the person he had become. Jake grew up in northern Colorado in the 1950's and 1960's. Going back to great grandparents on both sides of the family, he was the only one out of a very expansive, multi- generational family, to move outside Colorado. This is the story of Jake and all his moves spanning the time from 1951 - 2015. Jake had been to forty one states, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands. In Jake's adventurous sixty four years, he had lived in seven states and Puerto Rico. He had also lived in fifteen cities, towns, townships, or villages and sixty two different habitats. Those included: houses, apartments, mobile homes, motor homes, campers, cabins, yurts, hotels, motels, and B&B's. Perhaps you can relate to what life was like in the 1950's as a child, 1960's as a teenager, the 1970's as a college student and all the other decades following Jake's life into 2015. Human nature has many constants. You may gain knowledge of a particular place or learn a valuable lesson. You may also go on a traveling tour to the many places Jake either visited or lived. Jake's story is told in the past tense even though Jake is still on the move. Jake and his wife Jenna are currently in a two and a half year long term care-taking position. When this position comes to an end is Jake's Destination Unknown? In this earthy and captivating tale of human existence, author John Herbst adeptly chronicles the divergent wanderings and multiple lifestyles of spirited character Jake Meissner. John presents Jake's multifaceted sixty-four year life in a unique way that transcends traditional social inhibitions, realistically painting a genuine man struggling to find meaning in a turbulent world. Visit the 1950s and 60s, experiencing up close what Jake's life was like during childhood. Drop into an alternative reality hippie commune. Stand alongside Jake as he hitch-hikes cross country during the radical 1970s. Accompany him as he quietly pursues and captures frogs and photographs alligators in the dismal swamps of central Florida during the 80s. Listen to the story of the dedication ceremony and memorial for the crew of the Crown Point B-17 crash. Feel the rampage of two devastating floods, one in 1976, the other 2013. Realize Jake's adrenaline rush and pounding heart while summiting majestic 14,000 foot mountain peaks. Enjoy personal training with Jake in 2015, sensing his positive mental attitude towards his clients and life. Have fun with Jake Meissner, a man and life vividly presented by storyteller John Herbst.
About the Author: John was born in northern Colorado, living there 49 out of his 64 years. John's expansive family lives in Colorado, except his for his daughter, Monica, who lives in Idaho, and his wife, Cindy, who lives with John on the Oregon coast. John is a jack-of-all-trades type of guy, an upbeat positive thinker, dreamer, idealist, and a happy people-person. John practices living his adventurous life in the present moment, and as a Personal Trainer, he has a passion for helping motivated people maximize their health and fitness potential.