Many a mountaineer will get a little cross when they hear the line:
“Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Europe“
As, to be precise, part of that big lump of land in the northern hemisphere, Russia, is European too.
(as we all have learnt from their fantastic eurovision entires)
Russia is split into European Russia, and Asian Russia. The caucasus mountains, lying between the black and caspian seas, just above georgia, is home to many a peak taller than Mont Blanc- Including Mount Elbrus - the true , and official tallest peak in europe!
i am very pleased to let you all know, that next wednesday, i will be flying to moscow and on down south, to attempt Mount Elbrus, and hopefully check another seven summit off the list.
Though, this ascent is a little different from the others.
I will be climbing Elbrus, entirely on my own, known as “soloing” the peak.
Me, Myself, and I, will be setting off on foot the entire way (not using the infamous ski lifts up the first slopes!) , in a one person tent, carrying all my own equipment and cooking my own food, hopefully all the way to the top of 5642m tall elbrus.
This is one mammoth challenge, but carefull and strategic planning has been going on for months, and i am confident that im ready to take my first steps as a “proper” mountaineer! (apparently!….as i was told by another climber!!)
Though, with reaching the summit in mind, i decided against taking one of the harder routes up the back of Elbrus, and will stick to the “normal route” which, hopefully will have been well trodden by climbers earlier this season.
….As technically easy as elbrus is, with its gentler slopes, and moderately safe terrain, it is still a mountain, a big cold icy unpredicatable mountain. There are risks and dangers all along the way, and success is not granted to everyone.
Fingers crossed, and i will try my very best to reach the summit and stay safe! .. Plus, i will make every attempt to take a few good snaps along the way! See you all when im back home safely in england!
JUST in time for DREADED A level results!!
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In other news… the seven summits challenge has become much more business minded, with the primary goal of finding some sponsors.
There is now an network of people in place doing their bit to get me to the summits and raising for Make A Wish. I am enourmously gratefull for their hard work and perseverance, especially one of my very best friends and designer, Katherine Thomason at elevations (http://www.elevations.co.uk/)
Here is a sneak preview of some of the new publicity we have been working on! BE WARNED! The best is yet to come:
