Go Away With … Patrick Gilmore

By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Content Agency
December 19, 2017

With credits such as “SGU Stargate Universe,” “The Killing” and “Supernatural,” Patrick Gilmore enjoys immersing himself into unique characters. The son of former hockey pro Tom Gilmore, the Canadian actor’s latest role is as David Mailer in the Netflix series, “Travelers.” Fans may interact with Gilmore on Twitter.

Q. If you could travel to any place, during any period of time, where would you like to visit?

A. I’d like to spend a fall and winter in Paris, see the colors of autumn and (then) experience a Christmas there. I’d try and tap into that 1920s expat bohemian lifestyle.

Q. Do you think any of the characters you’ve played would make good traveling buddies?

A. Tom Drexler from “The Killing” would make a wonderful travel buddy. He’d pay for everything — nothing but the best — and then he’d most likely get arrested and leave me to enjoy the trip by myself.

Q. How far along are you to getting your pilot’s license?

A. I’m only halfway through getting my license. However, my Dad is a pilot and I grew up in small planes. There’s a power and freedom that I’ve come to associate with flying. I look forward to exploring that.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. My family has a home in Northern Manitoba that I go to every summer. It always feels like I work the entire year just to get to “The Lake.” Cellphones don’t work, there’s no TV and wonderfully bad internet. Nothing to do but swim every day, read and watch the evening thunderclouds roll over the water. Bliss. Over the years, I have compiled a checklist of summer activities for myself and guests. It’s over 100 items and growing. It includes cliff jumping, outdoor movies, night swimming and spotting Northern Lights and falling stars.

Q. What untapped destination should people know about?

A. A couple of years ago, I took a week and drove the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to Vancouver, hugging the coast the entire way. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again and can’t recommend it enough. (There are) many differing landscapes accompanied by world-class sunsets every night.

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?

A. My parents traveled a lot with me and my brother growing up. I couldn’t tell you my first trip. My first passport precedes my first memory, but I have always loved exploring somewhere new.

Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?

A. Being in a new place heightens your senses. I think that’s key to staying present and making the most of your trip. Don’t get lazy and don’t slip into your home routines. Mix it up and learn something new about yourself.

Q. Can you name one trip that really stands out?

A. Last year, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and my biggest takeaway was a lesson about myself and my endurance. It was a seven-day climb and my body told me I was done after day one. I now recognize that I have reserves I didn’t know I had before and my mind is stronger than my legs. That first night after the two-day climb down off of Kilimanjaro, I had a hot shower and almost cried (because) it felt so good. I slept in a real bed with the window open and the breeze made the mosquito netting dance. I could feel my body begin to heal and I fell asleep to the sound of exotic birds.

Q. What are your five favorite cities?

A. In no particular order: London, New York, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Flin Flon (Manitoba).

Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?

A. Any small town that has just one of everything. One diner. One baseball diamond. One hockey rink. One grain elevator. One grocery store. One movie theatre. I always feel at home in small towns.

Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A. Years ago, I read “Eastern Approaches” by Fitzroy Maclean. Since then, I’ve always wanted to ride the Trans-Siberian Express. There’s so much history along the main route.

Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A. I always take a camera, a guidebook on the destination and a Moleskine notebook. I use trips as a way to explore creativity as well as immerse in foreign cultures.

Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?

A. Eating. It’s this weird blindspot I have. It’s almost like I believe any food outside my own home has zero calories. Who am I kidding? I don’t count calories!

Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?

A. I always read up on the history as much as I can. Why waste an opportunity to see significant sights? I never want to regret missing out on something important in my travels.

© 2017 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

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