Sputniks Prepare to Launch!
Friends, family and loved ones,
We spent our morning training on our mountain skills. The Sputniks polished up their self arrest, crampon in and fix line techniques. After lunch, Carole and I shared guide tips for successful summiting. The rest of the day was spent packing and napping. For early tomorrow, 2:30am to be exact, we will get up and go for the top of Europe. Please stay tuned!
All my best,
Vern Tejas
Sputniks climb to 15,000 feet
Friends, family and loved ones,
The day was beautiful as we ascended to
Pashtakov rocks. This is the best thing for our acclimatization. Along the way we payed a visit
to the old Pruit 11 hotel site. Behind the hotel is a big rock covered with plaques. These are placed in memory of fallen climbers.
The team is strong and completed the round trip in less than four and a half hours. We napped and ate dinner where we celebrated Caroline’s birthday.
Happy birthday Caroline!
Yum!
All my best,
Vern Tejas
Sputniks ascend to high camp
Friends, family and loved ones,
It was a dark and stormy morning as we shoulder heavy loads. The weather took a turn for the worse as we trudged upwards. Through the blizzard the hut finally came into view. After a hard fought 5,000 feet we had a late lunch and retired to our bunks. We opted to do rope work over subjecting ourselves to more wind and sleet.
Ropes over wind!
We tied knots all afternoon. We must have tied hundreds. Taylor then entertained us with tales of graham crackers and his cat.
Story time.
Fun was had by all.
All my best,
Vern Tejas
The “Sputniks”acclimatize !
Friends, family and loved ones,
Once again our team, known as the Sputniks, hiked high above the valley floor. The weather was splendid as we strolled through meadows of alpine flowers. The Sound of Music playing in our heads
Half way up the ridge we scrambled through window rock. Our spirits soared when the clouds parted and we could see the mountain for the first time. Jump for joy.
On the way down we swung by Maiden’s Hair waterfall to have a look see. Wishing you were here. Tomorrow we actually head up to our high camp on Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe. All my best,Vern Tejas
We climb Cheget ridge
Friends, family and loved ones,
Our acclimation began in earnest today. We went for a hike to a little over ten thousand feet. We started in the trees but ultimately finished in alpine tundra thee thousand feet above.
The crest of the Caucasus mountains provided us with a fine backdrop.
The frontier is very near.
Allis well with the team that we now call the “Sputniks”!
All my best,
Vern Tejas
A very memorable experience all around. Nice balance of climbing and cultural+travel aspect (St. P + Moscow). Highly recommended climb especially for people who may be looking for little more comfort in an expedition or newbies. I’ve enjoyed our time spent together on the mountain so much that I’ve signed up for another trip which they will be guiding in February.
