Log In 
Peak(s):  Mt. Harvard  -  14,424 feet
Date Posted:  10/23/2010
Modified:  10/24/2010
Date Climbed:   10/16/2010
Author:  Dancesatmoonrise
 Hey! Party on Harvard!   

Party on Harvard!


Peak: Mt. Harvard
Route: Standard, South Approach
Date: October 16, 2010
Length: 14 miles RT
Vertical: 4600 feet
Ascent time: 3:04:09
Ascent Party: Dancesatmoonrise and two dozen new and old friends



I was beginning to contract that affliction known as Fourteener Withdrawl Syndrome. It had been nearly a month and my lungs were getting congested breathing all this oxygen.
I knew the cure. Harvard would do just fine. Besides, it would be cool to get a few of the same photos as last January's trip up Columbia; maybe even collect a series of changing-
season shots in the beautiful Horn Fork Basin.

A few friends were also planning Harvard. I got a late start at around 8:00 am, and planned to catch folks along the way, which worked out well.





Now and then...
Image





It was nice starting at the summer trailhead, avoiding the extra six miles (RT) imposed by winter. I was able to make pretty good time, arriving at the right turn up the climb into the HFB,
at the bridge, by about 28 minutes. Seems I was in the alpine about an hour later - though I had to stop to talk to Yalegirl and meet her friend, Tana.

It's pretty here today, but I'm already thinking ahead to winter's sultry solitude at sundown.




Today and last January
Image





Northerly aspects in the alpine had some snow cover. Remaining aspects were relatively dry. This was somewhat of a surprise, not having been out in a month.
I felt like ditching the gaiters and sure wished I'd had the approach shoes instead of boots, but really expected more snow.


Image





Looking up toward Harvard, conditions looked really pretty good.


Image



Image






I caught up with Terry and his gang around 9:30 or so. There were a lot of folks on the mountain and the atmosphere was very festive.

Image




I passed by quite a few more folks on the way to the summit ridge, and bumped into Hikeaddict and Peanut. These gals are delightful,
and quite the dynamic duo. We'd bumped into each other some time last winter, but couldn't quite figure out where.

Image




I made the summit by around 11:00 am. It was breezy and cool but sunny. There was some talk of doing the traverse over to Columbia.
One group decided against it and another turned back. I'm not sure if anyone actually hit it, but I was content to just hang out on top of Harvard for an hour or two.

Image



Image





The weather ended up warming up quite nicely. People started arriving on the summit; there must have been twenty or more folks on the mountain today.

The traverse over to Columbia did look pretty inviting.

Image




Hikeaddict, Peanut, and Larry headed down shortly after Noon.

Image






Terry's gang stayed and enjoyed lunch and libations on the summit.

Image








The mood on the summit was ebullient, with lots of smiles and laughter. It was a great, festive day.


Image






The only thing I missed was a longer section of rock - though the boots were not holding when wet, nearly as well as the approach shoes would have.
I think that S1/C4 Stealth has me spoiled. I also missed the long rock sections from the last few trips.

Still, I'd have to say that the short summit block section on Harvard is solid class three. Not to differ with Bill's excellent route descriptions; I just couldn't find a class two way for the last 50 feet.
But then, I really didn't look around much.


Image





I will say that a friend who is very experienced found the summit blocks got his attention last June in some fresh snow (he's probably done this peak a few dozen times.)
So I'll stick by my call of class three here. Today was just plain fun scrambling - I found myself wanting more.


Image





It was hard to figure actual travel time on the descent, because it was such a fun day and I kept stopping to hang out with folks. Regina and Tana were in a particularly lively mood.

Here the girls are showing their best poker faces. I felt like I was photographing the Mafia. We definitely had the Italian District to ourselves.


Image




Image




Image




Image



She's such a cute little bambina! (Just don't piss her off. : )



Image





Regina and Tana headed over to the lake, and I can't believe that I'd carried the flyrod to the last five or six summits and didn't have it today.
What a perfect day to kick back with a couple of beautiful ladies on the alpine shores watching little shark attacks on a parachute Adams. Dang!


