Rattlesnake Ledge Hike

As part of my work travels, I got to spend a week in Seattle in the middle of November. I love going there and spending time with the Riding family!

One of the things I miss in Dallas is the mountains. Without mountains there is no hiking. If you ask someone about "hiking" most likely they'll refer you to a trail that winds through a park or some trees that is more of a walk than a hike. The last time I came up to Seattle in October, I went by myself to Snoqualmie falls and hiked for about 20 mins on Mount Si (pics got accidentally deleted from my camera). So I had it in my mind that this time I wanted to hike again. The weather was never great but the day before I left I set out to meet my goal. I had heard of a hike to "Rattlesnake Ledge" on Rattlesnake Mountain that was 2 miles to the top. I did my research and it seemed like something I could accomplish.

I was a little nervous hiking alone even though it was on a path but I made sure my cell phone had coverage and had my car keys in case I needed a weapon. Totally prepared, right? :) Anyway, it was chilly and sprinkling but most the time I was under tree cover. I didn't see 1 person the whole way up.

I have been training to run part of a marathon relay and had hit a wall with my training and wasn't progressing past this one point. I had been beating myself up about not being able to pass this point and just pushing through. So when I started the hike, I committed to myself that I wasn't going to quit and not make it to the end. The hike ended up being a little more strenuous than I anticipated but I stuck with it and DIDN'T GIVE UP.

Here's me when I got to the ledge.

I felt so good about myself when I finally reached the end and got to enjoy the view. It was a cloudy, cold view (that was probably even more amazing on a clear day) but that didn't diminish my joy. I passed quite a few people on the way down which was interesting. I know that if I had passed people coming down while I was going up that I would have questioned them about how much further I had to go especially when there were points that I felt "How much further is it? I'm worn out! Maybe I should just stop here." Instead, I didn't have anyone else but myself to give me encouragement or tell me that I was almost there. I felt very empowered, healthy, and excited knowing that I pushed myself and didn't give up on myself.

It may be dorky, but you can sense my excitement in the video I took. :)

I really wish I could go hiking in Dallas. I love being outside, nature, and the physical exercise.