Mt. of the Holy Cross Trip Report 07/23/2012

Report Type	Full
Peak(s)	Mt. of the Holy Cross - 14,007 feet
Date Posted	07/23/2012
Date Climbed	07/21/2012
Author	RJansen77

Father. Son. Fifty.
Father. Son. Fifty: Sharing a milestone with my strongest climbing partner Peak: Mount of the Holy Cross Climbers: Dad, Rob (RJansen77) Date: 7/20/12 - 7/21/12 Route: Standard Acclimatization Dad has had on any of his Cascade, Sierra Nevada, or Colorado Rockies 14ers: None Climbing partners. Since moving to Colorado 14 months ago, I've been lucky to meet many, and through numerous journeys in the hills I've come to call lots of them not just partners, but friends. It seems as though almost every weekend for the past year, it's been a different goal with the fine folks of 14ers.com. I owe a lot to the people on this site, and don't see how I can ever repay you all for what you've given me in my first year in Colorado. It's been an incredible ride so far, and I hope it continues for many years. While I've been fortunate enough to meet many special people on this website, my first and most long-term climbing partner is not a member here. Despite that, I've shared 14er summits in the Cascades, Sierra Nevada and Colorado Rockies with him. Heck, I've even shared a small 2450' summit in Quebec with him over two dozen times. It may be my favorite peak of all. Mount Washington, NH, at age 8. From Rainier to Whitney, Shasta to North Maroon, the man who took this photo has always been The two of us atop Mount Elbert, June 2010. The annual trip to Colorado had once again rolled around, though with me now living in Denver it is that much easier for my Dad to sneak away for a long weekend to try and tackle another peak without acclimatization. Last year, we completed North Maroon Peak on a perfect bluebird day. This year, Dad insisted he wanted to hit another peak that I hadn't done before. With my 14er count at 49 heading into the weekend, choices were limited, and Holy Cross was agreed upon as my potential 50th 14er. He landed at DIA at 3:40pm on Thursday afternoon. After a short day at the office Friday and some last minute packing, we darted up I-70 bound for Minturn. With a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms forecast for the next 48 hours, we figured the approach to East Cross Creek and our campsite may be a little wet. Like clockwork, Mother Nature sounded the fireworks the second we turned off the car at the trailhead. Not to be deterred, we shouldered our packs and started up toward Halfmoon Pass. The elevation gain melted away quickly, and before long we were descending towards the creek. Once again, Dad was climbing a 14er less than 24 hours after leaving sea level. Dad just over the pass, with Holy Cross beckoning. I guess you could say I take after him, as he is wearing the same clothes that saw the summit of North Maroon last year. For those who know me, I wear a bathing suit that has been up 46 of my 50 Colorado 14ers. Descending towards the camping area on the great trail. We kept a steady pass up and down the pass, as I knew that tomorrow would be much more demanding on the lungs than the approach. Passing groups of overnight climbers as well as dayhikers who were on their way out, we caught word of a black bear roaming the camping areas around the creek. Food storage and management would have to be perfect. We made it to our camping area around 4:45pm, and in one hour had erected the tent, cooked, eaten, cleaned, and rigged the bear hang. Catching up on life back east, the hours passed and a small storm blew through around 7:30pm. We retired to the tent in order to ready gear for a 3:45am wakeup call. With the forecast at 60% chance of showers and storms, an early start to not only get off the mountain, but also over Halfmoon Pass, would be necessary. After a few bear-free middle of the night bathroom breaks, the alarm blared. Upon seeing stars, The Grateful Dead blasted from my phone, and we readied our gear. We rolled out of camp around 4:25am, and followed the trail as it switchbacked its way through the trees and towards the ridge. Upon nearing treeline, first light appeared on the eastern horizon, and extra life came over us. First light appears over the Gores Keeping the breathing under