Coloradoan Winter - your source for winter fun, ski-reports

December 02, 2001
Brian Burck
FAMILY STATUS:.Married to Monica Burck, son, Rob, 10, daughter, Christina, 9, cats Sugar and Pepper and Sparky the Sheltie dog.
AGE: 43

    NICKNAME: Verne. I used to say "know what I mean'' and so my wife gave me the nickname.
    OCCUPATION: .Stockbroker for Edward Jones.
    WHERE YOU BEEN:.Born in Temple, Texas and grew up in Houston and Bakersfield, Calif. After garduating from USC and Cal-Berkley, worked in Houston for Texas Instrument before taking a year off and traveling the world with Monica in 1987-88. Moved to Fort Colins in 1988 and has lived here since.
    ADVENTURES:.Travel, travel and travel. Has traveled on six continents, only missing Antarctica. He has hiked Macchu Picchu in Peru, caught crocodile and parana in Brazil, hiked the hill country of Turkey, camped along the Amazon, snorkeled in the Red Sea, cross country skiied north of the Arctic Circle and hiked in southeast Asia's Opium Triangle.
    Where'd you acquire the traveling bug?
    I grew up traveling. My grandfather was a V.P. for Braniff Airlines and we had the opportunity to travel to more traditional places. When I got older I wanted to do more atypical travel. I'm kind of wired. I love to go places I've never been and do some activity that I've never done. That's who I am.
    What sticks out?
    Hiking in the Opium Triangle of Thailand, Bruma and Cambodia. The reason it sticks out is that it took two days to hike in with a guide. It's a part of the world where it's like you turn the clock back 1,000 years. The people are still in their traditional dress and living in wood shacks.
    Ever feel threatened anywhere?
    Only on eplace - Brazil. .It's th eonly place where we were actually advised by the tourist agency that we will prbably get robbed.
    Were they right?
    They didn't fail us. We got robbed twice.
    What's the most exciting thing you've done?
    I would say probably hunting tarpu (widl boar) in the Amazon jungle.
    What makes you do weird things like hunting tarpu?
    I like to seize the moment. I love to hunt and fish. We found someone willing to do that type of guided trip so we did it.
    What is the most atypical trip you've taken?
    Back in 1992, I backpacked the mainland of China at a time when no westerners traveled China freely. As I walked the streets, the people would stop and stare at me because they had never seen a westerner, much less walking down the street.
    What's your favorite beverage?
    Beer. Odell 90 Shilling.
    Where is one place in the world you haven't been but would like to go?
    I'd like to do an Overland track through Africa from north to south.
    Think you'll ever do it?
    Yes.
    No doubt?
    Correct, no doubt. The question is when.
    Will the wife and kids go?
    I'd take my wife but because of how long it would take I wouldn't take the kids. Next summer, I'm planning on taking the whole family to live in Panama so they can learn and practice Spanish.
    This might be a little too personal but you must make some serious money?
    I make far more than the average person.
    What is one adventure you'd like to do that you haven't done?
    I woul like to sail on my own throughout thee Caribbean.
    Think you'll ever do it?
    I think I will but later in life because of the time it would take to practice.
    What do your wife and kids think of your traveling ways?
    The one thing that really attracted my wife to me probably was my adventurous spirit. With my children, they not relaly had a choice to travel but have been taken along. Now they appreciate traveling.
    What is something about you that most people don't know?
    That my father is chancellor of the University of Texas system.
    Any advice?
    To not be anxiousu or shy about wanting to ursue your dream. Don't procrastinate and put off tomorrow what you most likely could have done today.
    Final thoughts?
    Life is a personal attitude and perspective. Always look on the bright side of things and make the most of every day because you never know when your time has come.
    Do you know of someone who is an adventurous type who we could feature in our Q&A section? If so, please write to the Coloradoan, Miles Blumhardt, 1212 Riverside Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524, fax the person's name and phone number to 970-224-7899, call 970-224-7743 or e-mail at milesblumhardtcoloradoan.com

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