The Golden Horn Batholith

Golden Horn Batholith

  For anyone who doesn't know, a batholith is, in its simplest terms, the result of melted rocks cooling extremely slowly deep underground.  This slow cooling allows for minerals in the molten rock (called magma when its underground) to separate and grow into distinct crystals.  The resulting rock is general referred to as "granite"  

This particular batholith contains over 50 different minerals and is rich in several rare minerals.  The picture above was taken of an exposure along Washington Pass on State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, in Northwestern Washington State.  If you ever have an opportunity in your life to drive this road, I strongly suggest you take it!  Especially in late June or early July when the snow pack is melting and the waterfalls are flowing, this is possibly one of the most beautiful places on earth.  I have made the trip several times, and each time is more breath taking and awe inspiring than the last.

Lillian Creek

        
              

An Intro To Why Mother Loves Rocks

 

Liberty Bell Mtn. - North Cascades Range - Washington State

I Love Rocks!  Always have, always will.  I collect them, I study them, and I share them.  And now I am going to share my Love of rocks and all things Geological here on this Blog!  I hope you will join me as we tour the beautiful Pacific Northwest and explore the unique and spectacular geology and scenery that my native habitat has to offer.

My fascination with rocks started when I was a little girl, but my desire to understand the processes which created them sparked a passion for learning that has not dulled in the slightest over time.  Growing up in an area of such extreme geological diversity probably helped, as did a natural attraction for all things shiny, but I probably owe much of my infatuation with Geology to the first Instructor of the subject that I ever met.

I was never taught much of anything about Geology in High School.  It was called "Earth Science" back then, and I think we spent about a week on it out of four years of science classes.  I had spent a lot of time at the library reading different books on the subject, but I had never had any formal education on Geology until I signed up for my first class with Mr. Andy Buddington at Spokane Community College.  Andy changed my life in so many ways, but encouraging and supporting my Love of learning was what he did best.  He constantly challenged and compelled me to do more, to be better.

I took several courses from him while I was at S.C.C. (every one he taught), and I worked for him for a while, which was incredible fun!  I was afforded more opportunites and experiences through my connection with Andy than from anyone I have ever known.  And I am eternally grateful for each and every one of them.  Thanks to Andy, I have a medal from USA Today that was given to me by Governor Gary Locke himself.  Thanks to Andy I have a replica of a triceratops horn that I made myself while learning Paleontology and fossil preservation from another Professor who Andy loaned me out to for a few weeks (that was so freakin cool!).  Thanks to Andy I have a whole host of knowledge, experiences, and pictures that I will be sharing with you in future posts.

I hope you will join me on this wondrous journey of learning and discovery, even if it is just for the pictures!