July 25, 2016

More good news received from Mike and crew over on Elbrus.

Phil,

We just got back down to the Valley. The team is psyched. Apparently, almost no one had summited since the 15th and today winds had to be 100mph on the summit so wouldn’t have gone, so we were lucky to sneak it in yesterday when we could. The team is getting cleaned up and we’ll head out for lunch and then Russian banya (sauna)  this afternoon. Here are a few pics from the climb.

Mike

Our congratulations to Kristin, Joanne, Varun, Aaron, Randy, Anders, Danijela and Gina.  And, of course, our thanks to Mike, Igor and Sasha for a job well done.  A couple of days now of sightseeing, relaxing and hiking remain in the Baksan Valley and then it’s off to Moscow.  All is well.

Phil Ershler

July 24, 2016

To the true summit.

100% on top and all back at the hut.  That was the word from Mike Hamill today.  Elbrus was a big success.  Not perfect weather but good enough.  The team did well.

One final night at the hut and then back to Terskol in the morning.  This is great news.

Phil Ershler

July 22, 2016

Time to catch up with Mike Hamill and crew over in Russia.  When Mike’s on the trip, things usually go smoothly and this is again the case.  No hiccups with the flight down to Mineralnye Vody and the transfer up to the Baksan Valley.  With any big mountain you need some time to acclimate and a little technique refresher is never a bad idea, either.  Both are now a wrap.  A hike to the local observatory on the slopes of Elbrus and another day spent getting some skills review filled their first two days in the Valley.  Now, it’s time to head onto the mountain and get into position to take a shot at Elbrus.  Team wants 2 nights at the high hut to further their acclimatization before taking the shot.  Goals now are to continue to stay healthy and hope they’ve been living right and that good weather will greet them the morning of their summit attempt.

Phil Ershler