Episode Details
Back to Episodes#174 | Nick Van Buer on Trekking 530 Miles Across the Mojave Desert
Description
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Nick Van Buer. Nick is an associate professor specializing in hard-rock geology at Cal Poly Pomona and recently completed a 530-mile hike across the Mojave Desert on what he's dubbed as the Mojave Wilderness Route. We obviously nerd out on rocks, learn more about the history and science of geology at large, and talk in depth about Nick's trek across the most remote parts of the Mojave Desert.
We wrap the show with a triple crown of non alcoholic drinks, we are blessed with a wonderful listener poop story via voice mail, and discuss the appropriate time to start and stop sending nudes.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "trekit20" for a 2 day head start to 20% off and free shipping on November 3 and November 17 at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
[divider]
Interview with Nick Van Buer
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:05 - QOTD: At what point in a relationship do you start and stop sending nudes?
00:15:49 - Reminders: Apply to blog or video-blog for the Trek! And check out our new shorts.
00:17:37 - Introducing Nick
00:18:45 - What got you interested in geology?
00:20:51 - Give us a taste of the professor life.
00:23:14 - How do you grind up a rock and find out how old it is?
00:25:38 - Do your students want to take geology?
00:27:20 - What are the most common geology careers?
00:28:37 - Did you use your geology skills during your hike?
00:29:37 - What are the best excuses you've gotten for people not coming to class or turning work in late?
00:31:20 - Can you teach us the basics of your research focus?
00:35:07 - Given your knowledge, on a scale of 1 to 10, what is your earthquake fear level?
00:38:33 - What was the process to get your sabbatical approved?
00:40:00 - Can you paint us a picture of the history of the Mojave Desert?
00:41:42 - Did you have a wishlist of things you were hoping to find during your hike?
00:43:41 - Did you develop the route?
00:45:44 - How long were your water carries and how did you carry it?
00:47:52 - Tell us about the weather you experienced.
00:48:38 - How did you know you'd be able to find water?
00:50:55 - Tell us about hiking through wilderness areas or passing notable interest points?
00:52:39 - Tell us about your previous backpacking experience.
00:55:07 - Were you nervous going into this hike?
00:56:33 - What kind of wildlife did you see?
00:57:35 - Describe to Zach what a geological map looks like.
01:00:40 - Is there one standout rock encounter?
01:03:15 - How often are there large paradigm shifts in geology?
01:04:57 - Was there anything in this hike that surprised you?
01:08:29 - Do you have any hot takes about currently accepted geological ideas?