July 19, 2018
-
- The team. (Sasha Sak)
-
- Brushing up on the cramponing techniques. (Sasha Sak)
Reasonable weather yesterday to get in some more acclimatization and also do some technique review on the lower slopes of Elbrus. Team is asleep now in the village of Terskol and looking forward to heading up to the hut on Elbrus tomorrow. A couple of gondola rides, a bit of hiking and they’re there. At least two nights at the hut before taking a summit shot. You just can’t shortcut acclimatization! Elbrus isn’t technically difficult but it’s a demanding summit day. Best to go in with our guns loaded, so to speak.
Jonathan and Sasha report group is strong, healthy and getting along well. Most of the ‘prep’ is done. A little luck weather-wise about 3 days from now would really be nice.
We’ll let you know how it goes.
Phil Ershler