After several months of emails, phone calls, meet & greets, and some dating, I am unfortunately losing faith that I am going to meet anyone anytime soon to grow old with. Therefore, I have changed my goals and expectations; I am now currently just looking for someone I can hike with or go on bike rides with. I have changed what I am looking for to "Activity Partner" because I think that might be a realistic expectation. But if someone comes along that sparks chemistry and interest, well, I would be open to that, too. For now, though, I would be very happy to find someone that would like to take in some of the beauty that surrounds us everyday.

I miss the outdoors and have found I am not motivated to get out there without somebody to share it with. My friends and I are planning a strenuous hike for early next summer and I would like to prepare for that by hiking moderately maybe once a month.

There are a multitude of day hikes to go on in Tahoe or even closer. I would like the sights and smells to become a semi-regular part of my life again. I seem to need more in my life anymore than just exercise and online poker (no gambling problem -- I play for free chips for fun). At least the exercise gets me outside for an hour during my 5-mile jog four days a week. But it's not enough for me anymore.

I swear my intentions are good and true -- no hidden agenda. This means you can be young or old, married or single, by yourself or with a friend. I am good, warm company. Not too serious, fun to do things with, no pressure to be around. And I don't care if it's raining -- that's what they make raingear for. Plus, it's nice to be in the rain cuz I feel kinda silly doing it.

For you own reference, I have left the text of the ad I have been using when I was fishing for actual dating and relationship stuff:

Nice Guy With an Edge
My life is reasonably satisfying to me. It consists of a demanding, fair-paying job, plenty of exercise, just enough fun, just enough downtime, and enough longterm friendships to make any person feel blessed.

I've been to college but am not a brainiac. Until recently, I skydived once or twice a month to maintain sanity but I am not crazy. I exercise a lot but I am not a narcicist. I used to read a lot but now I don't. My TV is usually tuned to Comedy Central (sophisticated enough to love Jon Stewart, sophomoric enough to like Southpark) if I'm not watching something from Netflix.

I haven't flown a kite in years (I own a few) and would like to do that again. It's been a while since swimming in Chico Creek and finding my way through the underwater tunnels, as well, and I'd like to change that, too.

I don't have a perfect body (though I'm doing well for my age) so I don't expect you to, either. But I do care that physical fitness is important to you.

I am not desperate or lonely. I am looking to find someone I can share laughter with, enjoy the beauty of the day with, and feel comfortable with holding hands while watching a movie. I sometimes wonder if there's any "one" out there for me but am open to the possibility that there might be. In the meantime, I am willing to look and see where things might lead.

I am caring, affectionate, sincere, honest, communicative, etc. -- really many of the things most of you would want in a man. I just might not be as materially successful as you'd like. No, I'm not poor, but I don't drive a fancy car and I still rent a little house.

I am a strong man with great hands. I give wonderfully warm long- armed hugs. I am 6'1", 210lbs but sometimes seem bigger. Probably because of standing tall and I have broad shoulders and big chest. No weights for exercise -- I like pushups and jogging outdoors.

If you'd like to take a chance with someone who loves his independence, appreciates yours, and would like to enjoy where they overlap, I'd like to hear from you. Take care.

Normally, I would want to meet somewhere we can talk and feel if there is any chemistry, like grabbing a coffee and/or hot chocolate. However, since my expectations have changed recently, and hope for chemistry has taken a backseat, I think meeting at a park for a walk might be more appropriate.
Also, considering the season, it might be fun to check out some Christmas lights with a hot drink.