Friends, Family & Loved Ones,
We did it!! The Crevasseputins climbed to the top of Europe at 11 am this morning.
We left the Huts at 3 am and for most of the way to the summit, it was COLD, with strong winds (that we all agreed felt like 160 mph) and blowing snow, all of which made this climb quite the challenge.
But the Crevasseputins more than met it. We were lucky in that for the last 1,000 feet or so below the summit, the skies were totally clear. So while our time on the summit was brief because of the winds, we were able to get some amazing 360 degree views.
Our descent was smooth, with alternating patches of powder snow and some icier sections. Our fixed line practice paid off!
We are all now back safely in the warm Huts and have just finished dinner. Tomorrow morning, everybody is looking forward to descending to our hotel in Terskol for a shower, a change of clothes and perhaps a celebratory libation(s).
Carole & Vern Tejas
