Cybercasts

Friends, Family & Loved Ones,

The overnight rain ended today just as we began our hike to the watchtower above Terskol. The light clouds and cooler weather came as a relief from the beating sun of yesterday. Along the way, we were treated to some good views of Terskol village, the East Summit of Elbrus and of course, the huge herd of grazing sheep and the wildflowers surrounding us. Some pics from our hike today are below:

After a late lunch at our hotel, we had time in the afternoon to relax and get our gear sorted for tomorrow, when we will move up to the huts.

The Team is feeling good and looking forward to getting on the mountain tomorrow.

Thanks for following us,

Carole & Vern Tejas

Friends, Family & Loved Ones,

Given our late arrival in Terskol last night, the Crevasseputins (formerly Team Meow) had a bit of a sleep-in today and mobilized in late morning for an acclimatization hike above the village of Cheget. Skies were clear and afforded us our first view of Mount Elbrus — so close and yet so far!

It felt great to get out on the trails among the wildflowers and gain a couple thousand feet of elevation– it got the exercise juices flowing and whet our appetites for the climb to come.

This afternoon, we did a gear check to make sure that everyone has got what they need for the climb. Only a couple of last minute tweaks to gear were needed before everyone was all sorted.

Tomorrow, our plan is to hike up the other side of the valley to get some more acclimatization under our belt.

Thanks for following,

Carole & Vern Tejas

Friends, Family & Loved Ones,

Today was a long travel day from St Petersburg in the North of Russia to the Baksan Valley, near the border of Georgia in the South. The travel logistics were challenging, with a flight delay and computer glitch at the airport …

but we are at our destination now and all excited to be here in the mountains at the base of Mount Elbrus.

At an elevation of over 6,500 feet, the air here is fresh and cool with the scent of the pine forest that surrounds the village of Terskol, our base for the next couple of days.

We are all looking forward to getting some rest tonight and to stretching our legs tomorrow on our first acclimatization hike.

Spokane nochi (-“good night” in Russian),

Carole & Vern Tejas

Friends, Family & Loved Ones,

Thankfully, the rain of yesterday was replaced by very pleasant, sunny weather today — perfect for our day of touring St Petersburg. The highlights for us were Peter and Paul Fortress, the Battleship Aurora, the massive St Isaac’s Cathedral and, of course, the Hermitage museum, the largest in Russia. The Team concluded that, if we had the endurance to make it through the entire tour today, we would surely have the stamina to climb Mount Elbrus. Below are some pics of the day.

Ceiling Detail at the Hermitage

Peter the Great

Team in front of the Aurora

Tomorrow, we’re going to fly down to Mineralne Vody and head to the mountains!

Carole & Vern Tejas

Friends, Family & Loved Ones,

Welcome to our coverage of Alpine Ascents’ July Mount Elbrus Expedition. Happy to report that, so far, all but one of the Team have arrived in St Petersburg after a long travel day with lots of weather delays.

To kick-off the trip, we had an orientation meeting this afternoon and then we all went to dinner, where we sampled our first classic Russian dish — Beef Stroganoff, named after the aristocrat Baron Stroganov, whose Palace we will pass by tomorrow. The story goes that because the Baron was virtually toothless in his old age, he instructed his chef to cut up his beef into small pieces and serve it in a sour cream sauce so that the Baron was able to eat it. Voila Beef Stroganoff. Tonight’s dinner was delicious even for those of us who still have all of our teeth.

Tomorrow, we plan to tour the city, so please check back then to follow our further adventures!

Carole & Vern Tejas