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Posts from 07/2009

Elbrus Team Readies for Summit Bid

Posted by: | July 31, 2009
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Elbrus Southside
Elevation: 12,000'

Hello friends,

Summit day is finally here!

The team is doing great and we are all well rested. It’s been a beautifully clear day with fantastic views of Elbrus and the Caucasus range. Most of the day was spent telling tall tales, eating lots of Russian food (plenty of borsht) and watching scantly clad russians dance (really). We will be waking at 1 am for breakfast and start our climb shortly there after. If all goes well, we should reach the summit in 6 to 7 hours.

Wish us luck.

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Elbrus Team Acclimatizes

Posted by: | July 30, 2009
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Elbrus Southside
Elevation: 12,000'

Hello friends,

We spent the day hiking to over 15,000’ on Elbrus to continue our acclimatization before our summit bid. Our plan is to spend the rest of today and most of tomorrow resting in preparation for Saturday’s climb. The weather has been less than ideal with snow falling the last few days. Although there have not been spectacular views the team is psyched about the improving climbing conditions. Normally the route is very icy which makes for tough going and slightly more dangerous conditions. However, all the new snow has made easier and safer climbing.

Everyone is doing well and we are looking forward to lounging around tomorrow.

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Elbrus Team Moves to the Barrels

Posted by: | July 29, 2009
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Elbrus Southside
Elevation: 12,000'

Greetings from Russia,

Today the team left the comforts of town and headed up hill to our new home on Elbrus for the next few days. We started our day with a ride in an enclosed ski lift, switched to a gondola, and then finished it off with a single chair lift. This unique transportation system delivered us to 12,000’ where we will spend the next few days getting ready for our climb. Our new home is in a series of giant barrels. They are quite nice, especially on days like today where there is a slight blizzard outside.

After our arrival we headed out into the inclement weather for another acclimatization hike. After a few hours of battling the wind and snow we headed back home, had dinner (dill free thankfully) and are currently cozy in our heated barrels.

The team is doing great and we will check in again tomorrow.

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Elbrus Team Braves Rain in Russia

Posted by: | July 28, 2009
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Elbrus Southside
Elevation: 7,500'

Hello again everyone,

The team awoke this morning to the soothing sound of rainfall. After a quick breakfast of cream of wheat and fried eggs we headed out into the downpour to test our waterproof pants and jackets. We had hopes of going on a long hike to help start our acclimatization, but after a short walk and a few rides on ski lifts we were greeted with more rain that eventually turned to snow. Although our adventure was short lived, everyone enjoyed riding the lifts, seeing the new snow and we even managed to climb just over 10,000 ft. We are excited for Elbrus.

After our brief and wet exploration we head back into town for a little last minute shopping, lunch and to make it back to our hotel just in time for a quick nap before dinner.

Dinner was nice and the team is adjusting to the fine Russian cuisine. Ever wonder why you don’t see Russian restaurants in the States. Well, I assure you there is a reason. It almost seems as if there is an over abundance of Dill and the locals are attempting to eradicate it by ingesting it. For some reason they have volunteered us to help them with this.

Dill-icious!

That’s all for now. The team is doing great and we are looking forward to moving further up the mountain tomorrow.

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Elbrus Team Gathers in Moscow

Posted by: | July 27, 2009
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Elbrus Southside

Greetings Everyone,

Casey here checking in from Russia.

Everyone is doing really well despite the standard jet lag we are all feeling.

The last few days have been busy with sightseeing in Moscow while trying to chase down missing luggage. The group spent the better part of yesterday seeing the sights, which included the Famous Red Square, St. Basil’s, and the Kremlin. Some of the team even had a quick visit to Lenin’s tomb. After our day in the city we wrapped up the day with a very traditional meal of beef stroganoff. I won’t mention any names (Kevin) but someone thought it would be ok to order Nachos! Needless to say they were not quite up to US standards. Sometimes we just have to learn the hard way.

We woke early today for our 3 hour flight to Mineralyne Vody which is in the southern plains of Russia that lead to the Caucasus Mountains and Mt. Elbrus. After the standard delays that everyone encounters while traveling here we were on our way. The drive took us about 4 hours and was through the beautiful country side that reminds one of the Midwest (think of rural Ohio). There were sunflower fields that streched out as far as the eye could see. After a few hours of driving and a few near misses with the wandering cows we finally arrived at the Baksan Valley which leads to the mighty Elbrus. We are currently in a small ski town called Azau.

Our plan is to catch up on some much needed sleep and spend tomorrow hiking and taking in the views.

Stay tuned! more to come soon.

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Video: Jim Mora and Roger Goodell Climb Rainier with RMI Guide Ed Viesturs

Posted by: | July 08, 2009
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410 ft.

This is from KING 5 News special coverage about United Way’s Climb for the Community up Mount Rainier, which took place July 5-8, 2009. The climb team, which was lead by mountaineering legend Ed Viesturs, included NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Seattle Seahawks coach Jim Mora and United Way CEO Jon Fine.

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