14er in a kilt? - X Marks the Scot

irishcoloradoan · #1 07-09-2009, 12:50 PM

Colorado rabble-

The wife and I are going to hike a 14er this weekend (not sure which one yet) in lieu of spending money anywhere (though I wish I were going to the festival). My question to you: should I wear my kilt? I was thinking of the last time I went up a 14er and how windy it was, so I'm thinking of taking my tank.

Thoughts?

Livingston · #2 07-09-2009, 05:05 PM

Well, you have three choices close in. Pikes Peak has a well traveled trail to the top where you can catch the cog railway back down. I've driven up there a few times and it is VERY windy and that wind has a definite chill to it. Next you have Mount Evans which is closer to you. You could hike that one and catch a ride down with someone that drove up. Once again, there is quite the wind at the top and it too is chilly. Then there is Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can only hike it. No train, no cars. I'm sure the wind is just as bad there but don't know for sure, never hiked it myself. I do know that it takes a FULL day to make the trip with most people starting out at oh dark thirty. I can also sit in the living room and see how windy it looks up there. Me? I'd wear a pair of zip off p@n7s so that on the lower elevations I could be cool but still have something to keep the legs warm at the top. Or wear a good pair of flannel boxers.

Me? Chicken? Yup.

GMan · #3 07-09-2009, 08:57 PM

I made it to Chasm Lake on Longs a few years ago. Of course it was during the dry spell so I didn't have to worry about the rains. Also no wind per se, so it was a pretty nice stroll. But that was then, who knows what the morrow may bring.

Nighthawk · #4 07-09-2009, 08:57 PM

Personally, I've been good on those kinds of excursions with my Amerikilt and boxers. I hiked some of the trails on Mt Blanca on my recent vacation.

Riverkilt · #5 07-09-2009, 11:05 PM

Spent a lot of time kilting about the San Juans kilted...but no 14ers for this olde man.

Would encourage hiking kilted wherever you go - particularly if it is windy. Hiking in the wind in a remote location helps you learn what wind can and cannot do to a well made kilt...helps you get comfortable with the wind playing in the pleats...get used to winds from different directions. Its positively therapeutic and fun.

Like cross winds...if a wind from the right blows your apron up then it will also hold down the underapron. Of course a wind from the left will hold down your apron.

You might try searching for "wind" there were some kilts in the wind posts that are educational and quite beautiful. Take some pics. Kilts look great when the wind is playing with them.

And, if you have a Marilyn Monroe moment - who's to see off on the trail?

Ron

irishcoloradoan · #6 07-10-2009, 09:03 AM

Hmm, now I'm torn. I know how awfully cold the top of those hills get, and i'm all for hiking in the kilt, but I'd rather not have my long hose on. Perhaps I could put it down for the easy part and then up when it gets chilly? I'll be packing the columbia coat for the higher parts for sure, now I'm just concerned about the lower body and extremities.

RB51 · #7 07-10-2009, 09:49 AM

Hope I don't appear too dense here but what, exactly, is a 14er? Done a lot of hiking but never heard of it

thanks

Laurie

Nighthawk · #8 07-10-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RB51

Hope I don't appear too dense here but what, exactly, is a 14er? Done a lot of hiking but never heard of it

thanks

Laurie

It's a Coloradoan term. It means a mountain who's peak is at least 14,000 feet above sea level. Trees stop growing for lack of oxygen after about 12,000 feet- just for perspective.

irishcoloradoan · #9 07-10-2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RB51

Hope I don't appear too dense here but what, exactly, is a 14er? Done a lot of hiking but never heard of it

thanks

Laurie

Nighthawk is right. Here's a link to the CO 14ers with more info: http://www.14ers.com/

Riverkilt · #10 07-10-2009, 01:45 PM

Tell you what - think you'll be happily surprised. Remember, hot air rises...kilts hold that warm air.

There are lots of kilts in the snow pics on this board that verify that. Think there are some 'how cold?' and kilts in the wind threads too.

Bet if you "started" out with it you'll wind up leaving it on all the way...

You're gonna love it.

Ron