Click here to go to the album for this day

Tonight we sleep on Elbrus! We made the same trip up the lifts as yesterday, and climbed about an hour to Igor’s hut. The climb wasn’t bad, though this time we were carrying our big packs full with all the gear we’d need for a 3 day stay on the mountain. Mike had a snow cat take the group gear up though, which made it easier.

Upon reaching Igor’s hut, we laid out our gear on the bunks and had dinner, which was incredibly good. Mike will be making our meals while on the mountain, and man it is so much better than what we were having at the hotel! Mike described the hut as Rustic – no insulation, and the bunks were plywood that we laid our sleeping bags on, but it was infinitely better than staying in tents. It offered real shelter from the elements, and there was a stove and generator-powered electricity so we even had light at night. Can’t complain at all!

Unfortunately the quarantine continued for Gina & Danijela. They slept in a separate room with the guides, and had their meals there. No table for the sick! Those of us who weren’t in quarantine had some good conversations and played cards. Not much to do for the rest of the day, and tomorrow is the start of what could be a very long day.

Continue to Day 6 – Acclimatization Hike to Pashtukhov Rocks