What are your OTHER hobbies?

[iceman (Mike)]

We've had threads like this from time to time over the last 4 years, but we haven't had one in a while.. and we have a lot of new members who haven't been here to participate in them. They're always good for generating some discussion and getting to know each other a little bit better.

So, what are your other hobbies? Apart from Astronomy, obviously..

I guess I'll start since i'm already here

Photography
Interestingly, my interest in photography was sparked by my interest in astrophotography. My interest in terrestrial photography as a hobby peaked probably about 12-18 months ago when I was doing it a lot, buying photography magazines, going to photography websites and forums, making trips to do terrestrial photography.
Unfortunately it's waned quite a bit since then, mainly through lack of time. Especially since starting my new job in January. Before, I was driving to work so I'd often take my camera with me and if I saw a lovely sunrise over the Hawkesbury on the way to work, I'd stop and shoot it. I'd go for a walk in the national parks near work and take some photos. These days, i'm catching the train and I just haven't made the effort to take the camera to work with me, even though there's some nice city-sights I could photograph. Plus, I can't ask the train to stop at the Hawkesbury
I still love doing astro type terrestrial photography - wide field moon or planet rises, conjunctions, etc with a foreground interest.

Karate
I've been doing Shotokan Karate for a bit over 18 months, and love it. I did Tae Kwon Doe when I was a kid (13 or so) but only for 6 months. We started my son Jacob in Karate a couple of years ago, but he only did it for 6 months. While taking him there, it peaked my interest and I wanted to start doing it too. We couldn't afford it while he was still going, so when he stopped I joined up.
I love it for the confidence, strength and fitness I get out of it. I usually go 3 times a week - would love to go more but again it's a matter of time and other commitments (eg: family!). Got about 1.5 - 2 years to go still until I reach black belt, but I will get there.

World Wars
I can't remember quite what started the interest, but late last year I started becoming interested in WW1 history, mainly with respect to the diggers and the Australians role in WW1. I read lots of books, watched movies, went to the War Memorial in Canberra etc.
I've now moved onto WW2 and have read heaps of books about WW2, including Kokoda and Tobruk (both brilliant!) by Peter Fitzsimmons, lots of other history books detailing the chronology of the war, watched lots of movies and series , Saving Private Ryan of course, Band of Brothers (BRILLIANT), Kokoda, and many more. Some of the old-school black and white movies from the 50's and 60's are hilarious
Once i've finished learning enough about WW2, I guess I'll keep moving on.. Maybe Vietnam next.?

Online Games
I used to play a lot of online games - it was my main hobby before Astronomy took over. I don't play them anymore, apart from the ocassional quick game lately but I need to stop again.. such a waste of time when there's too much else to do

Basketball/Tennis
I used to play a lot of basketball and tennis, and would love to play them again but just don't get the time any more

Family
I love spending time with my wife and 3 kids!

Ok i'm done
You don't have to blah on like I did Tell us about your other hobbies!

Whoops 5:30am already, gotta get ready for the train!

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Where to Start .....
I will start with the ones related to astronomy:
Broadcasting
I the past 12 months I have gone from never having done Radio, to hosting or Co-Hosting 3 Radio shows each week !
Monday night I am the usual Co-host of "The Panel", a weekly currrent affairs program where we interview local identities on topical issues.
Wednesday Arvo is my "Science Hour" show (see Askthescienceguru.com)
Thus night I do a Classsic rock show 70's and beyond.
Writing
Started out with the local paper, I now write online articles that are published all over place !
Here's one of my favorites:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Internatio...ory&id=1267428
Photography
This one has been with me for year and continues to grow and evolve !
Singer /Songwriter
Took till my late 30's to realize I could do this ! I am now the sometime lead singer with local Muso's at private Gig's and Jam sessions. Wrote my first song last year "NT Star Light Fever" a 12 bar blues number. (Any Guitarist's coming to IISAC ) This is an evolving passion.
Yachting
Something I learnt to do as a kid has now come to the fore again, I am part owner of a restored 24ft Catamaran Aptly named 12.2 South ! We go for a sunset sail most Wednesday Arvo's
Hang Gliding
This one has taken a back seat to Astronomy for the past 5 years, but I am keen to get back into it.
Family
I have 3 wonderful children and I love spending time with them sharing my interests with them.

[Phil]

Photograph: Always loved it.
Weather: Love the the weather watching storms.
Guitar: Try hard but have fun with it.
That is about it for me.
Phil

[OneOfOne (Trevor)]

Meteoritics:
This year I have started a small collection of meteorites (currently about 20 various samples, biggest 11kg) and the odd fossil (some people may say I am becoming one!). I have actually done a couple of school presentations about them and the kids love seeing and touching space and dinosaur teeth.

Ballroom dancing:
Mainly New Vogue, but some latin and modern as well. Have been dancing for more than 10 years. Started with two left feet, now I think I have one of each...although some times they get mixed up.

Cruisin':
Not really a hobby, but we are booked on our third cruise (second one this year) over Christmas this year (2008). We will be thinking of you while sitting on our balcony, watching the Sun go down on Christmas Day in Oveau in the Pacific. I'll have an extra glass of bubbly!

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

1) Dog breeding (Pugs)

2) 4WD touring (my escape)

3) Photography (my passion)

4) Hiking & camping (my exercise - rare these days)

5) Being "Farmer Joe" at Omaroo

6) Metal/wood work - designing/constructing anything mechanical

7) Home-brew wine making

[sheeny (Al)]

Oh, now we've started something...

Motorcycling.
My longest lasting hobby. Started when I was 8, expect to still enjoy it for a long time yet. Used to ride motocross when I was young and indestructible, rode observed trials many moons ago and enjoyed trail riding up till a few years ago. ATM I just have a BMW tourer but the girls have a little Suzuki TS 100 that their learning to ride on so that provides some coaching opportunities.

Photography.
Started at about 12 when my brother loaned me his camera to take photos while flag marshalling at motocross events. My passion has been landscapes and panoramas but that is broadening.

Bushwalking.
I thoroughly enjoy navigation and negotiating to difficult and spectacular places (which links into the photography interest).

Canyoning and Caving.
A spin off from the bushwalking hobby. Haven't done a lot in the last 4 years. Closely related to my interest in search and rescue.

Search and Rescue / SES.
This was a big one for me up until the politics got to me about 4 years ago. Just a reserve member now. Started and ran Vertical Rescue and Cave Rescue forums on the web. Was a Senior Vertical Rescue Instructor for the SRB and SES. Judged 2 Vertical rescue Competitions in South Africa, and organised and ran two Vertical Rescue Challenges in Australia. Backing off on all this has allowwed me the time to get back into astronomy.

Four Wheel Driving.
Another spin off from the bushwalking and rescue interests.

Computer Programming.
I was right into this up until windows! Used to program in Basic, Fortran, Pascal, Assembler. Dabbled with Forth, C, etc but didn't really do much in them. Used to write articles for Beeline (the MicroBee computer magazine) and various MicroBee User group newsletters. Recently started dabbling in VB.NET just for fun again, and have written a few little astro apps.

Poking around the Farm.
This is my newest hobby. There's no end of stuff to do!

Driving / Commanding Tracked Military Vehicles.
A mate of mine has a collection of working vehicles: a Centurion, a Matilda and several Bren Gun Carriers. Always good fun!

Snorkelling and Bodysurfing.
Love it, but can't do it often living inland as I do. Used to do it lots when I was growing up on the coast. These days it's a holiday thing.

Snorkelling down Rapids!
Now this was fun! We started doing this in far north Queensland. A mate was into canoeing/kayaking and I was into snorkelling. Seeing the rivers in FNQ are so clear, it didn't take long to blend the two sports!

Squash.
Haven't played since we moved out of town.

Flying Kites
I have a 6' twin line stunt kite. Good relaxing fun when the wind drops enough to use it. Need to get a littler one for stronger winds up here.

Building Stuff.
Enjoy metalwork and wood work (but I'm no joiner!).

Playing Guitar.
Started when I was 15. Taught myself. Haven't really jammed regularly with anyone in years so I've probably forgotten more than I remember.... Too many other things to do...

