Camp Like a Champ

Yesterday the team moved up to the Garabashi area otherwise known as the "Barrel Huts," which are really like big barrels where some of the guided groups stay. In case you are curious, the Russian name for barrels is "Bochki."

Scott called tonight to say that they are all feeling good, and they are planning another acclimatization hike today up to Pastukhova Rocks, which is at ~15,000 ft. elevation. They will return to their camp and since the weather forecast has been consistently good for the next few days, they will likely make a summit bid on July 5 or 6 depending on the snow conditions.

So far the snow conditions have been good for them to "skin" up the mountain on their skis and splitboards. Since Mt. Elbrus has wide open snowfields in the main route up to the summit, it is a safe area for skiing/snowboarding down after they ascend.

There is a lot of activity on the mountain with various climbing teams, and they have secured a good camp location just above the Barrel Huts. They decided to keep their camp where it is now (at ~12,700 ft.) rather than move up to a higher camp since they are adjusting well to the altitude, and moving up would just require carrying more loads.

Here is a map of the Elbrus region:

Some photos from their camp (~12,700 ft.)

Camp set-up includes prayer flags:

Chillin' in the camp chair that was a Father's Day present from his girls:

Peeking through the clouds...

Aaron's video from the ride up the chair lift with their packs hanging in the balance...

More video compliments of Aaron - this one of their camp...