Elbrus Expedition Dispatch
July 9, 2014 – It is Still Snowing at the Barrels! But Beautiful in the Valley
The first two photos here will show that, despite our perfectly clear summit yesterday morning, we still have plenty of wintry, snowy weather on Elbrus. Unloading off the snow cat yesterday afternoon after the climb, and putting our bags and supplies on for transport down to the ski lifts this morning, were both done in the same conditions. In between we had a well-deserved rest after a long and successful summit day.
We are back in the valley now, still feeling the high wind in our faces, the effort of breathing, and the slow steps above 5000 meters. We are a team who is proud to have reached our goal. Now it is time for some barbeque!
Unloading at 4:00 PM, July 8, 12 long hours after we’d left for the top.
Loaded and ready to head down this morning.
Our friend Nako from Nagasaki will remain on the mountain and try to summit on the 11th.
Vladimir K. and Nako got a ride the short distance from where they were staying to occupy our “Red Barrel” after we left.
In the Valley, Andre, our rental equipment supplier was waiting with his kind smile to receive the gear that we were returning.
Then it was time for local lunch! Sashlick with local cheese bread Hiching. We started with fresh salad.
The tender lamb was served right off the fire on skewers.
Johanna, Don and Vladimir B. relax sharing stories after lunch
Back to our Seven Peaks Hotel. The clocks on the wall are set to the time zones for each of the Seven Summits. Maryana, who runs the front desk always gets asked why there are only 6 clocks. It is because Kilimanjaro and Elbrus are in the same time zone!
Sisters Karina and Micheline were off for some quick shopping after lunch.