Long distance running and athletics.
Not any more... Very much when I was in school. Did a lot of fun runs, cross country events, etc. Was 15 years age Athletics Champion.

Small Bore Rifle Shooting.
Took this up in my teens when I didn't have a motorbike for a while. Used to shoot at the Gosford PCYC Small bore club at Kariong, and at Newcastle Small Bore Club. Great sport to learn discipline. Gave that away when I moved out of home and was moving a lot between Sydney and various locations aorunf the country for study / work and the gun licencing laws started.

Rock n Roll Dancing.
Started Square dancing in Townsville (to meet girls of course) and found it's a great acivity to involve both mind and body (and someone else's). Joined a competition/demonstration team when I moved back to Sydney, met my ex-wife through it, and later we took up Rock n Roll as Square Dancing didn't happen out here... Learned Rockabilly as well. A few years ago went back to classes again and learned 6 step rock n roll, swing ( oh, yeah... too slow for me, I lose concentration and get lost) and Jitterbug. Joined the Rebel Rockers doing demonstrations. All that stopped about 2 years ago when the club lost it's venue and the trainers took some time off.

That'll do for now...

Al.

[Lismore Bloke (Paul)]

4WD touring and camping - we have an early model (1991) Nissan Patrol fitted out for touring with drawers and storage. Doesn't get used for anything else. Long term members of Ballina 4WD Club. Our escape and stress relief.
Photography - mainly landscapes and birds
Classical music and opera - the wife enjoys the opera as well - a new experience for her.
Early history - particularly medieval (not sure why - just find the period fascinating).

[Ric]

Hmm lets see.

MOTORCYCLES - My life long passion, my wife calls my bike the "Mistress"

GOLF - Invented by sadists and played by masochists, I love it.

FARM - A wonderful source of relaxation and exercise, always something to do and see. We are setting up a permaculture system at the moment so that will keep us busy for the next few years.

RFS - Not really a hobby but helping to protect our little community is something that I take a lot of pride in. And they are a great bunch of guys and girls.

There are lots of other diversions that I have but these are the main ones.

Cheers

[snowyskiesau]

Photography
Something I used to do a long time ago in the days of film and darkrooms. More into the darkroom stuff that taking photos. Restarted this one recently with the purchase of a new Canon DSLR, still working out how to load the film...

Woodworking/Metalworking
I'm a bit restricted for space so only have room for some woodworking tools. The metalworking will have to wait till I move to a bigger house (Come on retirement!)
Currently building a CNC router which combines woodwork and some metalwork - I have a small lathe. Also ties in with my electronics interest.

Electronics
I used to enjoy building stuff in the days before everything was microprocessor based. Recently started to play around with PIC processors and building kits. If the CNC router works out, may start making my own circuit boards.

Computers
Used to be a major hobby but as it's also my work, I don't spend as much time on this as I used to. Dedicated UNIX/Linux user though.

Fishing
Trout fishing. I think it's more the enjoyment at standing by the side of some quiet stream/river and thinking rather than catching a fish. Which is just as well given my success rate.

Driving
In a recent holiday to WA, I drove over 4200 Kms in 7days. I enjoy the driving almost as much as arriving at the destination.

Not currently working so have lots of time (but not money) to spend on the hobbies.

[vash (Ashley)]

Four Wheel Driving - Love trying to get my car up ridiculously step terrain.
Fishing - nothing more relaxing then sitting back in my little tinnie in the estuary.
Golf - nice to go for a 3k walk and vent some pent up anger accumulated over the week.
Sleeping - I don't get much of it due to work

[Terry B]

Photography. I've done this for years and still enjoy it.
Piano- started learning 5 years ago and play almost every day. Great relaxation and the weather doesn't affect it.
Wood turning- not much recently but still make things on occasions.

[ving (David)]

hmm... so current ones only?

photography: a common theme here...

mountainbiking: i used to race but now only go riding once in a blue moon

egg decorating: something i do with my wife from time to time.

hangin out with the family: not really a hobby, but it still cost money

[koputai (Jason)]

Deep wreck diving
Been all over the Pacific and Asia diving wrecks, usually deep(60m-110m), using mixed gas rebreathers, for the past 16 years. This, combined with my vocation of electronics, led to my current business building electronic controllers and displays for rebreathers.

