Hobbies

As a child I was always fascinated with the night sky, often staring for hours at the wonders of the stars and planets. When I got to college I enrolled in an Astronomy class to satisfy a physical science requirement for my degree.

A few years ago I decided to get my own telescope and start my own explorations.  I picked up an Orion StarSeeker IV 150mm system (and a ton of accessories) and I have to say I am having a great time with this unit.  It features a large reflector optical tube with a 750mm focal length and moderate f/5.0 focal ratio.  It is a motorized unit with a simple two-star alignment process.  It has a database of over 42,000 objects you can find in the night sky on a clear night.

Although I am just a beginner and have a lot to learn, I am really enjoying this hobby.  When time permits I have attended a few meetings with the Riverside Astronomical Society - a great group that is passionate about Astronomy.  They have a facility in Southern California called GMARS and host star parties in the desert monthly.  Can't wait to attend one! 

 I've been shooting guns since I was a teenager.  I don't hunt - just target shoot.  It was a skill I was very proficient at and one that helped me tremendously in my previous career in local law enforcement.

I like to shoot a myriad of weapons from revolvers to sem-auto handguns, shotguns and yes those evil "assault weapons" that are always being unjustly targeted in the media these days.

Like I said above, I enjoy target shooting and combat shooting matches and you can often find me at local ranges such as Mike Raahauge's and Lytle Creek Firing Line.  With my love for shooting, I also actively support the NRA and the California Rifle & Pistol Association.

Although I would not call myself an armorer, I do like to tinker in my shop and build custom AR platforms both for myself and close friends.  Here are a few of my builds: 

Welcome to my latest money pit.  In 2017 I got an itch to fly a drone and I purchased an "inexpensive" beginner drone that was manufactured somewhere in Asia and flew like crap.  At first I thought it was me and I lacked the coordination and skills needed to be an amateur drone pilot.

I was wrong.  A friend of a friend let me fly their DJI Phantom and what a breeze that was!  I quickly discovered when you invest in a quality product it makes this hobby actually enjoyable.

After that brief experience I went on the quest and purchased the newer DJI Mavic Pro drone as pictured to the left. I am completely new to this hobby but I am so excited about what this drone can do and the images and video you can capture.  Being somewhat portable I can see this going on future vacations.

Although I didn't list it as a hobby on this page, I have always been an avid land and underwater photographer.  A lot of my work is on my other website - Tropical Breeze Productions.  I can't wait to start incorporating drone footage there as well! 

Around 2017 I was introduced to this new type of "motorcycle" by Can-Am Motorsports.  Basically it is a re-engineered "trike", where the front of the bike has two wheels instead of in the rear with traditional trikes.

After researching them and going on a few test rides, I decided to purchase a new Can-Am Spyder RT Limited in 2019.  It is a very fun touring bike that provides added safety and stability as compared to a typical motorcycle.  I enjoy taking it out often for rides and adventures.