9 Comments

Exploding rocks often have trapped moisture inside. Very dangerous indeed

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Ok, I can hazard a guess, the Uintahs are composed in part by micaceous shales. If you had your fire above an oil bearing micaceous shale you might see an explosion? Maybe????

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Yes, it was the rock backing the fire that exploded. Not sure why, but it was being heated intensely from one side. I have had other episodes elsewhere of rocks exploding when heated, but not associated with pudding. The Uintas are mostly sedimentary, lots of shales.

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My guess what exploded was a rock that was heated. What are the High Uintahs made of? Coal? shales? Water inside the rock cooking off explosively? Great story!

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That was a phenomenal adventure, even with the rock shrapnel, my altitude sickness and gimpy ankle, and the marmot that chewed up your boot. Thanks for the memories!

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I don't get it--was the pudding in a pouch? how did that degree of pressure build up if it was in an open pot-- I can see it overflowing, etc.., but exploding? (like pouches do every day in my microwave).

and superb photos- just was in Utah/SLC and took pictures of the Uintas section of a 3-D map they have in the displays at their Museum of Natural History -- to send to you! now to find the snap.

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The pudding was not in a pouch. Could I have made a mistake in what exploded? Unlikely, because I am a scientist.... Still, if you want to stay safe, don't cook any instant puddings.

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Considering that homemade tapioca pudding was a family staple, why even resort to instant. It wouldn't even have tasted that good. I think taking bars of chocolate, or granola to heat up in boiling water would have been a better choice. I'm so glad to have a brother that cooks well.

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Love the photos!

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