Elbrus Expedition Dispatch

July 17, 2009 – Richard and Nicky Move into the “Barrels”

Karina sent us a message from Garabashi, the location of the famous “Barrels”, 12,304 feet/3750 meters. This will be Richard and Nicky’s base in the coming days as they prepare for their summit attempt on Mount Elbrus. The team accessed the barrels today by riding two gondolas and then a chairlift.

Irina, Berg Adventures cook, has joined the party now and Karina reported that after Vladimir, Richard and Nicky ascended up the glacier to the “Refuge 11” site at 4100 meters for further acclimatization, they returned to the Barrels to enjoy fresh hot soup that Anastasia had prepared.

“The weather is getting better”, Karina said in her note. The only other message was that Richard and Nicky both say hi to their parents!