control at 12,000'. First light on Holy Cross. It stares you down for much of the ridge. A gorgeous climb overall. Sunrise over the Gores. Dad's finger, Notch Mountain, and me, looking goofy as always. "This is amazing!! Oh yeah baby!!!!!!" The audience of surrounding peaks was stellar. The summit of Holy Cross consistently grew closer, providing motivation as the air grew thinner. Despite the panting and a bit of pain in the legs, I had seen it many times before. Dad was cranking right up to 14,000' fresh off the 20' altitude of our house in Connecticut. Many people told me Holy Cross is the prettiest Sawatch 14er. I still have Mount Columbia to go, but based on the less-than-stellar things I've heard about that one, I think they're right. What a beautiful peak. Above the gentle portion of the ridge. The sunrise to the east was gorgeous, and Mother Nature appeared to be granting us a generous weather window. "Yeahhh, bring on the pain!" The final pitch of talus was no match for the man who climbed Mount Shasta in a day immediately from sea level. His textbook sea level to 14k transition was once again unfolding. Myself along the ridge, around 13,000' Remembering why we do this. The final switchbacks to the summit melted away slowly, and we reached the summit around 7:15, with a bluebird sky and not a puff of wind. It was an incredible morning. Of course, we called the Mom from 14k. Holy Cross Ridge, Massive, Elbert and company. So pretty. My best Elks zoom. There was a group on the summit who thought Snowmass and Capitol were blanketed in snow... I'll never forget it. Dad chills with a view. Can you see Connecticut from here? One of those moments where I could literally hear Eddie Vedder singing. Hard to believe Carl and company skied this last July Taking it all in. After 1:20 or so on the summit, we began our descent. We passed many groups on their way up, and were glad to have taken such an early start. It was no Bierstadt, but Holy Cross saw some crowds this weekend. While we were still hours from the car, the stokage ensued. A few folks on the summit. Bowl of Tears, looking beautiful. Myself on the descent. The descent was relaxed, as we admired the surrounding peaks, took photos, and just enjoyed the incredible beauty of this area. Realizing this would be another treasured memory, we did our best to soak it all in. Eventually tree line came, and after talking with dozens of other climbers, we strolled back to the campsite to break down gear and pack up. It was great to see these guys up there. Thanks for all of your hard work! I was just waiting for the plunge, but it didn't happen. We dropped the bear bag and tent, loaded up the overnight packs, and were back on the trail after roughly 30 minutes in camp. Normally we like to ease off the pace on the hike out from camp, but Holy Cross has one more little punch to throw, in the form of 970' that must be re-gained on the hike out. It's all on a good trail, and passes quickly, making it a nice spot to really hammer the quads and grind out some final gain. Plus, there's the added incentive of afternoon storms, as the trail traverses the pass right around tree line. A quick descent would be possible, but being up high in a storm is never the most fun thing. We took in the views of our work as the pass drew closer, and before long we were descending gentle trail back to the car. Just a beautiful peak. I'll be back. We reached the trailhead around 2pm, another father - son climb in the books. "So, Dad, any thoughts on a finisher?" Of course, no climb would be complete without the best beer ever made. After an overnight stay in Breckenridge and a blue cheese and bacon burger at Fatty's we strolled up Bierstadt on Sunday before winding our way back to Denver. It was another installment in what has become a summer tradition. Beginning in the hills of New England with many Mount Washington ascents before finally heading west to Whitney, Shasta and Colorado, these climbs are days that I'll always remember. There's something special about showing the people you love a good time in the mountains, and this was no exception. I hope it continues for years to come. Thanks for reading! Rob Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Father. Son. Fifty.

