Elbrus Expedition Dispatch

Neurjhan, whose home is in the nearby town of Turnous, was sent by the owner of the hotel to be our translator this year. She speaks excellent English, but she rarely works with tourists

Joe at Azau, base of Elbrus ski lifts, having a late lunch

Checkers game with Neurjhan at our lodge

Starting up for the barrels and our Elbrus climb on a perfectly clear morning. Our cook, Leila, met us for the ride up

Loading our water, food and supplies for the coming days into the chairlifts

Joe hanging out at the base of the lifts

Karina with one of our water bottles

Shannon built a snowman on the way to Pastukhov Rocks (15,585ft/4,750m)

Shannon at the Barrel

Joe and Shannon at the Barrels

Team at Pastukhov Rocks (15,585ft/4,750m)