July 15 - Summit Day!

Mike woke us at midnight to say that the weather was good and that we would leave at 2:00 a.m. We dressed and had breakfast. I had only slept on and off through the night but with all of the nervous energy in my stomach I felt wide awake! You wouldn't have believed how beautiful the sky was. I could clearly see the Milky Way shimmering right above my head. Gorgeous! The climb was long and windy and STEEP to the summit. It took us 9 hours and 30 minutes to reach the top at 18,481 feet! The wind was crazy on the summit plateau blasting at about 60 miles per hour. Good thing we didn't blow off! Fourchours later we returned to the hut. Exhausted and hungry but extremely proud of our accomplishment! This was one of the most difficult summits we have done. 5,200 feet of climbing. Wow. We are now back at our hotel safe and sound in Terskol. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers. WE DID IT!!