Huron Peak Trip Report 07/05/2011

Peak(s):	Huron Peak - 14,006 feet
Date Posted:	07/05/2011
Date Climbed:	07/04/2011
Author:	SurfNTurf

Gear Review: Technical Jean Shorts
MOUNTAIN: Huron Peak (14,003 feet) ROUTE: North Ridge RT DISTANCE: 11 miles RT GAIN: 3,800 feet TIME TO SUMMIT: ~3 hours TIME ON SUMMIT: 2 hours RT TIME: ~7 hours (obligatory safety note: I carried a pair of traditional softshell pants in my pack) As a professional climber sponsored primarily by Wrangler, Budweiser and Uncle Jack's House of Crabs and Strip Club, I'm often solicited by these companies for my expertise on potential products. Imagine my jubilation when Wrangler finally sent me a prototype of a design I've long championed: breathable shell jean shorts. I believe they will be marketed as the Wrangler Rockette Technical Jorts. My first though upon receiving my jorts was, "These don't have enough holes." So I cut some in the thighs to increase breathability and add to the sex appeal. It was a rousing success. I couldn't rush to the field fast enough to try them out, though I do regret that my Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Wicking Synthetic Tee got lost in the mail and was not available at test time. I arrived at the Huron Peak 2WD trailhead (Winfield) at about 6:00 a.m. July 4 after wearing the jorts for a few days at Turquoise Lake to see how they performed in beach conditions. I found that they were adequate both to provide wind protection and attract bikini-clad ladies, but they had the unfortunate downside of allowing my upper thighs to get sunburned. This can probably be attributed to operator error. I finished gearing up before my hiking partner, Megan, and began sampling the jorts' range of motion by completing a scandalous series of callisthenic stretches. Megan hurried. I love the smell of jean short callisthenics in the morning. We hit the trail at about 6:30. We were immediately confronted with a stream crossing, but again the jorts performed admirably. I was able to leap like a freakin' panther across a series of partially-submerged rocks almost like I was wearing nothing. The jaunt up the road was uneventful. We passed a few sites full of recently awakened campers who gave me weird looks, which I took as jealousy because they were in awe of my Rockettes. We reached the 4WD trailhead and took a short break to do more callisthenics, sign the trail register and read a note a fellow named Tommy left for his mountain love-at-first-sight, Holly (or Molly). Best of luck, buddy. Remember her name next time. If I could choose one word to describe the trail up Huron Peak, it would be "switchback." Because that's really all it is. One switchback after another, until you top out. Megan walked behind me because "you're a faster hiker than me, jackass." But we all know it was so she could enjoy the view of Mt. SurfNTurf provided by the jorts. Starting on the trail There is no snow below treeline. Summer conditions are in full force on Huron, and we made quick work of the lower section of trail. I was especially impressed by the airflow provided by the jorts. With the extra holes I'd cut, the product truly lives up to its claim of being "breathable." Once above treeline, the views were incredible. Were we really in the Sawatch? Even with so much to gaze at, we pushed a hard pace because we were late for something special happening on the summit. More on that later. Every time Megan wanted to rest or eat, I did a few stretches and she quickly lost her appetite. I think it was the altitude. We had to negotiate two or three lingering snowfields, but the trail was obvious and boot packed. I sat in the snow to test the jorts' water-repellency, though I'm sad to report they failed in this regard. First sighting of Huron Three Apostles How to get your hiking partner to speed up. Huron in full view During the final romp up the summit ridge, we began passing groups of other hikers. I was surprised that no one commented on my new piece of revolutionary gear, as I'm sure the Rockettes will be all the buzz when they're unveiled at the next Outdoor Retailer show. Something magical is up there... We summited after about three hours at 9:30 a.m. Remember when I said I was hurrying? Well, you see, there was something special on the summit. Something very, very special indeed. AMERICAAAAA I promptly sauntered to the highest rock I could find, brought my leg up to demonstrate the flexibility of the jorts and proudly exclaimed, "I'm here to party." Darrin wasted no time providing me with a full cup, for which I was most thankful. What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than drinking from a keg at 14,003 feet? I challenge you to come up with an answer. I waved an American flag, quoted Team America: World Police to excess, made about 15 new friends, and peed in the general direction of England. Twice. I may have overused this pose Three Apostles Quite the group Megan enjoying the most fun summit in history Look at those jorts PERFORM! Not a bad view for the highest Fourth of July party in the U.S. Team America Sadly, all good things must come to an end. The keg was cashed at about 11:15. As the train of patriotic climbers began heading out, I found myself wondering if I'd ever had more fun on a 14er summit. The answer was a resounding no. I'd spent two hours on top of a mountain drinking beer with some of the most genuinely amazing people in the world. The best part? It was for a good cause, as all proceeds - there was a $10 suggested donation for a keg cup - are going to charity. In all seriousness, a HUGE thank you to the organizers and to the unstoppable force who is Kris for carrying the 60-pound keg up 3,500 feet. Group shot The easy descent passed like a blur as the witty banter and hilarious conversations continued. For safety, I tried to make sure the ladies were in front of me so they weren't distracted by the jorts. Some of them were understandably stubborn. I slipped on scree once and fell into a patch of mud, which the jorts handled with ease. Sadly, time to go down... We arrived back at the 4WD trailhead at about 1 p.m. Megan and I lounged for a while, then decided to complete our journey back to Winfield. WRANGLER ROCKETTE TECHNICAL JORTS FINAL SCORE: 6 out of 5 stars PROS: What's not to love? CONS: None Available at select stores in 2013. Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Gear Review: Technical Jean Shorts

