Elbrus

Elbrus 15th June 2017

Leader John Walker

24th June

SUMMIT SUCCESS! Congratulations to our First Elbrus Summiteers this year, after a challenging ascent in clear, but much windier than forecast summit night.  It was a cold night at -11 and the wind was pumping spindrift,  into the saddle and over the route and the forecast 35K was more like gusting 60K. Our leader John said that this has been a fantastic trip, with a really great group of folks who took the challenges of wild camping and high altitude effort with equal aplomb. He really loved their company.  Well done to John, Sam, Andy, Paul and Kaye who managed to summit in such testing conditions.

Well done also to Jon, Caroline, Steve and Alistair who recognised when it wasn’t their day and made the right decision to turn back.

23rd June

The team have decided that whilst they could have went for the summit, Saturday looks far less windy, clearer and more certain.  They therefore went back up to the Priutt area to practice axe and fixed line skills before retiring to the cafe for some hard earned refreshments. John says they are all well acclimatised, and are looking forward to a full day’s rest tomorrow before an early dinner and final kit pack.  The pics below show the guys protecting themselves from the strong UV and taking a bath Russian Stylee!

22nd June

Today was way better than forecast.  The team set off at 8am for the Pashtukov Rocks at 4700m, their last acclimatisation walk.  It was hard going in the blazing UV sunlight, and they had to be careful with thesuncream and covering up.  They made steady progress, and arrived at the rocks around 12.30, had lunch and rested allowing the body to adjust as best it can. They then headed sown for some more of Glena’s lovely soup followed by stuffed peppers.  As one of the team said “we’re not going to loose weight on this trip!” Tomorrow is a rest day where the team will practice their winter skills not far from the barrels and weather permitting they will go for the summit.

21st June

The team have now moved up to the Barrels.  They arrived to proper “Scottish Winter Conditions”  and lots of fresh snow. The team had a great lunch and then walked up to the Pruitt Hut to continue acclimatising on the Mountain and are now are all feeling happy and snug in the barrels and looking forward to dinner.  Poor Alistair has a dilemma on his hands….should he go for the recommended mitts or his tomatoe gardening gloves!

18th June

Our first team arrived in Terskol and after checking their kit they set off for our  acclimatisation walk to Syltrankyl Lake and then Mukal Peak at 3888m.  Everyone is in good spirits and looking forward to moving onto Elbrus itself.