I can not keep up with all the wonderful references being posted, so I suggest you view the latest at: http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/kashtin/

Junko

March 26, 2012

I stayed Stephen and Tyson (dog) for about 2 weeks.
The room is not big, but enough for two of us, and has a wood stove and comfortable beds. Tyson is a lovely dog. He likes walking. I took him for a walk twice a day.
I've got really great experiences. He took me to road trips, Atlin, Liard hot springs, Haines Junction and Skagway. He drove a car for more than 6 hours to go to Liard hot springs. He stopped and showed me many places and explained the histories. I could take a lot of nice photos, because he stopped for me to do it. And he woke up and checked the northern lights in the middle of the nights for me.
He is a tough man. I helped him with his work which is delivery. It was hard for me, because he does many different things, such as collecting and delivering newspapers, letters and packages, alcohols, and also does moving furniture. But it was also good experience for me.
His place is one and half hours away from Whitehorse downtown. There's no shop around his place, but the scenery is breathtaking. I loved it. I was there the end of the winter, so the coldest temperature was around -20 degree celcius, but inside the house was warm because of the wood stove.
Stephen takes care of helpers very well and has very nice friends.
Thank you for having me and sharing such a great time with me.

Morgane

March 3, 2012

When I arrived back home from dropping Morgane off in Alaska I found a hand written letter she had left for me and I thought I would share it.

***************************************************************

Stephen

What could I say if it is not THANK YOU!
I didn't know when I left France I would cross paradise.....
These trees, this sun, this woodstove and all we can find around us made me happy.
Without forget, of course, this beautiful Tyson with it is always a pleasure to share a piece of road!
And, of course, these more than wonderful road trip in this amazing nature, I can't believe I did that!
You can't know how I am happy, of this real happiness to have been here!
And, of course, of course, you, you make this place, these piece of road, these songs, these smile & all very really beautiful!
I just can say, I have, sure, to come back, share a little more with this part of paradise and with you!
You already know that, but never forget you are more than welcome in France, anywhere where I am, where I live.
Don't forget, travels are wonderful, so wonderful...  It make you understand, learn and share more than you can imagine.
You are a wonderful person, Stephen! Don't forget that!
Good luck for all the work, and enjoy the sun, trees, wood, and life. Your life!

See you!
Big hugs.
Morgane 

Arabelle

September 4, 2010

stephen first hosted me in Calgary through couchsurfing, so that we could meet as I was gonna be a 'helper' with him in the yukon a bit later.
Although he's living quite far away from downtown calgary and I didn't have a car, he gave me lifts whenever I needed to go somewhere, offered his really comfy spare bedroom, shared his food with me and as a native calgarian, he did everything he could to make me discover the calgarian area and culture!
Then we left for the yukon and ended up doing more travelling than renovations on his house!!!! There again, he's been a really caring and dedicated host, always making sure I was feeling ok in this 'camping' environment, and that I would feel at home (he even installed chemical toilets inside so that i wouldn't have to meet a bear going to the outhouse at night! ;)
He took me to so many great places! he's more than a host he's a real guide and loves to share his knowledge and love for this area! he knows so many things about the history of the yukon that he made me discover this place and alaska a way I would never have done! he even convinced me to do this crazy chilkoot trail... which I loved and was so proud to have done!!
His dog tyson is a crazy dog but really nice one. very well educated (although spoiled for food ;) he loves cuddles and becomes your best buddy really fast...(and gives you all his hair in return ;)
Stephen is a really shy person but once he knows you, he will keep on talking and telling stories and you will learn so many things with him!!
I will never thank Stephen enough for everything we did and shared during this trip.. it has been amazing!
I'll come back with great pleasure to do the only thing i couldn't.. (dogsledding..) and ... finish the house!! ;)

Excerpts from Laura's emails on Dec 17:

I can not keep up with all the wonderful references being posted, so I suggest you view the latest at: http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/kashtin/

Veronika

August 1, 2012

This person is very generous and helpful - really big inspiration! Has big knowledge about the area he lives and works and is really wanting to share. Thanks for all the hospitality, I fell in love with Yukon, will come here again later for sure:)

Lilly

July 28, 2012

You can't imagine how generous and hospitable he was. Stephen was always taking care of his gusts never thought of his tiredness after work.He made a good plan for me and let me see more about Yukon within 5 days. I should have planned more days in Yukon but it's a pity I have bought the ticket and had to leave on the exact day.

