Ludmila Korobeshko: Our group has made “The cross” of Elbrus!
So, our team made not only traverse but a real “cross” of Elbrus! To be honest, before the ascent, we had doubts. That was the fact that it was necessary to carry heavy backpacks. And quite a large length of the route. But most importantly was the weather. Forecast for next 4 days was bad. Constant snowfalls. The whole evening before climbing, rain pouring on barrels. However, at 3 a.m. the rain stopped. And even the stars appeared in the sky. As early as 7 a.m., our “top five” reached the saddle. And at 8:30 we were at the top of the Western Summit. Hooray! It's cold. But the traditional picture of the flag and with a golf club made! Tired, we are running down. Along the way we welcome our friends from the group of "classic." At the head turned an idea - there is still Eastern Summit. And we must go at it with heavy backpacks?? May be not climb it. In the end, it is our whim. The program does not include it..
But no one said this aloud. We drank tea, shouldered the rucksacks and went up to the Eastern Peak. Now we are six. We were joined by guide from Nothern Elbrus region Andrew Berezin. Wind increased. And it blows almost all the time in the face. We put on masks, those who have. And at last, the edge of the crater. A little more and - the Eastern summit. Almost all cameras were frozen. We start a descent on North. Weather deteriorates very quickly. Snow, a blizzard. Distant thunder. We try to go as quickly as possible. The forces were at the end. Good, that the storm is aside. At 3.30 p.m. we were in the camp at 3600. Compote. We meet old friends. It's great. And it's great that we have carried out our plan.
In the cross-traverse were:
Kyrill Muraviev
Vitaly Simonovic
Sergey Dmitriev
Mark Hornell
Andrei Berezin
Ludmila Korobeshko