Cycling
I have logged many hundreds of miles on my bike over the years and redeveloped an interest in cycling in 2009, just after being given a clean bill of health following my cancer treatments. I celebrated my healing victory by training for the Ride to Conquer Cancer, a 262 km cycling trip from Vancouver to Seattle to raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation. I completed the journey in June 2009 and am looking forward to my next cycling adventure.
Health and Wellness
Ever since discovering yoga in 1995 I have had a strong interest in health and wellness. In addition to becoming a yoga teacher I have taken courses in Ayurvedic nutrition, reflexology, massage and sound therapy. My journey through cancer in 2008 gave me the opportunity to experience healing in a very powerful way and reinforced my belief that healing takes place at many levels. My wife, Christa is a talented holistic healer and offers both Reiki treatments and classes and BodyTalk through her healing centre in Vancouver’s Kitsalano neighbourhood.
Hiking
I have been a fan of hiking pretty much as long as I’ve been able to walk. I have fond memories of many hikes in Gatineau Hills north of Ottawa and around Ireland as a member of the “Bootleggers“, a Dublin-based hiking group. Since moving to British Columbia I have been an active member of the Wanderung hiking group and have led many hikes in the Lower Mainland, including a two-day yoga “hikeshop” in Garibaldi Provincial Park that combined yoga and meditation with the hiking experience.
Photography
Photography has been a creative outlet for me for most of my adult life. I have gained much experience over the years and am eager to learn and experiment more. My wife, Christa and I enjoy taking photographs both in our home town of Vancouver and on our many travels. You can peruse many of our favourite shots on our Flickr site.
Shotokan Karate
I was introduced to karate by a friend from my engineering class in 1988 and have maintained a regular practice over the years. I trained at Ottawa JKA dojo for many years under the guidance of Sensei Seiki, one of the most talented and respected teachers in Canada, and was awarded a black belt (Shodan) by the Japan Karate Association in 1996. I have also practised karate in Dublin, Ireland and in Vancouver.
Travel
I’ve always believed that travel is one of the best educations that money can buy. I believe that each culture has something unique to offer and I feel fortunate to have had many opportunities to travel near and far over the years. My adventures have taken me to Northern India, Turkey, many countries in West Europe and to many destinations in Canada, the United States and Central America. Most recently my wife Christa and I spent some time in Mexico and Maui and we have many more destinations on our wish list.