Paul Pottinger’s Adventures from the Top of the World

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Category Archives: Elbrus

 

Elbrus: Top of Europe

Elbrus 2017  •  July 24

I slept for about two hours in total that night, rolling and shifting in the sleeping bag, checking my watch by the red tactical light every 20 minutes or so. I listened for a storm like the one we had the night before, but things sounded quiet outside. Will we go? Traveler’s diarrhea had hit … Continue reading Elbrus: Top of Europe

 
 

Elbrus: The Blizz

Elbrus 2017  •  July 23

As usual before an alpine start, I had trouble sleeping. This is always the case, on any mountain, large or small. Being in the bunks made things more challenging because of cramped quarters, etc. Great hut-mates, I assure you, but not a restful spot for any of us. Nevertheless I did sleep, with the deep … Continue reading Elbrus: The Blizz

 
 

Elbrus: On the Rocks

Elbrus 2017  •  July 22

Our job for the day was to acclimatize further by hiking to the Pastukhov Rocks, at about 14,500 feet. So, after breakfast, up we went. Beautiful location, and fine conditions, although cold and windy after the first hour. Our views expanded as we went higher. We moved well. I felt pretty good up there.   … Continue reading Elbrus: On the Rocks

 
 

Elbrus: To Igor’s Hut

Elbrus 2017  •  July 21

The climb starts in earnest now… moving the team onto the mountain is key. One of our guides, Igor, has a modest “hut” on the mountainside above the top of the lifts. That is our objective for the day. Our kits are heavy. In fact, this is the heaviest move of the trip, which is … Continue reading Elbrus: To Igor’s Hut