MOUNTAIN: Huron Peak (14,003 feet)
ROUTE: North Ridge
RT DISTANCE: 11 miles
RT GAIN: 3,800 feet
TIME TO SUMMIT: ~3 hours
TIME ON SUMMIT: 2 hours
RT TIME: ~7 hours

(obligatory safety note: I carried a pair of traditional softshell pants in my pack)

As a professional climber sponsored primarily by Wrangler, Budweiser and Uncle Jack's House of Crabs and Strip Club, I'm often solicited by these companies for my expertise on potential products. Imagine my jubilation when Wrangler finally sent me a prototype of a design I've long championed: breathable shell jean shorts. I believe they will be marketed as the Wrangler Rockette Technical Jorts.

My first though upon receiving my jorts was, "These don't have enough holes." So I cut some in the thighs to increase breathability and add to the sex appeal. It was a rousing success. I couldn't rush to the field fast enough to try them out, though I do regret that my Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Wicking Synthetic Tee got lost in the mail and was not available at test time.

I arrived at the Huron Peak 2WD trailhead (Winfield) at about 6:00 a.m. July 4 after wearing the jorts for a few days at Turquoise Lake to see how they performed in beach conditions. I found that they were adequate both to provide wind protection and attract bikini-clad ladies, but they had the unfortunate downside of allowing my upper thighs to get sunburned. This can probably be attributed to operator error.

I finished gearing up before my hiking partner, Megan, and began sampling the jorts' range of motion by completing a scandalous series of callisthenic stretches. Megan hurried.

I love the smell of jean short callisthenics in the morning.

We hit the trail at about 6:30. We were immediately confronted with a stream crossing, but again the jorts performed admirably. I was able to leap like a freakin' panther across a series of partially-submerged rocks almost like I was wearing nothing.

The jaunt up the road was uneventful. We passed a few sites full of recently awakened campers who gave me weird looks, which I took as jealousy because they were in awe of my Rockettes. We reached the 4WD trailhead and took a short break to do more callisthenics, sign the trail register and read a note a fellow named Tommy left for his mountain love-at-first-sight, Holly (or Molly). Best of luck, buddy. Remember her name next time.

If I could choose one word to describe the trail up Huron Peak, it would be "switchback." Because that's really all it is. One switchback after another, until you top out. Megan walked behind me because "you're a faster hiker than me, jackass." But we all know it was so she could enjoy the view of Mt. SurfNTurf provided by the jorts.

There is no snow below treeline. Summer conditions are in full force on Huron, and we made quick work of the lower section of trail. I was especially impressed by the airflow provided by the jorts. With the extra holes I'd cut, the product truly lives up to its claim of being "breathable."

Once above treeline, the views were incredible. Were we really in the Sawatch? Even with so much to gaze at, we pushed a hard pace because we were late for something special happening on the summit. More on that later.

Every time Megan wanted to rest or eat, I did a few stretches and she quickly lost her appetite. I think it was the altitude.

We had to negotiate two or three lingering snowfields, but the trail was obvious and boot packed. I sat in the snow to test the jorts' water-repellency, though I'm sad to report they failed in this regard.

How to get your hiking partner to speed up.

During the final romp up the summit ridge, we began passing groups of other hikers. I was surprised that no one commented on my new piece of revolutionary gear, as I'm sure the Rockettes will be all the buzz when they're unveiled at the next Outdoor Retailer show.

We summited after about three hours at 9:30 a.m. Remember when I said I was hurrying? Well, you see, there was something special on the summit. Something very, very special indeed.

I promptly sauntered to the highest rock I could find, brought my leg up to demonstrate the flexibility of the jorts and proudly exclaimed, "I'm here to party." Darrin wasted no time providing me with a full cup, for which I was most thankful.

What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than drinking from a keg at 14,003 feet? I challenge you to come up with an answer. I waved an American flag, quoted Team America: World Police to excess, made about 15 new friends, and peed in the general direction of England. Twice.

Megan enjoying the most fun summit in history

Not a bad view for the highest Fourth of July party in the U.S.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. The keg was cashed at about 11:15. As the train of patriotic climbers began heading out, I found myself wondering if I'd ever had more fun on a 14er summit. The answer was a resounding no. I'd spent two hours on top of a mountain drinking beer with some of the most genuinely amazing people in the world. The best part? It was for a good cause, as all proceeds - there was a $10 suggested donation for a keg cup - are going to charity. In all seriousness, a HUGE thank you to the organizers and to the unstoppable force who is Kris for carrying the 60-pound keg up 3,500 feet.