Stephen was so generous not only in one aspect but in many ways such as drove 3 of us to Dawson City. I'd like to share the gas but he didn't accept it...

He drove for 21 hrs one day during his work and after work just let me see more about Yukon and that wonderful Hot Spring. I felt ashamed of myself coz I couldn't take turn to drive and let him have a nap. I forgot to take my driving license with me before I left China.

So I can't count one by one his hospitality. He is such a person who forget himself totally and let his guests comfortable.

Here may I give you advise--please take a little bit of yourself?

BTW I love Tyson.

Thanks for everything.

Sacia

July 25, 2012

Stephen was a very organized and helpful host. He helped me make the most of my short trip in the Yukon - I definitely wouldn't have seen the smallest desert in the world without him! He's very generous and accommodating, nearly to the point where he puts himself second to his guests. Thank you, thank you. :)

Aurore

July 25, 2012

Stephen is so (too) nice with all his guests ... If he could bring us all over the world ! And I fall in love with Tyson, his dog :) He's so crazy lol, but also so friendly !!!
Stephen lives in a Paradise !!

Johanka

June 7, 2012

La maison de Stephen se trouve dans un lieu hors du commun,tranquillité et dépaysement total assuré. Je me réjouis de voir cet habitat complètement terminé. Je suis sur qu'il sera sublime. Stephen sait où vous conduire pour vous faire découvrir son Yukon qui le passionne... Merci pour tout Steven.

Morgane

March 1, 2012

Just a piece of paradise.

Lily and Keith

Sept 17, 2011

Stephen was a wonderful host--very hospitable and eager to make us feel at home. Though his Yukon home is "primitive" by Western standards (no running water, etc), he has made it very comfortable, practical and clean. We are outdoorsey types and we thought it was great! We also really enjoyed both the surroundings and the conversation. Stephen shared many interesting stories and facts about the area. We would love to spend more time visiting at his place or ours! He is welcome at our house any time.

Cynthia

August 31, 2010

Stephen and his trusty canine sidekick, Tyson, along with traveller Diana (Germany) surfed with us for one night. Great to meet Diana for the first time, and to see Stephen for the second time and hear firsthand of his progress and plans for his property in the Yukon. As we already had 2 surfers staying, Stephen graciously slept on the couch so Diana could have a private room. Stephen, you're a gent and a scholar. Great to see you again, enjoy your soak at the Liard Hotsprings! Bsst to you as you build a future in Tagish. Cynthia & Randy

Arabelle

September 4, 2010

Although he's living quite far away from downtown calgary & I didn't have a car, he gave me lifts whenever I needed to go somewhere, offered his comfy spare bedroom, shared his food with me & made me discover the calgarian area & culture!
Then we left for the yukon for some woofing & ended up doing more travelling than renovations on his house!! he's a really caring and dedicated host, always making sure I was feeling ok in this 'camping' environment,(even installed chemical toilets inside so that i wouldn't have to meet a bear going to the outhouse at night! ;)
He took me to so many great places! he's more than a host he's a real guide and loves to share his knowledge and love for this area! he even convinced me to do this crazy chilkoot trail... which I loved and was so proud to have done!!tyson is a crazy but really nice dog & become your best buddy very quickly! I'll never thank S. enough for everything we did during this trip..it was amazing!!

Yasmin

August 24, 2006

A great guy. Stephen showed me around Calgary and even took me up to Banff for the day. I didn't have much time there but he made sure I saw the best of the area. I'd recommend his comfortable spare room to anyone.