Date men and women from United States / Arizona / Maricopa, 68 year old

Date men and women from Maricopa, United States. I tend to be a quiet, shy, reserved, and conservative individual - probably due to my background. I grew up on cattle and sheep ranches in Nevada and Western Montana. I spent a lot of time on horseback. When my parents sold out, as I was finishing college, I knew ranching was no longer an option. I went back to school and decided to become an applied ecologist. My first real job was at the Univ. of Alberta involving research in the Canadian North and teaching. My two sons were born while in Canada. After four years in Canada, I joined the faculty at ASU and retired this past May. My first wife and I were divorced after 20 years of marriage. I remarried about 5 years later and inherited two adult stepchildren (finally got a daughter). My wife passed away (complications from cancer), in March of 2009 after 16 years of marriage. I am almost finished with her affairs - closing down her corporation, etc. It hasn't been easy but thank God for a few good friends. I am financially independent and have decided to upgrade by purchasing a larger home in Maricopa, AZ. That process is complete and now I'm in the process of a leisurely move. I like the outdoors (hiking, fishing, hunting, photography), movies, reading, writing, etc. My professional duties limited my ability to have "outside" friends and activities. I hope to remedy that and have some fun in my "second childhood".
I would like to find someone with whom I can share interests, activities, friendship, and love. Honesty, integrity, and sincerity are requirements. I came from a background and time where thousands of dollars would change hands based only on a handshake. I know how important those characteristics are. I practice them and expect the same from my partner. I want a woman who has similar interests and will introduce me to some new ones she has. I don't expect her to ever walk behind, I want her beside me. If she feels like taking the lead at times, that is fine with me. When you are with the right person, it doesn't matter who leads. The right person will be with me because that is her choice, as well as mine. I will admit to my own mistakes and when I'm wrong - even if it hurts.
Now that I am retired, I hope to do some of the things I have wanted to do but either never had the time nor the financial resources for. Getting back to nature doesn't cost that much. Renting a place for a portion of the summer to escape the heat and be close to nature is an investment in my sanity and quality of life. I have never taken a cruise. I would like to go up the inside passage and into Alaska soon. I have always wanted to go to Australia and New Zealand, as well. I want someone with which to share these things and whatever comes in life - the good and the bad. I think she is out there, somewhere. I hope we can find each other.