Elbrus Expedition Dispatch
June 8, 2018 – Visiting the Barrels for the First Time
We started our day with a return visit to the rental shop to pick some of the gear that we will actually need higher on Elbrus
We picked up the boots that we had tried on the first day - tomorrow we will get the crampons fitted, before we move up for the climb
We then boarded the gondola for our ride up. We took only two chairs to the Mir Station at 11,300 feet on the way up. This allowed us to hike and acclimatize on the snow as we climbed toward Karina's Barrel, which is located at 13,900 feet
Joe and Shannon on the chair ride up
On the ride up Karina showed us the pendant that she had received for her second successful ascent of Everest
At the top we met Sasha, who has guided many Berg Adventures Elbrus summit attempts
We are using Karina's Barrel this year, but first we had to dig it out!
Time to move in the Barrel
It is cozy inside and we appreciated the snacks!
Vladimir is feeling peaceful and relaxed in the Barrel.
We will go down now, but tomorrow we will return for at least 4 nights.