To the north of the Black Sea, in southern Russia, the twin summits of Elbrus stand above the impressive Caucasus Range. At 18,510 feet (5642m) high, Elbrus is technically the highest peak in Europe, and therefore enjoys the status of also being one of the famed Seven Summits, the highest peak on each continent.
An Elbrus expedition is only partly about climbing the mountain, and much of the allure has to do with the cultural experience of visiting Russia and the Caucasus, nestled deep in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, which is rich with Turkish influence.
Elbrus is a twin summit volcano, with over 50 glaciers descending its flanks, which feed two major river systems. It is not considered active, as the last eruption occurred somewhere around 1900-2000 years ago.
Our team is a small one, and is comprised of our good friend Ephi Gildor, in the company of Mountain Trip owner, Bill Allen and our senior guide, Constantine Sevaris.
They flew into Moscow on the 1st of August and spent a couple of days exploring the city and trying to avoid the thick smog that is the result of forest and peat fires.
Communication from any big mountain is challenging at times, and though the team should have good connections on their satellite phones and via land lines from the base of the peak, we encourage everyone to hold onto the axiom, "No News Is Good News." Not-so-good news always seems to make it through somehow.
Enjoy the posts. Bill will post photos when possible, and we will update the blog with trip photos upon his return.
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