My Favorite Weekend

Maurice Godin of NBC’s “Working”

Urban Exploring: Since we recently moved down from Toronto, my wife, Paula, and I like to go exploring on Saturdays. We hike through the Hollywood Hills searching for different trails. There’s a great one near the Will Rogers home that goes through Topanga Canyon to the ocean. We’re experienced hikers but not radical. If we need tongs or spiky boots to climb, we don’t go.

Daytripping: Recently we went out to Joshua Tree National Monument. It’s just incredible how it was made millions of years ago from lava. I said to myself, “Hey, this looks familiar! I saw this on Star Trek!” They’ve filmed all sorts of sci-fi shows on the landscape.

Making Waves: We’ve been to the beach a few times, once to Moonshadows in Malibu for lunch. It was the height of El Nin~o and the waves were hitting the bottom of the restaurant. It was terrifying! I felt like Poseidon was going to come up and join us for lunch.

Walking in L.A.: Our Sunday ritual has been to go to brunch at Coconuts, a Caribbean place near our house in the Valley. I’m so glad we found a neighborhood place we can walk to. I miss the community feeling that comes from walking and talking to people now that I live in L.A.

At the Keys: I taught myself how to play piano, and I compose music for fun. I have never sold a piece, but back in Toronto my wife had her own dance company. She used to dance to my music, which was quite lovely.

A Quick Draw: Occasionally, when I’m waiting on the set, I sketch members of the cast. But drawing people you know can backfire. Last year, I did a sketch of a friend of mine who was on the show “Life With Roger.” When he saw it, he said, “I don’t look that fat!” Now I keep my sketches to myself.

Time Out: Sunday nights I watch “X-Files.” I was just in Vancouver and everyone there is really upset the show is moving to L.A. Vancouver is such a different atmosphere. Setting the show in L.A. is going to be peculiar. It will probably be more Sam Spade.