Touching the Elbrus Snow

Mt. Elbrus, </a>  18,513' (right peak is highest)” title=”Mt. Elbrus, 18,513' (right peak is highest)” width=”225″ height=”169″ class=”size-thumbnail wp-image-6765″ /></a><figcaption id=Mt. Elbrus, 18, look 513' (right peak is highest)
Climbing Russia’s Mt. Elbrus is as much of a cultural experience as it is mountaineering.

Today we carried our summit gear from Base Camp at 8200′ to the edge of the glaciers on Elbrus’ North side at 12,000′. Tomorrow we move there and to the High Camp.

Our team of 7 Russians, 2 Americans and 1 Russian Guide made the climb at a leisurely pace and are back in Base Camp now.

Throughout the day, Damien, our lead Guide would tell the group something; sometimes taking a few minutes. One of the other members would translate because Damien spoke little English. And this is what we were told: “he said to dress warm.” OK, good enough for me!

Seriously, it is going well. Some of the members are University Professors so we can converse in English to some degree. Everyone is in good spirits. And James, the other American and I are looking forward to summit day. Thus far it is very similar to a Colorado 14er.

For dinner tonight we started with cabbage salad then noodles and finished with stuffed green pepper. I’m stuffed!

Climb On!
Alan
Memories are Everything

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6 thoughts on “Touching the Elbrus Snow

  1. Looks like lots of snow there this year Allan, have a safe climb and hope there is not to much wind on top like there was when I was there a few years back!

  2. Some of my most memorable times traveling abroad were those times when there was no common language except for a smile. Enjoy this peak Alan !

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