Father. Son. Fifty: Sharing a milestone with my strongest climbing partner

Peak: Mount of the Holy Cross
Climbers: Dad, Rob (RJansen77)
Date: 7/20/12 - 7/21/12
Route: Standard
Acclimatization Dad has had on any of his Cascade, Sierra Nevada, or Colorado Rockies 14ers: None

Climbing partners. Since moving to Colorado 14 months ago, I've been lucky to meet many, and through numerous journeys in the hills I've come to call lots of them not just partners, but friends. It seems as though almost every weekend for the past year, it's been a different goal with the fine folks of 14ers.com. I owe a lot to the people on this site, and don't see how I can ever repay you all for what you've given me in my first year in Colorado. It's been an incredible ride so far, and I hope it continues for many years.

While I've been fortunate enough to meet many special people on this website, my first and most long-term climbing partner is not a member here. Despite that, I've shared 14er summits in the Cascades, Sierra Nevada and Colorado Rockies with him. Heck, I've even shared a small 2450' summit in Quebec with him over two dozen times. It may be my favorite peak of all.

Mount Washington, NH, at age 8. From Rainier to Whitney, Shasta to North Maroon, the man who took this photo has always been

The two of us atop Mount Elbert, June 2010.

The annual trip to Colorado had once again rolled around, though with me now living in Denver it is that much easier for my Dad to sneak away for a long weekend to try and tackle another peak without acclimatization. Last year, we completed North Maroon Peak on a perfect bluebird day. This year, Dad insisted he wanted to hit another peak that I hadn't done before. With my 14er count at 49 heading into the weekend, choices were limited, and Holy Cross was agreed upon as my potential 50th 14er.

He landed at DIA at 3:40pm on Thursday afternoon. After a short day at the office Friday and some last minute packing, we darted up I-70 bound for Minturn. With a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms forecast for the next 48 hours, we figured the approach to East Cross Creek and our campsite may be a little wet. Like clockwork, Mother Nature sounded the fireworks the second we turned off the car at the trailhead. Not to be deterred, we shouldered our packs and started up toward Halfmoon Pass.

The elevation gain melted away quickly, and before long we were descending towards the creek. Once again, Dad was climbing a 14er less than 24 hours after leaving sea level.

Dad just over the pass, with Holy Cross beckoning. I guess you could say I take after him, as he is wearing the same clothes that saw the summit of North Maroon last year. For those who know me, I wear a bathing suit that has been up 46 of my 50 Colorado 14ers.

Descending towards the camping area on the great trail.

We kept a steady pass up and down the pass, as I knew that tomorrow would be much more demanding on the lungs than the approach. Passing groups of overnight climbers as well as dayhikers who were on their way out, we caught word of a black bear roaming the camping areas around the creek. Food storage and management would have to be perfect.

We made it to our camping area around 4:45pm, and in one hour had erected the tent, cooked, eaten, cleaned, and rigged the bear hang. Catching up on life back east, the hours passed and a small storm blew through around 7:30pm. We retired to the tent in order to ready gear for a 3:45am wakeup call. With the forecast at 60% chance of showers and storms, an early start to not only get off the mountain, but also over Halfmoon Pass, would be necessary.

After a few bear-free middle of the night bathroom breaks, the alarm blared. Upon seeing stars, The Grateful Dead blasted from my phone, and we readied our gear.

We rolled out of camp around 4:25am, and followed the trail as it switchbacked its way through the trees and towards the ridge. Upon nearing treeline, first light appeared on the eastern horizon, and extra life came over us.

First light appears over the Gores

Keeping the breathing under control at 12,000'.

First light on Holy Cross. It stares you down for much of the ridge. A gorgeous climb overall.

Sunrise over the Gores.

Dad's finger, Notch Mountain, and me, looking goofy as always.

"This is amazing!! Oh yeah baby!!!!!!"

The audience of surrounding peaks was stellar.

The summit of Holy Cross consistently grew closer, providing motivation as the air grew thinner. Despite the panting and a bit of pain in the legs, I had seen it many times before. Dad was cranking right up to 14,000' fresh off the 20' altitude of our house in Connecticut.

Many people told me Holy Cross is the prettiest Sawatch 14er. I still have Mount Columbia to go, but based on the less-than-stellar things I've heard about that one, I think they're right.

What a beautiful peak.

