Photographer/Woodworker/ETC
The Banke family into which I was born, came from Prussia, Hannover and Auldburg, in what is now modern day Germany, in 1838, and settled in Baltimore, to dispurse to Chicago, Niles (MI), Buchanan (MI), NJ and many other places including the UK.
I have many hobbies (in fact my wife says they get in the way of each other), but just to list a few:
I am a Private Pilot, got my first license aged 16 in a Glider in the 1960's. I also teach navigation classes for hunters and hikers, and have written a book on the subject; "Land Navigation for the California Hunter".
I have a passion for big game hunting, and am a Hunter Education Instructor for the State of California, so obviously enjoy teaching.
I also enjoy Photography, (all photos herein are mine), once had a job as a professional photographer.
Camping & Hiking (almost anytime), Genealogy & Philately (on cold rainy days),
Shooting & Reloading, (because it requires precision, control and concentration), and am a NRA Pistol Instructor, and a DOJ Handgun Safety Instructor.
Archery (for the same reasons as shooting, primarily Compound bows for Hunting, 70 & 80lb), I am also an National Bowhunter Education Foundation Instructor.
Woodworking, (have built several gun stocks, including doing the checkering, Dollshouses,and at the other extreme, several decks and room/second story additions and a 3800sq ft house).
Skiiing (Downhill, for the speed).
And obviously geek around on computers (like I don't have enough to do, and yes I do prefer Apple computers, I own 3, but like the rest of the true Macheads am ambidextrous and know how to use other OS's, owning 2 or 3 Windows based PC's, (one of which I built for the sole purpose of running MS FLight Simulator and a few hunting games for my nephews and neices's), have used just about every version of Windows since Bill and company started making them. (Refer back to comment about Mac's, Windows XP almost = Mac 1984)
I have also dabbled in beer and wine making.
My poor wife only has her garden and Jazzercise, but will accompany me camping occasionally.
My many pages here, are a compilation of photos of many of these hobbies. You can either use the links to access those that interest you most, or take the longer tour and use the "next" buttons.
I have several pages of Hunting photos, several of photography of Wildlife and some exotic places to which I have been (46 countries in all).
There are several pages of our family genealogy and an Aviation page which is a collection of aircraft I have flown and several I would love to fly.
Please enjoy!
