Elbrus Expedition Dispatch
June 25, 2010 – Acclimatizing Towards Kikhiany Peak
We wanted to go further and higher today and we chose the alpine basin that leads to Kikhiany Peak. Kikhiany Peak was named for a famous Georgian climber who did many hard first ascents in the Caucasus in the 1960’s and 70’s. Our day began with a steep climb on a forest trail. There were rock steps along the trail that were so steep that Karina and Vladimir fixed ropes for us to use to climb up. In the alpine basin above it was beautiful; kicking steps in the firm snow as very easy compared to the trail below.
By 2:00 pm we had reached an elevation of 10,200 feet, more than 3,800 feet above our starting point. Not bad for our second day out. The forecast rain finally did start at about that time, and we took it easy on our descent because of slippery conditions. By 5:00 pm we were back at the van and by 6:00 pm we had all met in the sauna to recap our day and ease our tight muscles.
Before we left our lodge, Linda and Paule presented Olissa, who welcomes us at the front desk each day when we return from our climbs, with a Canada Pin.
Vladimir led the way as we climbed into the alpine terrain to toward Kikhiany Peak.
"The boys" Mo, Tom, and Bill climbing higher
Karina on the snow near 10,000 feet
Team climbing higher into the basin
Bill and Paule kicking steps in the snow. This is good practice for Elbrus!