Thursday, July 12, 2012
July 12 - Terskol
Today's hike was on a glacier located in the border region between Russia and Georgia. Our Russian guides had already obtained permits for our team to have access to the area. Our two vans were stopped at the border where we had to show our passports and answer some questions. The air was slightly tense, especially after they asked us to stop taking pictures of the military with their machine guns. Once through the checkpoint we drove for only about 15 minutes to the trailhead for the Kashkotash Glacier. We climbed a steep trail throught the most beautiful wildflowers and stands of rhododendrons up to the glacier. We puton our climbing boots and crampons and harnesses and helmets and practiced glacier travel for a couple of hours. Everyone in the group did well. I actually remembered much of this from Denali! On the way back I managed to slip and fall on the rocky trail and scrape my right arm bloody. I am fine. It is already washed and has a band-aid! Now we are heading back to the hotel for a trip to their sauna before eating dinner. Tomorrow morning we are going on the mountain so I will be out of touch for the next few days. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather and a safe climb for all of us. I will be in touch again my friends once we are back in town.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
My name is Tamara and my husband and I are here in Russia with Kriss and David. My husband will be climbing Mt. Elbrus with the team while I keep track of things here in Terskol. For those of you reading the blog and comments, Kriss asked that I pass along that the team departed this afternoon on their trek towards the summit. They will spend a few days in their high camp and should make their push for the summit on Sunday morning at 2:00 a.m. (local time) if the weather cooperates. Keep them all in your thoughts. I know Kriss will update you as soon as she can. Be sure and wish them "Udachi" which is Russian for GOOD LUCK!
ReplyDelete