Today our Orlando Kilimanjaro Team slept in after a long flight. We organized gear and got ready for our upcoming climb. After lunch we explored the area and visited an orphanage where the beautiful children of this area touched our hearts. Please visit tupendanechildren.org.
Kilimanjaro...Kilimanjaro!!! Team Orlando is in full effect!! The entire team flew together to Tanzania and we just finished a great dinner. I am going to let you know why I love guiding here in Africa...The People!
It has been two years since my last trip here and as soon as I arrived I was welcomed with the kindest smiles and warmest hugs. Our local staff are like family to me and it's so nice to see how lovely they treat our teams.
We are so happy to be here!!
RMI Guide JJ Justman
I'm actually going to be very honest and open myself up a little here... but I'm actually sad that my adventures in Russia are coming to an end. It was another incredible season on Elbrus and as usual it is the best way to finish the adventure here in St. Petersburg!! Our team spent the day touring this incredible city and yes...We were all on a boat this evening touring the Venice of The North!!
RMI Guide JJ Justman
Well..., I know...I know...you've heard enough from me! So for today's blog from Russia, I'd like to hand it over to one of my favorite...(sorry guys!) team members from Team 2!... RMI Guide JJ Justman
Greetings from St. Petersburg! Our team left the mountains of Cheget this morning after one last feast of porridge and eggs, and drove up to the airport in Mineralnye Vody early this morning. The changing scenery was quite breathtaking, especially some of the great rock formations just outside of Cheget. After arriving to our new destination in due time, we were greeted by the welcome sight of a Starbucks cafe, where several of us enthusiastically loaded up on caffeine. The streets and architecture we passed on the way to the hotel gave us a great preview of what to expect tomorrow, where we will be touring this 'Venice of the North,' including the Hermitage, the canals, and the Church of the Savior on Spillled Blood.
Until then, the team will be enjoying some well-deserved downtime, and possibly attempting to see Finland from our hotel. Cheers!
Lindsay
Update: July 30, 2015 11:31 pm PST
Family and friends we are back at camp safe and sound. Again, every one made the summit. Stay tuned for the summit video!!
July 30, 2015 8:50 pm PST
Hey, everyone. This is JJ Justman with the Elbrus team. I will give you one guess, just one guess as to where not one, not two, not five, but every single team member is right now. That is right! We are on top of Europe! We are on the summit of Mount Elbrus! The team did just a fantastic job today. We are a day early than expected. We have some weather coming in tomorrow and the next day. It is supposed to snow pretty darn good. As a guide I kind of hemmed and hawed and made the decision that the best day to go was today. And I'll tell you what, the team today is just strong as can be. We are on the summit of Elbrus. We are taking some more photos, and then we are going to head downhill. It is a beautiful day right now so we just made a terrific call as a team and I'm really proud of everyone. [Team cheers!] That's right, a big holler. Everyone says hi to family and friends. I will touch base with you guys when we get back down, but boy, we are just doing great. Thanks for following along. We'll talk to you again soon.
RMI Guide JJ Justman calls from the Mount Elbrus summit.
Nice! Looks gorgeous!! Congrats to all and a special shout out to my honey, Brian. Love you baby!!
Posted by: Victoria on 7/31/2015 at 8:01 am
hi Brian and team-
Wow! Sounds like some great decisions as to when to summit! Congrats to all!! Be safe and have fun coming down.
Love you-
Molly and Mike and family
Hello from Mt. Elbrus -
Our team is back from a great acclimatization day. We reached 15,300 feet and every team member did a great job! We are back now at camp with full bellies after lunch. This afternoon we are going to relax in the sunshine!
RMI Guide JJ Justman
Hello from the Garabashi Hut at 12,000 feet!
Elbrus Team 2 is officially on the mountain and we are doing great. After getting settled in we went for a nice hike up to 13,200 feet. Elbrus was out in all its glory and we enjoyed the incredible alp'esque views.
RMI Guide JJ Justman
The Mt. Elbrus team had an amazing day hiking on Peak Cheget. It was sunny all day...don't take our word for it...check out the video!!!
RMI Guide JJ Justman
Our team left the hustle and bustle of Moscow early this morning and made our way to the mountains. We had a long day of flying and driving to get here and we are excited to be in the Baksan Valley at the base of Mt. Elbrus. Everyone is in great spirits so we are going to just relax thus evening and listen to the thunderstorms roll on through. Tomorrow is another day and sun or no sun...it's great to be in the mountains!
RMI Guide JJ Justman
Love the updates! So excited for all of you! Have a fantastic time and be safe! Xo
Posted by: Jamie on 8/8/2015 at 7:08 am
Dale and team, wishing you all the very best! How you are ELL having fun and taking it in!!
To the young folks. Take care of Mr Dale!!!
Posted by: Ken nason on 8/7/2015 at 3:58 pm
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