July 13, 2014
Caucasus and the Observatory (Photo: Viki Tracey)
Mike Hamill, Brian and his sons are ready to head up now to the high hut. A day of acclimatization hiking in the valley, a training day on the slopes of Elbrus itself and they’re ready to move higher. A couple of nights will be needed at the high hut before they’re ready to take a shot at the summit. These guys are fit but, regardless, there’s no way to short cut that acclimatization process. Mike’s told me the weather is sort of “in and out†right now so they’ll just have to pick a time when it’s “in†and see if they can’t get up. Their Russian guide, Sasha, is handling all the logistics with customary ease. So far, so good.
Phil Ershler