Ravensdale Cemetery

This one is near to my heart, though this was my first visit. I grew up out in Ravensdale and had looked for the cemetery a few times through the years....never with any success.

During my teenage years there were talks of parties and satanic worships there...but I never actually figured out where.

A few months ago I read an article about it on www.ghosttownsofwashington.com and searched it on www.findagrave.com. Both which are websites I frequent and enjoy immensely.

Finally, this last Sunday I found it. I was both saddened and in awe. The cemetery lies a little off the road in the middle of a newer housing development. From the road you would have no idea there was a cemetery back there.

Findagrave states there are 39 interments buried there, though that seems to be of debate. There are graves but no recognizable names. A sign at the talks of how the cemetery was looted in the 1960's and the headstones were scattered throughout the town. It also talks of the mine explosion in 1915 which pretty much was a catalyst in the collapse of the town.

It was a peaceful setting, though unkept and forgotten by most.

Hot Chocolate 15k/5k

I was both nervous and excited to do this 5k. I mean, who wouldn't get excited for hot chocolate and chocolate fondue? I was pumped.

I should start by stating that I am NOT a "real" runner. I am a walker and a beginning wogger (walking and jogging intervals) but I can not run for any substantial distance. This is where the nervous part kicked in. The race coordinators had strict rules that everyone must maintain a 15 minute mile pace (or be rerouted). So my initial goal (after finishing) was to not be rerouted at all.

I woke up at 4 am, anyone that knows me will realize how amazing that is all in itself. I am not a morning person at all. Met up with my partner in crime for the race and headed to Seattle.

It was chilly outside and the corals to start seemed to take forever to cycle through. I started off jogging, I made it a little over a 1/4 mile (personal best) then moved to a brisk walk. I repeated this pattern for the entire 5k. I finished the race with a time of 50 min, 21 seconds. It's not quite a 15 minute mile, but I was NOT rerouted! Success!

The hot chocolate at the end was worth it...Chin up, Chest out & Attack

March Recap

March was a successful month for me exercise wise. I logged almost 68 miles (a personal best), completed the Seattle Hot Chocolate 5k (without being rerouted...more on that later). I will be doing a race recap separately.

I participated in the "no girly push-ups" challenge and did better than I thought but got hit with a lil depression and fell off at the end.

April is starting strong and I have logged about 15 miles so far. Bought myself some running shoes so I'll be adding more "wogging" this month as well.