Pastukovas Rocks on Mount Elbrus

This was another testing trek to get used to the altitude and the equipment. We set out from the Barrels after breakfast which was a huge calorie laden affair but we were doing a lot of exercise at altitude for hours on end plus using calories to try to stay warm. Whether it was working in the cold outdoors or just trying to relax in the barrel  with the radiator trying its best to boost the temperature, we were using up calories.

 We were setting out on a trek to pass the Prijut Hut that we had passed the previous day to climb up to the Pastukovas Rocks which start at an elevation of 4,700m so it was going to be a long day with climbing to a vertical height of over a thousand metres in a day.

It was a cloudy day and visibility was so poor that there are no photographs of the first part of the day. However the cloud level rose and there were a few photos of the later part of the day.

And a photo of me with my pick at the top of the rocks.

A view down the valley from which we had trudged up.

And another view of the incredibly expansive sights on offer if the skies were clear.

And soon we were back at the Barrels and we had a clear view of the twin peaks of Mt Elbrus

The next day was a rest day but there was more snow overnight which provided another covering of bright white snow. It had fallen as rain further down the valley. It had collected in a lake at the front of a glacier and it had split out over the terminal moraine and had flooded the valley. Several houses were destroyed, there were several deaths and a road had been washed away.

 A picture if the Bergschrund crevasse on the glacier adjacent to the Barrels.

 And the twin peaks of Mt Elbrus from the same position.

 But it wasn't all rest. I went out with Mark and Sandeep and got some practice in, such as walking up as ice field with an ice age.

 And it looks like I am lying in the snow but actually I am sliding down and practicing arresting myself with the ice axe.

 The feet have to be upwards otherwise the crampons will catch in the ice. At speed this could mean a broken leg or finding that you have turned 180 degrees and are now travelling down hill head first. I was practising on snow but it was still worth the effort to practice rarely used skills.

 A view across the valley which is covered in cloud.

 Sunset in the mountains...

 ...and an early night as we were getting up early for the ascent on Mt Elbrus.