Elbrus Expedition Dispatch
July 3, 2017 – Getting Ready to Go to the Summit
We climbed steadily. We couldn't have asked for a better day to climb all the way to Postakov Rocks. There are people from all over the world here. We are close to a Norwegian climbing group and climbers from the USA. They are climbers from all parts of Russia as well.
On the lower mountain there are plenty of skiers and tourists as well. Everyone is enjoying perfect mountain weather. That could change at any time of course.
The team on out snow cat ride from the top lift to our Barrel
After the chair ride we moved our bags the rest of the way by snow cat
Our team climbing to Postakov Rocks
Snow cat passed us going down - with tourists on board!
Mark at Postakov Rocks
Paul at Postakov Rocks
Mathes at Postakov Rocks- 15,000ft
Takis to Postakov - taking in the Caucasus Mountains on a beautiful day
A spectacular peak of the Caucasus from our climb today. What views! What a day!
Woodie has been over this terrain before - in 2004
“Voudie” and Karina climbing today. They climbed together on Berg adventures Elbrus Expedition thirteen years ago in 2004. Karina was a young assistant guide for BAI. That year in summit day Woodie grabbed another young assistant guide for BAI on the saddle and said let's go I hate to move slow. They were first on the top. Karina still pronounces Woodie's name “Voudie” . He remembers that from 2004. So I am calling him "Voudie" now!
We are back at the Barrels at 4:30 pm and this is our view of the twin summits of Elbrus. Amazing day!
Paul
Mark
We went for a walk with our ice axes and rigged our climbing harnesses - the preparation for our summit attempt. As you can tell the weather is still beautiful!
Dinner at the Barrels
Mark kicked back in his Barrel with a cup of tea
Woodie ready to go to sleep
View of Ushba from our Barrel just before dinner tonight; Sunday 8pm
Ou view of our mountain from our "home”