Steven M. Cross

Steve was a lover of books, especially stories of adventure and explorers such as James Cook, Sir Edward Hillary, Lewis and Clark and more. Those stories inspired him to travel. After graduation from Tulane University in New Orleans he did. Bound for the Pacific Islands and beyond he boarded an Alaskan freighter. His travels took him to the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand where he would work for a while. He also traveled to other countries such as Australia, many countries in Europe, the Middle East and would sail the seas on a Swedish fishing boat.

After returning home from his travels to New Orleans he opened his first Hostel, called Marquette House New Orleans International Hostel. He welcomed many travelers and enjoyed listening to them talk about their adventures too. One of those travelers was AIma Pettingell whose love of travel and adventure brought her to New Orleans and the Marquette House. A whirlwind romance began, and they soon became engaged in 1983.

Also in 1983, along with his parents and fiance, Alma the San Antonio International Hostel in Texas was opened. The following year Steve and Alma were married In San Antonio's Little Church of La Villita. Their early travels took them to the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico, US cities on the East and West Coast, Southwest, and parts of Canada. Within 1984 he and Alma opened the first Bed and Breakfast Inn, called Bullis House IN San Antonio, TX.

Steve was a very active member of American Youth Hostels nonprofit organization, Later known an Hosteling International. He was appointed to several committees and boards to help develop more hostels in the South. He inspired others to open hostels In beautiful and unique historic properties In Texas, Georgia, Florida and more. The formation of the Gulf South Youth Hostel club was formed.

Both Steve and Alma were very active during these years as well in purchasing and preservation of historic buildings many dating back to 1830s to 1940s.

Steve's life. and his attitude was always positive. He did not dwell on the past. Even during some challenging moments during his lifetime, he would overcome those challenges by surrounding himself with wonderful friends, family, laughter and love. And of course, good books that would encourage him to dream of new adventures yet to come.