Hello from Moscow,
Today our Mt. Elbrus June 30th team enjoyed a fantastic tour of the Kremlin. There is a lot to see and we want to give you a glimpse into this historically and culturally rich place. We hope you enjoy the video.
RMI Guide JJ Justman
The gang is all here in beautiful Moscow. It is a long, tiring flight to get here but we made it and it's nice just to relax in our comfortable hotel near Red Square. A good night's sleep is needed before we partake in our first objective...a city tour of this giant world city.
Stay tuned for a great video dispatch tomorrow to see what we explore!
RMI Guide JJ Justman
Hey JJ- heard you have extra company from Richmond- Hi to all. Good intro to Russia with the flight delay. I know you all will have fun on what might be parallel climbs!! best-
Its a sad day. Our Mt. Elbrus Expedition is over. I cannot tell you how much fun I have had with both my teams in Russia this year. I have climbed the highest mountain in Europe with old friends and I have made new friends along the way.
Tonight was the perfect way to end the adventure...on the canal waterways of one of the most magnificent cities in the world!
Enjoy a glimpse of the beauty...
RMI Guide J.J. Justman
Hello everyone! It is Team Elbrus reporting from St. Petersburg. Last evening we had a great celebration in Cheget. I cannot fully explain how thrilled I am to have climbed with such a great team. We had a diverse group. Our youngest member, Charlotte, is 16 and tough as nails! I had to apologize on summit day because Elbrus wasn't high enough for her as she casually strolled to the summit. Our oldest team member makes me hope that I will be as strong at that age, especially since I will most likely be guiding into my late 80's.
We made it into St. Petersburg and we are resting and relaxing in our beautiful hotel near one of the city's canals. We have a full day of touring this beautiful city. Stay tuned for some great videos and photos of our final day in this fantastic country.
RMI Guide JJ Justman
I don't mean to brag. I don't mean to boast. I like jelly on my breakfast toast and I also like every team member on the summit of Mt. Elbrus, which is where we are right now and I'll tell you what, the team did a fantastic job today. We have beautiful weather. About a 15 mph wind on top to keep us cool. But I'll tell you what the team hung in there, it was a long day climbing and everyone has their feet on the summit, up here on Europe's highest mountain, Mt. Elbrus. Thank you guys so much for following along and we will touch base with you when we get down. We still have a little bit of work to do so we're drinking some water, eating a little snack, and take some photos, and then we're gonna do the really kind of the hardest part to be honest, which is getting down but everyone is doing fantastic. We'll touch base with all of you later. Ciao from Russia.
RMI Guide JJ Justman
Today is our rest day in final preparation for our summit attempt of Mt. Elbrus. To fight the boredom we spent some time this morning going over some mountaineering techniques. Some of the team are putting the finishing touches on our summit packs while others are relaxing watching the movie "Step Brothers".
We received an updated weather forecast and it has remained the same. Tonight and tomorrow is calling for clear skies with increasing clouds mid day. Basically, the weather has me smiling. So keep your fingers crossed and wish us luck. The team is doing great and we will give a call from the summit.
RMI Guide J.J. Justman
JJ checks in as the team prepares to start their summit bid.
We are back from our acclimatization to 15,165 feet on Mt. Elbrus. The team got a closer look at the route. And more importantly, they were able to work out some of the nervous jitters that come from the unknown.
Today's climbing up to Pastuhkova Rocks is very similar to the climbing we will face on summit day. The slopes aren't flat but they are also not overly steep. Nice and relaxed is how I'd define them...just like our team.
Speaking of our team, they are doing fantastic. Everyone is working well together which should make summit day safer, more successful and more fun.
We are back at our camp relaxing in the sunshine. Tomorrow is our rest day. However, we will check in and give you an update on what the weather has in store for us on our summit day, which should be Saturday.
RMI Guide J.J. Justman
Hi Keri Bear and Allen! The big day is around the corner. Will be with you and your group, sending prayers and positive thoughts! Keri, be safe, have fun and take in “the moment” for your accomplishment! Summit Day…............YEA!!! Love, Mama xoxo
Posted by: Rosemary Wallin on 7/27/2012 at 7:55 am
Hello everyone. It's Team Elbrus checking in from our camp at the Barrels. The process of getting up here at 12,000 feet involves riding two trams and one chairlift. After we arrived I introduced our team to Albina, our Executive Chef. I do not say cook because that would be an insult. Her meals are out of this world!
After our lunch we packed a light pack and went for a walk uphill. After a brief refresher on the rest step we made it up to enjoy the view at 13,000 feet. Now sitting back at camp we are wearing our bath slippers, listening to music and eating summer sausage and crackers.
Everyone here says hello and we will let you know how our acclimatizing day goes tomorrow. Cheers from The Team!
RMI Guide J.J. Justman
It’s great to see the photos and videos!!! No comment re any potential clumsiness on Charlotte’s part—- but her aplomb, given the water drop, while on camera is remarkable!!! Way to go, Team Bemiss!!!
Posted by: Dana Marie Buchanan on 7/26/2012 at 8:13 am
Hey John! Watching your progress, and wishing I was there. Best of luck, Brother!
Hello friends and family of RMI! Spoken word, photos nor video can explain how gorgeous of a day we had on our acclimatization hike. I have been visiting here off and on since 2002. I have never had such a beautiful day.
Mount Elbrus was out in a cloudless sky, which allowed our team to soak up the sun and snap some great photographs. Tonight we will focus on last minute gear items to ensure we are all ready to move onto the mountain.
Enjoy the video from today and if someone could please tell me, "is Charlotte always that clumsy"? Watch the video and you will understand!
Good times in Russia!
RMI Guide J.J. Justman
Remember to get some video of the summit day and technical part of Elbrus for those at home. Anxious to see what it is like up there. Amazing weather and gorgeous area from the photos. Stay healthy and safe. We are all wishing we were there too! Kathryn
Posted by: Kathryn LeBey on 7/24/2012 at 3:35 pm
Hi. Neil,
Cheget. looks absolutely. beautiful.. Would love to snap our fingers and be there.Glad all continues to go so well for all of you.
Blessings,
Pat. and Dan
Posted by: Pat. and. Dan. Nolan. on 7/24/2012 at 11:00 am
We have left the creature comforts of Moscow and are now enjoying the creature comforts of Cheget. It is nice to be in this quaint little mountain town.
Our staff here at our hotel were happy to see us once again and they prepared a celebration dinner for our arrival. Celebrating what you may ask...well, for enjoying the good life in the mountains.
After dinner we are going to go for a stroll around town and we will have some photos and video of our day tomorrow. Our plan is to hike to the summit of Peak Cheget to acclimatize.
Stay tuned...
RMI Guide J.J. Justman
Hey JJ- heard you have extra company from Richmond- Hi to all. Good intro to Russia with the flight delay. I know you all will have fun on what might be parallel climbs!! best-
Posted by: Elsie on 7/2/2013 at 4:06 pm
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