Sailing/Yacht Racing
We bought a Beneteau about two years ago and have been racing her in club races, as well as cruising up the coast of NSW on her, and on friends boats up to Airlie Beach/Whitsundays.

Mountain Biking
Don't do it as much now as I used to, but there's nothing better than getting out in the bush and falling off your bike.

Luckily my wife is an outdoors type, so we get to do most of this together.

Cheers,
Jason.

[leon]

Photography, probably up there with Astronomy
Black and White film developing and printing
Computers, and electronic things.
Last but no least building stuff in the shed, Metal/Woodworking.

Oh yea there is another, Star Parties

Leon

[AdrianF (Adrian)]

Ham Radio - licenced 26 years
Electronics - as a bove
Photography - just starting to get interested
Astronomy - been interested for many years but there was always something else to spend the money on, now kids have left home.
Motorbikes - dont have my own at the moment but I borrow my wifes 1100 V Twin occasionally.
Cooking - not so much now as the tasters have left home (wonder if there is a connection?)

Adrian

[reddiablo (Andrew)]

Surfing Last month, for my 40th, I went on an 8 day charter trip along the southern coast of Lombok in Indonesia followed by a 4 day stay in Bali with 7 mates. It was a boys only trip and has now become a tradition when someone turns 20,30,40 or 50 years old.

80's Mercedes Benz cars I have an 87 300SL roadster for sunny weather cruises and a 86 420SEL limo which my wife drives with our son in the back. I'm in the MBCV and I love going on drive days, but the Great Ocean Rd on a sunny day is a fantastic drive and my favorite.

Golf An interest as a weekend or early morning exercise in frustration elation and fresh air.

Mountain biking Being down the beach their is no shortage of bike paths to follow.

Movies and Home Theatre I used to sell the stuff back in the late 80's early 90's back in an old now defunct company called Brashes and once you get used to good audio it tends to make you buy it. As our son Euan is only 18 months old we tend to stay home to see a movie so with the dollar dropping in value I just lashed on a BIG HD 50 inch Plasma. WOW

Residential Building I have been working the last 5 years on getting my builders registration. Until then the schooling and courses have been treated as a hobby which will I hope make me a few bucks in the future.

Bass Guitar I need to really get back on track with learning to play. Unfortunately my son loves to get involved with the lead.

Cheers

[Alchemy (Clive)]

Cut down on most hobbies due to time constraints but these i still would like to do occasionally

bushwalking. usually tasmania be it the Mt anne circiut, western arthurs or just a day trip to the walls of jerusalem.

Landscape photography. i have a medium format camera that takes beautiful images , but since i went digital its been neglected, will pick this up again.

Fishing trout my preffered , in a nice mountain stream , but will dabble in any other from time to time

[Jen]

now let me think i dont have a lot of time for any other hobbies these days when your busy shuffling around between kids and work and astronomy takes up my spare time that i do have when they are all asleep
But i do love making model cars mainly Corvettes I have around 20 of them and i love them and before i had kids i liked to do a bit of panel beating and spray painting on my old Torana that i done up I had fun doing it and i would love to do some of that again one day maybe to a real Corvette
I love drawing mainly cartoon characters
Jigsaw puzzles gets me really addicted
I have a passion for music i couldnt live without my music specially the 80's era
Oh and go in and out of phases of going to the gym at the moment i have been too lazy

[thunderchildobs]

For those who said Families were one of their hobbies, I was wondering how often do you upgrade and do they have good re-sale value?

[Jone5y (Steve)]

Cricket: Played all my life, 1 highlight - playing 1st grade for St George in Sydney

Woodwork: Caught this hobby off my old man, as he from his and so-on. Something crafted of your own hand can be a source of much pride, Especially if the missus deems it worthy of a permanent position in the house.

Photography: Picked up most of the technical knowledge at uni and mucked around with an entry level film slr. My wife has all the artistic ability though and when her point and shoot no longer cut the mustard a 40D was the only answer.
Hoping to turn this into Astrophotography very soon.