Looking back, those gendarmes on the traverse look pretty cool - but also guard ridge-proper travel exceedingly well.


Image





Poor old Columbia - I've heard so many folks malign it for the "loose scree" on the west slopes. In winter it's very doable: It's usually almost completely wind-blown of snow,
and the scree is frozen into place. One of the few really nice things about winter travel. I love that line up the west side in winter, perfect pitch for non-stop motoring.


Image



The route up Columbia starts just to the south of Point 11853, the rugged prominence at the right of today's photo, below.

Image




I passed by the turnoff for Columbia and continued into the trees, where there's an old leaning log across the stream that makes a great shot in winter's icing.


Image





The walk back was quite pleasant. There are still a few aspens with leaves and color.


Image







Not a particularly tough peak, at least in dry conditions, but a fun, festive day in an incredibly beautiful place.

The Horn Fork Basin would make a really nice subject for some of those changing-season comparison shots. Could be a fun project.



Jim



Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28


Comments or Questions
Doctor No
User
Nice!
10/24/2010 3:19pm
Great shots as usual, Jim - thanks for posting them!


Yalegirl09
Love it!!!
10/24/2010 3:50pm
Hahahaha!! Those are some awesome poker face shots!! Actually all of the shots are beautiful as usual!! Don't go scaring people from hiking with me now!!! We Italians are just hot tempered!


mountaintan
User
Great meeting you!
10/24/2010 5:53pm
Hi Jim,
It was nice meeting you in person after reading so many of your reports and posts! Great Pics


MtnHub
User
Very nice!
10/24/2010 6:34pm
Nice comparison shots! Enjoy seeing the trail with snow as I only get there in July! Thanks for posting!


XMULE
Awesome
10/25/2010 12:06am
awesome photos (of Regina and Tana); pix of Mt Harvard & comparisons photos not too shabby either


randalmartin
User
Now and then for your Photo Book
10/25/2010 1:25am
Jim, as I am thinking about ideas for your photo book , I would certainly plan on having a Now and Then section.


globreal
User
Great Fall Day!
10/25/2010 4:46pm
And you captured it beautifully with your pictures once again. Love the comparison shots. Nice!


mountainmicah83
User
Impressive as usual.
10/25/2010 4:51pm
I like the comparison shots as well. I also like how you put your email on the photos. Nicely done.


Kiefer
User
One sweet...
10/26/2010 3:25am
report, Jim. The pictures are actually beyond your normal amazing degree. Love the side-by-side shots.
I've been falling back into the whole solo hiking/climbing mode but man, yours and Dogglers reports makes ya want to hike with people!

That summit block on Harvard...hate the bastard. I gave myself a huge bruise/swelling when I went up years ago not paying attention. I looked like I had a tennis ball under my scalp for 4 weeks afterwards.

Great report, dude!


emcee smith
User
Unusual report
10/26/2010 12:57pm
This is one of the few reports that I like the write up better than the (great) photos. Your lead in makes me sad and longing for altitude.


fleetmack
User
before and after shots..
10/27/2010 3:29pm
...are really cool, nicely done


Dancesatmoonrise
User
Thanks!
10/27/2010 5:34pm
Great seeing everyone up there. Thanks for the props, Kiefer. Yes, it's nice to have a fun social hike now and then. Mike, I find it interesting that you like the text. When I sat down to put it together, truth be told, I didn't really have much to say - so kind of winged it. Fleetmack, speaking of cool shots.... I've always loved that avatar! No doubt you brought it back by popular demand! : )

Thanks, all - Looking forward to seeing everyone on Quandary for the Winter Welcomer this weekend.

Jim


KentonB
User
I Was There!
1/5/2011 5:15pm
Great trip report. I think we're some of the people you passed on the way up! LOL I'm actually in your summit picture... the guy with the long black sleaves who looks like he broke his arm. We ended up doing the traverse and didn't get back until after 9 pm!


SenadR
User
Now and then...
1/5/2011 5:27pm
I like these Now and then... pictures. With snow mountains are real deal, different and better.



   Not registered?


Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.


Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.