about the author

John is a well-known athlete and writer. In addition to writing three successful guidebooks his recent writing includes a bi-weekly column on walking routes for the Victoria Times Colonist daily newspaper and a travel article for the national Globe and Mail newspaper.

He was editor for ten years of the professional medical journal, the BC Massage Practitioner and was founding editor of Island Runner magazine. He has also worked with CBC Radio promoting walking and hiking in the Victoria area.

John's physical and athletic pursuits embrace a number of disciplines. As a hiker and climber he has summitted Mt. Rainier, Mt. Whitney, Mt. Baker and Vancouver Island's highest peak, the Golden Hinde in recent years. As an athlete John has competed in 16 marathons and countless shorter races. His accomplishments include winning the World Endurance Duathlon Championship in the 60+ age category in Holland in 2001 and coming second in the 2007 event in Richmond, Virginia; winning the 60+ age category in the American Masters Marathon Championship in Napa, California in 2004 and was on the podium in his category in his first Ironman Canada in 2005.

He has two adult children and two grandchildren and lives with his wife, Lorinda, in Victoria, British Columbia.