August 3, 2018
Acclimatization Hike (Sasha Sak)
Our second team for the season is in the Baksan Valley, Russia now, preparing for their Mt. Elbrus climb. This is a custom climb comprised of a mother/son team and a father/son team. After training with IMG in the Northeast this winter, they set sights on Elbrus this month. And…so far, so good. The team went in through Moscow and will be heading out at trip’s end through St. Petersburg. Leading their climb is one of our Russian guides, Alexandra ‘Sasha’ Sak. Besides being a strong, competent mountaineer and guide, Sasha trained as an interpreter so her English skills are excellent. She lives in the Baksan Valley during the season and knows everyone in town.
After some sightseeing in Moscow, the group met Sasha in Mineralnye Vody for the ride up to the village of Terskol. Now the acclimatization process begins. A little for their hike to the Observatory but that’s OK, just means they’ll have good weather for the summit attempt.
Phil Ershler