Meet the Cast Monday #9: Nomad

You have read a couple of times about my friend, Nomad. I got to know him through College Roomie when they moved to China for a year to work at a hotel. (Longest year of my life!) Anyway, I'm glad that they went because I'm happy to have Nomad in my life. He graduated from OSU, he now wanders around the world (you'll understand in a minute), and is completely hilarious! He's someone who is a great example of really living every day and taking in all of the experiences that come his way. My only complaint is that he continually pushes me to sign up for match.com, despite the fact that he got kicked off. Just saying.

Here we go.....Meet Nomad!

Explain to us what Trek is.Trek America is a British owned adventure travel company with operations bases in LA, Seattle and Jersey. At the beginning of each season (usually May-November) I am given a brand new van, a trailer full of tents and all kinds of camping equipment to take groups of mostly foreigners (Brits, Euros, Aussies, a few Koreans or Japanese and occasionally a really nerdy American)camping (although we do do a few lodging tours) all over Canada and the USA on trips lasting anywhere from 3 to 64 days. We hit up lots of national parks and cities (where we stay in hotels) but more often than not we're cooking our own dinners over a stove and campfire. We try to focus on outdoor activities, lots of hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, bungee jumping, etc as well as good nightlife in the cities. There is a lot of drinking involved and although the age limits are 18-38 most people are usually in their early to mid 20's.

I thought I had been to a lot of places before I ever heard of Trek America but I didn't have a clue. It's the best job I've ever had and I'd even do it for no pay if I had to.
Where is the best place you have traveled to?It's impossible to pick one but some of my favorites would include Key West, Park City, Chicago, San Francisco, Banff and Grand Canyon. Of all the states I think Utah is definitely the most underrated but each one has its charms. Except New Jersey. There is nothing charming about New Jersey. Don't ever go there. {I'd like to nominate Nomad for the next season of Jersey Shore!}

What do you think has changed the most about you since you were 18?That's tough, I think Trek and traveling, especially overseas have made me a much more confident / open-minded person, and I enjoy being in the great outdoors / wilderness more now than I ever thought possible.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?A lot of people ask me if (when) I'm going to settle down but the whole idea of the sedentary American lifestyle is abhorrent to me. That being said I would not be averse to permanence in a few areas of my life like relationships and work. I would like to eventually manage tour leaders and operations, maybe for Trek America or other more global adventure travel companies like GAP. Something that would allow me to move around internationally every few years WITH my wife and 12 children. {I asked this question because when he was here visiting College Roomie, he told me he thought that he was too old to get married. I, being a year older, flipped out on him. Very glad to see we have that straight!}

Explain what kind of shoes you wore to run Bay to Breakers.
I was wearing Vibram's FiveFingers and I'll never run in shoes again. {As you can see on the link, these are basically like a rubber looking glove. Freaked me out! If you missed my blog about the amazing experience that was Bay to Breakers, click here.} Read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, it will blow your mind whether you run or not.
If you were not doing Trek, what would your job be?
Probably something with my Hotel & Restaurant major but wearing ties and shaving get old after a while.

What is one (or more) item(s) on your bucket list?
See Dave Matthews play in an outdoor venue, it will be the highlight of my life.
Bag Alaska and Hawaii, my last two states.
Run Bay to Breakers completely and unashamedly nude, and finish well. {I find myself thinking "I can't watch" and "I have to see this" all at once! B2B 2012 perhaps??}