Russians like to drive very fast, especially on open roads. From the airport in MeneralInnye Vody to Kislovodsk and then to base camp at Mount Elbrus (North) was an adventure on its own.
Mount Elbrus Day 1: MineralInye Vody to Kislovodsk
Our drive from the airport at MineralInye Vody airport to Kislovodsk town was not exactly a joy ride. We were in two vehicles and the two drivers (obviously on retirement for some time now) were pretty much racing against each other. And so a couple of near-misses on barrier lines later and in pouring rain we arrived safely in town!
When we did the long off-road ride to base camp on the 4X4 the next day we were pretty much used to rough rides. Besides, the snow-covered twin peaks of Mount Elbrus and the views of the surrounding mountain were providing some needed distraction. I would have loved to ride in the formidable, “Old Russia”, never-die, hard as rock machine, but watching it in action from a bit of distance was not a bad compromise. The guys in the team got the honours.
Mount Elbrus Day 2: Kislovodsk to Base Camp
We did not waste time. We arrived at base camp (2500m) had lunch and packed our day packs for the first acclimatization hike. It was pleasant and not too long – on fresh pair of leg the 300m we ascended did not feel like we did any climbing.
Our first acclimatisation hike was easy with some few challenging climbs, nothing to write home about. We hiked to a spa village where we saw men bathing in a mineral spring. We tasted the water but could not swallow, it was too rich in heavy metals and minerals. Next to the bath was Chromium mud and was interesting to see tourists smearing the mud all over their bodies. We could not do the bath because they have different times for men and women and the schedule does not suit the expedition. It is a predominantly Muslim area on the mountains.
We were in long sleeved wicking T-shirts and gym tights. We did not feel cold at all. When the sun went down before supper at 8, we got a rude awakening. It became so cold we had to change immediately into warm clothes. We had to eat dinner quickly and rush into the sleeping bags. We had forgotten how the it gets bitterly cold in the mountains when the sun sets.
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