About
About the Explorer:
My na
me is Emilie and I am a geology student. I think that says quite a bit in itself, but I will proceed to introduce myself. As a geologist, I find pure beauty in the nature of our planet. Geology is all around us, in our everyday life, and yet many people overlook the grandeur and mystique of Earth. I became a geologist because I wanted to see and understand the most beautiful places on Earth, but little did I know that the rocks right in my backyard have an incredible story of their own, too.
I grew up in the Rocky Mountain region, born in Wyoming and spent countless summers between the Cowboy State and Big Sky Country. I like to think of myself as somewhat of a nomad, living in Wyoming, Houston, San Francisco, Austin, Montana, Pagosa Springs and now Golden, CO. My passions (besides geologizing) include hiking, camping, outdoor sports, traveling, cooking and taking photographs.
I was bit by the wanderbug at a young age. I loved moving, seeing new places, and meeting new people. Growing up, I traveled all over the Western U.S. and British Columbia. My serious travels began in 2014, when my college classes took me across the country to see outstanding geology, for free. I know, life is tough. I developed a new appreciation for traveling and our planet, seeing the land in a different perspective and understanding how those landforms got to be. My first international trip (off the North American continental plate) was in 2015 to Scotland for a geology field trip. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier or loved geology more.
Recently graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Geological Sciences, I am now working towards a Master’s degree in Geology at Colorado School of Mines. I look forward to learning more about the Earth, traveling the world, documenting her magnificence, and hiking around the state. Give me mountains and a rock to look at, and I’ll be happy.
About the Blog:
My dad always says, “Texans need to get out of Texas once in awhile.” Well, that’s blatantly true, but I think it also equally applies to anyone. To see the raw beauty of Earth, experience the many cultures of her people, and eat food that I can barely pronounce, that’s the pursuit of life.
As school took me across the world to see spectacular geology showcased by our planet, the idea of this blog came to mind (actually my brother’s idea). Hence the blog name, Travel and Gravel. I hope that by documenting my continuing travels and explaining the geology that created the wonders of the Earth, you will be inspired to appreciate our planet, geoscience, and experience something new with me.
Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. – John Muir