Judge Gil Jones, a self-described “hobby nut,” keeps a long list of interests: bicycling, motorcycling, kayaking, hiking, ham radio, blogging and photography.

Wanting to find more time for these myriad hobbies is one reason Jones has decided to retire when his term on the 33rd District Court ends at the end of 2012, he says. The district covers Burnet, Blanco, Llano and San Saba counties.