Cybercasts

Greetings Comrades,

I learned a new Russian proverb today: “Drive slow and you will go far”. This morning, we set out in pretty good weather conditions towards Pastakov Rocks, a terrain feature on Mount Elbrus that spans from 14,700 feet up to 15,400. Like the proverb says, we climbed at a slow but very steady pace.

As we climbed, it became very sunny and hot. The visibility decreased at the top of the Rocks, where we took a rest break. On our way back down to the hut, we descended through a brief but heavy, wet snow. So weather-wise, we got it all today. The Team moved really well together and everyone is feeling good.

Tomorrow we are going to review some skills and prepare for our summit bid the following day.

Stay tuned!

Carole

Greetings Comrades,

In the words of the venerable Dr. Seuss: “You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting so get on your way.” Which is exactly what we did this morning, when we moved from our hotel in the valley to our hut at 12,500 feet on Mount Elbrus.

As a first order of business, we settled into our digs. The Team was pleasantly surprised! We then we spent some time rigging the climbing gear that we will use to clip into the fixed lines on our summit day.

After lunch, we hiked up to check out the former site of the historic Priut-11 Hut, which was built in 1939 and which burned down in 1998. It snowed to varying degrees while we were hiking and the visibility wasn’t great, but the temperature was relatively comfortable and it was great to finally be on the mountain itself and walking on the snow.

Tomorrow we’re going to hike to Pastakov Rocks at about 15,000 feet for some more acclimatization and practice with footwork and other techniques on the snow.

We’re all doing well up here. Thanks for following!

Carole

Greetings Comrades,

We got some good acclimatization today as we climbed up from the valley floor to an observatory at about 10,000 feet. We were accompanied for part of the way by a huge flock of very vocal sheep— it was fun to mingle with the locals. We took several breaks to admire the view and contemplate life.

At our high point, an old watch tower near the observatory, we found some very old battery cables near our rest spot, possibly left over from WWII. Just as we began our descent, the clouds over Elbrus lifted and we got our first view of the East and West Peaks. We could see a good portion of our climbing route as well.

We got back to the hotel in time for a late lunch and some well deserved relaxation after a long hike. The team is doing exceptionally well and we’re all looking forward to moving up to the hut tomorrow morning.

Thanks for following,

Carole

Greetings Comrades,

It was a busy day of climbing, eating and organizing. This morning, we acclimatized by hiking up Cheget Ridge for a few hours until we could go no further. Why? See the sign below. After a rest at the top, we did the smart thing — why walk when you can take a chairlift partway down the hill? We worked up an appetite admiring the views from the chairlift, so we went straight to lunch.

Our afternoon consisted of a gear check and, now that we are sorted, some free time before dinner. Tomorrow, we’re going to acclimatize some more and hike up the other side of the valley. Fingers crossed for a clear view of the top of Elbrus!

Thanks for following,

Carole

Greetings Comrades,

We flew from Moscow today to the airport at Mineral Vody in the South of Russia. From there, we drove for a few hours past fields of corn and fruit trees into the mountains to Terskol, our base at the foot of Mt Elbrus.

We arrived at our hotel in time for dinner, where our hosts surprised Bryson with a cake to celebrate his 37th birthday.

Tomorrow, we hope to get our first peek at the mountain when we hike up Cheget Ridge. Everyone is looking forward to it!

Carole