Date men from United States / California / Richmond, 57 year old

Date a man from Richmond, United States. Physically, I’m in good shape (tall, broad shoulders, muscular) and I workout on a regular basis, but I’m not a gym rat. I'm originally from the East Coast, but I've lived in the South and California long enough for some of the edges to have worn off without losing my basic character. I live in what I think is the world’s greatest playground, and I like to go play whenever I can. Indoor: movies, theater, music (especially the blues; I did college radio once upon a time), and art (I love all kinds of art, but especially art glass!). I also like to cook, and I have a garden full of unusual plants from Annie’s Annuals that’s slowly evolving. Outdoor: hiking (can you say Yosemite?), biking and skiing (and I’d like to take up sea kayaking). I also love to travel and explore, both far away (Europe, Asia), and locally (I’m still finding new things around the Bay all the time). My favorite walks are by the water, and my favorite places to relax are within earshot of the ocean.
Of course, you can't play all the time, but I also enjoy my work. I’m a scientist working on human environmental health issues, where science collides with politics. I get to do good science on the side of the good guys, and still have time for a life. I’m lucky – I can honestly say that I enjoy my job. I also do community service (Presidio restoration),and volunteer at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley (a fabulous music venue!) but I don’t watch reality TV – my reality is more interesting than what I see on the tube. I’m outgoing and affectionate, spontaneous and adventurous, and extremely curious. I’m also grounded and practical, but not boring and never a couch potato!
I enjoy people, and I’m passionate about what I do and about those who are special to me - I'm loyal to them, and I always try my best to protect them. I like to have fun, but my #1 priority in a relationship is taking care of my partner. I like confident women - I work with them, and I find that I respect and like them. My ego is never threatened by a woman that knows what she's on about. I enjoy life immensely, and I’d like to have someone special to share it with. I’m looking for a woman with similar qualities and interests who focuses more on what she likes than dislikes, and who wants to grow into being best friends with her partner in a relationship. I’d like that relationship to become permanent.