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Everyone was in a (predictably) good mood today as we packed up and hiked down to the lift to Terskol. 1st thing Aaron did was jump into the shower. I followed soon after. I’ve been in the wild for much longer periods than this, but it did feel great to get clean.

After lunch we took part in the age-old Russian ritual of the Banya. This comprises of a sauna, next to a near-freezing pool. The idea is you soak in the 140 deg sauna, then jump into the freezing pool. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I have to admit, it did feel pretty good. Since you’re so hot, you don’t really feel the cold, and you’re only in there for a few seconds before you come out. They had a large table next to the sauna, so we hung out and talked. The highlight though, was definitely Sasha & Igor. It seems IMG has another tradition, where you get to have one of the Russians “beat” you with leafy sticks while you lie down in sauna. Sasha was responsible for the guys, and Igor for the girls. I also had reservations here initially, but it was too unique an experience to pass up – and ended up being great, kind of like a massage! Sorry, but no pics here. If you want your own Banya experience, I invite you to come to Russia and climb Elbrus with IMG. Because that’s why you should climb Elbrus of course – for the Banya.

I continued to read my book in the evening, and we checked out after dinner. I know I complained about these beds earlier in the trip, but I slept really well that night!

Continue to Day 9 – Exploring Cheget