Leaving the Baksan Behind Us -

The soggy weather in the Baksan Valley continued through Thursday, just as Michael had forecast. After our ride back down the chairlift and cable cars on Wenesday, our hotel and the staff there gave us a warm welcome. Richard returned to his regular post at the sauna and pool, the rest of us would stop by there from time to time as well.

Karen led shopping expeditions to the Cheget ski area on both Wenesday and Thursday. The local women who run the stalls there were eager to sell their handicrafts and other wares. Spencer was a good customer and prided himself on getting good prices - although he was heard to exclaim after one of his purchases: "wait I forgot to negotigate" The woman who ran the stall laughed hard, her gold teeth flashing. She was quick to make it clear that a deal was a deal, and intended hard bargaining did not count once a price had agreeded upon.

Our farewell dinner in the Elbrus Region was Shashlyk, or barbequed lamb, cook outsided the hotel and served indoors, with our Russian staff from the Adlysu Valley Trip and Mt. Elbrus as our honored guest. It was a warm and lively evening of celebration and heartfelt congratulations and thanks shared all round.

Anatoli, who photographed our climb, showed up and had prints of their climbing day on Elbrus for each of the team members to take home. "Toli", who had become know as "Wally's Double" to the team members, had worked hard on that stormy day to get individual portraits of all the climbers high on the mountain as well as great group climbing shots. From the saddle, he had stepped into his skis and descended quickly to the valley to get the film processed. His appearence at the party was welcomed and everyone loved their photos.