Above the gentle portion of the ridge.

The sunrise to the east was gorgeous, and Mother Nature appeared to be granting us a generous weather window.

"Yeahhh, bring on the pain!" The final pitch of talus was no match for the man who climbed Mount Shasta in a day immediately from sea level. His textbook sea level to 14k transition was once again unfolding.

Myself along the ridge, around 13,000'

Remembering why we do this.

The final switchbacks to the summit melted away slowly, and we reached the summit around 7:15, with a bluebird sky and not a puff of wind. It was an incredible morning.

Of course, we called the Mom from 14k.

Holy Cross Ridge, Massive, Elbert and company. So pretty.

My best Elks zoom. There was a group on the summit who thought Snowmass and Capitol were blanketed in snow...

I'll never forget it.

Dad chills with a view. Can you see Connecticut from here?

One of those moments where I could literally hear Eddie Vedder singing.

img)<br

Hard to believe Carl and company skied this last July

Taking it all in.

After 1:20 or so on the summit, we began our descent. We passed many groups on their way up, and were glad to have taken such an early start. It was no Bierstadt, but Holy Cross saw some crowds this weekend.

While we were still hours from the car, the stokage ensued.

A few folks on the summit.

Bowl of Tears, looking beautiful.

Myself on the descent.

The descent was relaxed, as we admired the surrounding peaks, took photos, and just enjoyed the incredible beauty of this area. Realizing this would be another treasured memory, we did our best to soak it all in. Eventually tree line came, and after talking with dozens of other climbers, we strolled back to the campsite to break down gear and pack up.

It was great to see these guys up there. Thanks for all of your hard work!

I was just waiting for the plunge, but it didn't happen.

We dropped the bear bag and tent, loaded up the overnight packs, and were back on the trail after roughly 30 minutes in camp. Normally we like to ease off the pace on the hike out from camp, but Holy Cross has one more little punch to throw, in the form of 970' that must be re-gained on the hike out. It's all on a good trail, and passes quickly, making it a nice spot to really hammer the quads and grind out some final gain. Plus, there's the added incentive of afternoon storms, as the trail traverses the pass right around tree line. A quick descent would be possible, but being up high in a storm is never the most fun thing.

We took in the views of our work as the pass drew closer, and before long we were descending gentle trail back to the car.

Just a beautiful peak. I'll be back.

We reached the trailhead around 2pm, another father - son climb in the books.

"So, Dad, any thoughts on a finisher?"

Of course, no climb would be complete without the best beer ever made.

After an overnight stay in Breckenridge and a blue cheese and bacon burger at Fatty's we strolled up Bierstadt on Sunday before winding our way back to Denver.

It was another installment in what has become a summer tradition. Beginning in the hills of New England with many Mount Washington ascents before finally heading west to Whitney, Shasta and Colorado, these climbs are days that I'll always remember. There's something special about showing the people you love a good time in the mountains, and this was no exception. I hope it continues for years to come.

Thanks for reading!