The easy descent passed like a blur as the witty banter and hilarious conversations continued. For safety, I tried to make sure the ladies were in front of me so they weren't distracted by the jorts. Some of them were understandably stubborn. I slipped on scree once and fell into a patch of mud, which the jorts handled with ease.

We arrived back at the 4WD trailhead at about 1 p.m. Megan and I lounged for a while, then decided to complete our journey back to Winfield.

WRANGLER ROCKETTE TECHNICAL JORTS FINAL SCORE: 6 out of 5 stars
PROS: What's not to love?
CONS: None

Available at select stores in 2013.

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

Gopherboy	A True Patriot! 07/06/2011 00:20 Great report. I am impatiently waiting for jorts to arrive in a store near me. Nice call on the red gaiters.
dmccool	God bless your most spot-on version of America! 07/06/2011 01:06 Is it accurate to point out that one of your jort legs was shorter than the other? If so, great call. We all have a dominant leg, right? Truly one for the ages, Señor Golden et al. I have so many emotions from reading this and they all start with ”jealousy”. EDIT Image 13 needs to be put up for sale in the 14ers.com store
huffy13	Sweet! 07/06/2011 01:50 What a way to celebrate the 4th!!! Makes me want to break out my old stone washed jorts and party! So what exactly was in the keg? The only factor in the ”keg at 14,003 ft” that could make it better is what kind of beer you had. ”Remember, there is no I in Team America.” ”Yes there is.”
KeithK	It is confirmed... 07/06/2011 01:58 BEST 14er summit ever, with truly great people. It doesn't get any better. The beer: http://www.averybrewing.com/our-ales/54
crossfitter	A+++++ Would party again 07/06/2011 02:46 Best TR ever! Thanks everyone who participated/donated, we managed to raise $115 for rocky mountain rescue AFTER covering the keg!
kansas	Holy Sh!t... 07/06/2011 04:02 This is one of the funniest TR's I've ever read. Well done, sir, well done. Glad you could join us, Jeff. The party wouldn't have been the same without your super stylish presence. Oh, and are we even now? (for stealing your helmet on Missouri)
tommyboy360	Such a great line: 07/06/2011 04:18 ”Peed in the general direction of England. Twice.” Still laughing. Great photos and a funny write up. Nice.
native_mntguy	great TR of the best summit ever!! 07/06/2011 04:30 It was great enjoying such a great day with so many great people 8)
JA_son27	Good laugh! 07/06/2011 17:03 Nice trip report, you must like Coldplay too!
Chicago Transplant	Fun times 07/06/2011 20:35 Looks like you all had a good time, if you do it again, I'll carry a grill and some brats 8)
FireOnTheMountain	Glad to see your back in action! 07/06/2011 21:03 As my elementary school counsellor used to say, ”Drugs are bad on 14ers mmmmmmmkk”
Presto	LAUGHING OUT LOUD .. 07/06/2011 21:36 With water spurting out of my nose! Frickin' fantastic with so many memorable quotes, I don't have the room to list and respond to them all. This is a KEEPER! Thanks for posting. Happy JORTrails!
doggler	Loved it 07/06/2011 22:07 Glad to have shared that summit with ya.
moon stalker	Funniest frickin trip report ever 07/07/2011 03:28 I'm still laughing! As others have said, too many quotes to mention them all, but the best may have been that you peed in the general direction England, twice. Awesome! Glad you could make it. That was the best time on top of a 14er I've ever had. Great people, great beer, great view, great weather. What more could you ask for? OK, maybe grill and brats would be great for the next time.
metalmountain	JORTS! 07/07/2011 15:25 Bill should put up some 14ers jorts for sale. Dare I say...with a bedazzled logo?! I would by a pair for every day of the week.
wireking1	Florida Gators Fan? 07/07/2011 16:38 As a longtime Florida Gators Fan, I am VERY to familiar with Jorts. I am glad to see that they can be a part of my high preformance technical gear now as well!
djkest	Wow 07/08/2011 17:49 This trip report is amazing: and it has 4 great elements to it- Jorts, Beer, ridiculous patriotism, and a cute girl. What else do you need?
mike_kadow	Very Funny! 07/29/2011 21:28 Thanks for sharing. I could see this becoming an annual event, if it isn't already.
Trainer Keri	Fun and Fashion!!!! 05/06/2012 20:21 Freakin hilarious TR....please don't wear anything THAT distracting next time LOL!!
SnowAlien	LOL 04/02/2015 19:45 Loved Huron myself even without the 4th of July beer on top. The views are really nice indeed. p.s. I am a bit puzzled - in the photos # 9 & 13, it appears that a piece of material is hanging from the back of your jorts. Is it by design or did you get part of your jorts ripped?

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