Biography
In 2005 Emma's passion for American literature, the wild west and country music made Emma decide to read American Studies at university with a one year placement in America. Based in the dorms of the University of Oregon, and subsequently becoming the basketball team's number one fan ("Go Ducks!"), Emma had the perfect opportunity to explore Oregon and the Northern United States.
After university Emma worked in London for two leading magazine publishers, which helped to fund return trips to the States. Becoming a USA specialist provided the perfect opportunity to revisit her old stomping ground - the idyllic Pacific Northwest, as well as giving her the opportunity to venture up mountains and through rainforests in Washington, become a bone-a-fide cowgirl riding horses in the prairies of Wyoming, and admire the incredible Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
My Most Memorable Experience
"Set in the National Park, Mount Rainier is the iconic Washington mountain and an active volcano. In spring and summer Mount Rainier is a haven for over 800 species of wild flowers, which coat the mountain's base, but at other times the mountain is a snowy heaven for hikers, skiers and snowboarders.
At base camp, suitably named "Paradise", the mountain offers numerous hikes and trails in which to discover hibernating wildlife and enjoy the great wilderness of the Western Cascades. My tour with Evergreen escapes saw me snow-shoeing my way up part of this 14,410ft mountain, which was a great personal achievement and revealed breath-taking views of the park and beyond.
The vast amount of snow melt from the mountain allows for pretty waterfalls along the base of the mountain and in the warmer months provide the perfect setting for a summer stroll along the 93 mile Wonderland trail."
My Favourite Destination
"I have about three favourite destinations, but if pushed to choose just one, it has to be Grand Teton National Park. Situated to the south of iconic Yellowstone National Park, the Tetons are a panoramic snow-capped mountain range next to a vast wildlife-rich prairie; it's as if you have just stepped into a James Bond movie!
Whilst on a specialist wildlife trip here, we managed to see wild bison, prong-horned antelope, chipmunks, moose, elk, beavers as well as countless wild flowers just opening up for the Spring. The park is idyllic, and rich with history as the famous "Mormon Row" barn sits couched beneath the mountains. I didn’t manage to see a grizzly bear, although many had been spotted days before, so I will just have to go back.
Binoculars are a must here, as much of what there is to see is at somewhat of a distance in this vast countryside, and you don't want to miss out! After a long day’s trekking the mountains provide the perfect backdrop to watch the sunset and swap stories and photos of the wildlife."
My Favourite Accommodation
"The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in Denver is the ultimate in vintage 1920s glamour. The grandeur of the hotel’s atrium with its original cast iron balconies, drinking fountains and stained glass skylight are just some of the period features that mark this property out as one of Denvers most treasured and historic buildings.
The Spa is divine, offering the latest treatments in total luxury. Each room is slightly different due to the nature of the building, but all beautifully appointed. For fine dining, Denver's foodies recognise Ellyington's as the place to go, and for a more relaxed night cap the sophisticated Churchill's cigar bar is one of a kind. Afternoon tea is served every afternoon in the atrium to the gentle jazz music inspired by the 1920s and 1930s."
