Hiking Group - Lostsheep5, Globreal, Weschun, Rainier1, DLCrow, Eatinhardtack, dcbates80911, Jamie, Julie (Jamie's friend), Brittney (Globreal's daughter), Kevin8020, Nebnative, and Hammerheart
Distance - ~ 10 miles (based on GPS tracking)
Trailhead - Winfield (thanks to a natural ice blockade)
Class - 2
Forum Link - http://www.14ers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=16730&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=105
It started with "Looking at climbing La Plata or Huron next weekend......Any Interest?"
Well, apparently that is a YES. Interested parties began to reply immediately. As the weekend got closer, it looked like all the days were going to have good weather. However, some people could only go one of the two days. Therefore, we had two separate groups. This trip report represents the Sunday climb, with a 41 year difference between youngest and oldest.
The plan was for two groups to meet in their respective cities (Denver and Colorado Springs). From there, the entire group would meet at the Johnson Village truck stop, which we did. The drive north through BV and to Chafee County 390 was uneventful, except for Weschun's love tap to a crossing deer. 
We arrived at Winfield and quickly encountered an ice slab blocking the trail. This added roughly two miles to the trailhead, but added to the fun. After gearing up and taking a group picture, we were on our way.
L - R: Top - Eric, Britt, Wes, Brett, Dave C, Zach, Jamie, Dave B, Julie, Bottom - Brittony, Kevin, Jodi, and John
 Photo provided by Britt
Heading up the road
We reached the real trailhead and stopped to prepare for the actual climb.
 Photo provided by Britt
Zach uses his "head" as he signs the log
 Photo provided by Britt
 Photo provided by Britt
View of Trail Conditions
 Photo provided by Britt
Naturally, a group this large tends to separate, but our group consistently consolidated at different times. I have not been part of a group that worked so much like a team (actually, 1/4 of this team found and returned my trekking pole baskets). The first stop was right at tree-line, where we first met the wind. After everyone got a little rest, our group began to make our way across a relatively level trail section and up toward Huron's summit.
Tree-line refueling stop
 Photo provided by Britt
Our Goal
The Three Apostles
Working hard for her first 14er
At 13,560 (Based on my GPS), our group's first members found a sheltered area around a rock formation. It was in the sun and blocked the wind. Great place. As Globreal and his daughter reached this shelter, we began to discuss summit activities. Due to wind conditions, we wanted to make a quick summit and decend back to this point. Everyone's determination can be summed up with Brittony's comment "I came here to summit" (paraphrased). Yea, that is the spirit.
Brown's Peak
Harvard to the East
The last section was hard for almost everyone. The wind and cold drained each and every one of us. Even the veteran winter climbers mentioned how hard this section seemed to be. We all reached the summit, took the standard pictures (including the group shot) and descended very quickly back to the sheltered area. Here we talked and ate before descending back to the TH and parking area.
Jodi lets her hair down...well, more to the left
A very proud dad and a very proud daughter...congrats on a well earned summit
 Photo provided by Britt
 Photo provided by Britt
A cold Summit Shot
 Photo provided by Britt
Zach is chillin, literally
Brett, just moved here and loving it
Eric is on number 24, 10 more than his age
Triumphant group on descent...and still together as a team
Back at the TH, we met that ice obstacle one more time. I decided to bypass it by climbing along a dirt section to the west, and ended up being the only one to fall. Others just took a seat and slid down to the cars.
This is our Ice Barrier that added 4 miles
 Photo provided by Britt
Some chose to go across the ice...for the record, I went to the left on the dirt and still fell on my butt
 Photo provided by Britt
Eric brought his crampons so he wanted to at the least use them as Keven slides down the road
Overall, it turned into a very enjoyable day. We had a first time summit, and a fairly large group. Like most of the group trips I have experience, this one turned out to be great. Everyone helped encourage each other and we reached the summit as a team, despite the wind. Once again, an experience spent with a great group of people.
Thanks to all who went and contributed to this trip.
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