Rob

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

dillonsarnelli	he even likes Dales 7/24/2012 2:15am so you obviously get your mannerisms from your mom... :wink: Rob, this looks like an awesome trip. Hopefully get to meet this great man someday. I enjoyed reading this report. Well done.
sunny1	Love it! 7/24/2012 2:16am Congrats on celebrating #50 with your life-long, #1 Hall of Fame Partner! Great TR, well written. Dig you guys climbing together! Great pics. Carry on!! :D
zdero1	Rob... 7/24/2012 2:53am Gigantic congrats on #50 and that you got to share it with you favorite climbing buddy. Exceptional TR and I can't wait to read about your final 8 and beyond. Umm at risk of sounding stupid...what IS up with that snowy type stuff in the Elks? Is that Mt. Sopris? Please enlighten me. Also...don't think that was Eddie Vedder you were hearing, but rather Scott Stapp.
dmccool	Almost too good, Rob 7/24/2012 2:11pm As I've made the transition from son to father myself, I can't help but think about your caption in photo #22 "I'll never forget it." I can promise you one thing - you dad won't either. What an honor for both of you to be able to do this together. I only hope to have that same type of connection with my own sons someday. Also, I need to climb with that man. What an animal! @zdero1 - it's the white-colored rock that those peaks hold, pretty cool.
zdero1	@DM 7/24/2012 2:27pm Thanks for the info...hope to make it to the Elks soon.
USAKeller	Nicely done you guys! 7/24/2012 5:53pm I completely get that feeling of sharing the climbing experience with your parents - it's something entirely different than with friends; something that you'll forever treasure! Nice, Rob.
Ridge runner	Love it! 7/24/2012 9:30pm This is why I'll continue to read 14er trip reports even if it's the 1 millionth report on that peak. Congrats to you and your dad! I hope you can do more together.
RJansen77	Thanks! 7/24/2012 11:07pm Thanks for the comments you guys! Dan - I'll look for Max and Miles on the Crestones soon, they've got a fine mentor in their house. Mike - The grey colored peaks are Snowmass and Capitol. You could see Sopris but I don't think I included a photo with it. Caroline - It's definitely a special experience, especially considering we're two time zones apart now! Greg - You're a manimal
thefirststraw	Congrats 7/25/2012 12:15am I guess it shouldn't surprise me to see several TRs of Holy Cross on saturday. It seemed like a 14ers summer gathering at the trailhead. There were at least 60 vehicles at the trailhead! I was at the summit with you guys (I had the yellow dog) Well done getting #50 with your dad. That must be pretty special.
SurfNTurf	Green headband 7/25/2012 5:15am Not bright enough.
kushrocks	The shorts 7/25/2012 6:55pm Im curious, what 4 of your 50 14er have the swimtrunks not been to the summit of? Because you know your going to have to go back and do those 4 again. Awesome that you can do stuff like that with your dad.
kushrocks	Oh and PS 7/25/2012 6:56pm Your dad is a bad ass.
Dancesatmoonrise	Nice 8/6/2012 4:28am Nice report, Rob. It was a pleasure meeting you last Fall.
tmathews	.... 8/26/2012 4:50am Rob....
Johnson	Your Dad 8/26/2012 7:48pm Will never forget either....
wildlobo71	Understated as always... 8/27/2012 3:53pm RIP Rob... And yes, you will be back - September 30th, watching over us.
I Man	Rob... 8/27/2012 4:31pm Rest in peace my friend....you were a good friend and always there when i needed you. It's difficult to accept this is real. You will be with me when I climb your final 6. Oh how much you accomplished in your short 24 years.
dwoods15	Rest in Peace Rob 8/27/2012 5:09pm You will always be remembered
chaos52	RIP Rob 8/27/2012 8:35pm May your father find comfort in time in the memories of the climbs you shared. May he feel your presence along every trail and in every breeze in the future. May God comfort all your family, loved ones and friends.
grey_wulff1	God Bless you Rob 8/27/2012 11:28pm I only first heard of you in the news this week, but all of us who love being high on a mountain understand. Godspeed and peace forever.
SurfNTurf	Poignant 8/29/2012 9:22pm It's so fitting that this was Rob's final TR. Mr. Jansen will read this for years to come. I'm glad father and son got to enjoy one last trip.
tspiro	What an Inspiration! 9/4/2012 3:42am Even though I didn't know him, it's readily apparent how exceptional Rob was. This man has accomplished so much in such a short time on this earth. I'm sure he made his parents extremely proud. My sincere condolences to the Jansen family and friends.
Fisching	4.3 seconds later... 9/24/2012 3:44pm I'm good now
Fisching	Dislike 9/24/2012 3:44pm You speak of your strongest climbing partner and there's no mention of me. This is an insult, Sir, that will take a total of 4.3seconds to get over.
Fisching	... 9/24/2012 3:44pm Long Live RJansen77!

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