[Snowdog]

I've been home a couple of weeks, so felt it was time I put up a report. I recently traveled to Russia to visit St. Petersburg, Moscow & attempt Mt. Elbrus, the highest point in Europe. From Wikipedia: Mt. Elbrus is the highest mountain in Russia and in Europe, and the tenth most prominent peak in the world. A dormant volcano, Elbrus is in the Caucasus Mountains in Southern Russia, near the border with Georgia. *I had trouble with Flickr writing this- so pics are not labeled individually, just Album name- sorry.* My trip began with arrival in St. Petersburg. At welcome dinner I met my climbing partners & guides. The group included several fellas from Canada, an Italian, a Serbian, and Americans from Texas, Colorado, & east coast. Some were on a 7 Summit quest- one had done Everest already. My guides were Vern & Carole Tejas- who are legends in the guiding & climbing world. Vern is coming out with a book in August called Seventy Summits. I felt privileged and honored to be climbing with them. They were personable & so knowledgable about the region. They also love guiding & helping people reach their goals, and it shows. We spent the first few days touristing around. A visit to The Hermitage provided 'overstimulation' due to viewing priceless works of art for hours & hours. We also visited the Peter & Paul Fortress, with tombs of Tzars Nicholas & family.

Elbrus

Elbrus

Elbrus

Elbrus

After St. Petersburg, we flew to Mineral Vody. Flying domestically in Russia was challenging. Trying to figure out what gate we were to go to was, um, confusing.

Elbrus

In the airport, I saw interesting things- a Putin calendar

Elbrus

Elbrus

And chips in flavors never before seen!

Elbrus

Elbrus

Flight was delayed several hours, then had long, scary drive up Baksam valley to our hut in Terskol.

Elbrus

The driver spoke no English, and was speeding so much & passing recklessly, all while a Russian Bollywood movie was playing overhead. We were all terrified. We finally resorted to Google translate to ask him to slow down. He did- somewhat. The next days were acclimation hikes near the Georgia border.

Elbrus

Elbrus

Elbrus

Elbrus

This was an interesting way to slow down an avalanche!

Elbrus

After a few days in the valley, we ascended to our "pods" or barrels at about 12.700'.

photo 4

photo 1

We would spend the next several days here, doing further acclimation hikes, self-arrest practice, etc.

Elbrus

Elbrus

Elbrus

Elbrus

Elbrus

Elbrus

Elbrus

The self arrest day was exhausting because we did every position over & over- for hours. "Falling" and then hiking back up the 50-60' over & over- at 13K. Finally it was summit day- we left the pods at about 3am. It was bitterly cold with high winds. I had on: thick wool base layers, a light puffy, a hard shell, a wool hat, two hoods, THEN a BIG puffy over all that, with hood up. Face mask, googles , 8000 meter mittens with hand warmers. Double boots with toe warmers.

Elbrus

Elbrus

Elbrus

Elbrus

Elbrus

And finally, after many hours of climbing, some on fixed lines, we summited. Most made it.

Elbrus

Elbrus

Some had a sense of humor, even at this altitude.

Elbrus

We had 3 physicians on the trip one of which did the Docs without Borders. After summit day we descended back to Terskol. The next day we went to a "fishing cafe" where one catches your lunch! Super fun!

Elbrus

Elbrus

Then it was back down the twisty road to fly to Moscow. We spent a few days here as well. It was quite cosmopolitan- and huge- over 14 million people. Visited the Kremlin, Red Square, and many other sites. Then an insanely early departure- 2am! for a 6am flight. Moscow has worse traffic woes than we do! This was a really enjoyable trip both culturally and for the adventure. I enjoyed Russia- it's people, it's history and especially the Baksam valley- so unspoiled.

[RichP]

Congratulations! You do the coolest stuff.

[BarbE]

[Distel32]

[zephyr]

[Waterman]

"The hermitage provided over stimulation" The Jordan staircase blew my mind walking in. So much great art. Counted 27 Rembrandts in one room alone. Wonderful country to visit.

[dicey]

Nice!! I really like the blowing snow backlit climbers photo

[mbravenboer]

Looks great! Very interesting trip. Glad you had such a good time. I guess winter trips here will now be mild compared to that cold summit day!

[Zloi]

Congrats on a challenging summit! Can you clarify what your summit date was and who your summit mates were? Was this a paid-guide climb? (You can PM me if you don't want this conversation public.) Thank you.

[geyer]

[Gimpilator]

Wonderful! I might have some questions for you after I return home from my current trip, if you're open to that. Hope to get there sometime in the next few years.

[Chico]

[Matt]

Great trip and photos. How was the beer in Russia?

[Jim Dockery]

Great TR, congrats on Elbrus. I too loved traveling in the old USSR when I was there many years ago.

[Stefan]

wow. that is so awesome for you! congrats on having a great time! I still can't believe the Alaskan legend Vern Tejas is still guiding--wowza.