Catlett Mountain HIke ! 12/28

The early morning drive just took 2 hours to reach Shenandoah national park.It looked really nice sight from the far, but then i was not really sure which one we going to hike :)

The group met at the old rag parking area. There was huge rush, but everyone except us going to old Rag, which is easy, pretty and more famous.

But we don't do easy ;). So we started for the harder Catlett moutain

We started with crossing a few streams

 walking through the easy trails

and another stream

 before the hike started gaining elevation

So after first good elevation we took some rest. Bill, our hike leader, told us to be ready for the big one. But then, its tough to understand the words without actual experience.

First we rolled down to another stream.

And then started hike upwards

 to reach these unending stairs. Half way on these stairs i could hear my heart beating in three layers of clothing

And when it finally got over it look long time just to get a weak smile. Never before i sweat this much on last week of December.But the ordeal wasn't over. Still more up to go to reach the top. I was totally spent 200 yards before the top, but then i saw it.

And finally reached the top.

 I was much surprised to see a parking lot (WTF moment) at the top, and then realized its the Skyline drive.

The view was really good and the wind was strong.

After lunch i took some photos.And then it was time to head back to the base.

 On the loop back, saw some 'expensive' mushrooms

 The hike to base was easier,

 but our group was actually sprinting so it was as hard

Finally at5:20 PM we were back in the parking lot with sore legs and painful toes. The hike was really hard but then it was mentioned as '14 mile-very strenuous hike', which i did not pay much attention before :)