Elbrus Expedition Dispatch

June 22, 2009 – Midnight Train to Moscow

Russia carries with it a lot of culture and history. Today, the Red Square is closed to commemorate the anniversary - the start of the German invasion of the Soviet Union which was code named “Operation Barbarossa”. The Soviets command was to stop the enemy “The Nazi’s” at all costs which prevented Hitler’s plan to turn half of the country into slaves and the rest to be eliminated. Unfortunately, blockading the Nazi’s came with a cost, the Soviet Army lost over 5 million and many civilians in the first two years. During the siege and blockades over the four years, many German and Soviet lives were lost. In May of 1945, the Soviets hung their flags in Berlin and claimed their victory. Today many will take time to remember lives lost in the Great Patriotic War.

Taking you back to the present day. Continuing with our journey our "Grand Express" train to Moscow pulled out of St Petersburg promptly at 11:40PM, June 21, 2009 Summer Solstice. It is hard for us to think of it as the "midnight train".

We pulled out of St. Pete and started rolling south through the countryside. At these northern latitudes even though it was after midnight, it was fully light out of our windows.

We all have been very alert with the excitement of the past couple of days and anticipation for reaching Moscow, but soon after the train began rocking gently along the tracks we all feel asleep.

Stay tuned as we have arrived at our next destination, Moscow!