Adventure with a Purpose: Mt Elbrus acclimatization day: Summiting Mt Cheget and conquering ski chairs #trek4choc #trek4kidzwithcancer

There was great excitement this morning at the breakfast table. Some great food and great company. The group was starting to gel and even though others had climbed together before and were now old mates, the newer members of the group soon felt at ease and part of what was to be our family for the next 10 days. The one thing that becames apparent would be that we were going to have great fun and that the poor little village would take a long time to forget this loud and robust group of hikers.

the team getting ready to saddle up!!

I am afraid of heights so lets put it out there now. I had seen photos and video footage of many Mt Elbrus trips and there was nothing more terrifying to me than those flimsy looking ski chairs. The thought of dangling several storeys high with nothing between heaven and hell was more of a challenge for me that actually attempting the summit of Elbrus. Running into a burning building was far more appealing and a much safer option for me. So it was with this in mind that I told our South African guide Heinrich that I am afraid of heights. The plan was for me to wear my harness and clip myself to the chair. I would have my backpack with me so was not sure how I was going to time this and not fall off. But it was balls to the wall and I was slightly relieved that there was another hiker in the same boat as me.

Wayne and me with Rupert in the background

Daniel, Mark and Debbie sharing a joke - this group were old mates living in Johannesburg and had climbed together before

You will find the start on the dirt road behind the white obelisk in the Terskol village. The dirt roads right fork leads up the Terskol Valley to a dramatic view of Mt Elbrus behind the hanging Terskol Glacier. The left folk were we saw a lot of activity the day before follows a 4 WD track to an observatory with views across the Baksan Valley to Mt Cheget, Mt Donguzorun and Mt Kogutanbasi (3819m)

We arrived at the ski station and I was super relieved to notice that it was a 2 seater and not a one seater as I had seen in the photos. Our lead Russian Guide Roma was to go with me and helped to show me the ropes and hook me in until I got the hang of it. The other climber would go with Heinrich. There was a lot of excited chatter amongst the group as we waited in the queue and soon I was up an away before I had time to think. The chairs actually move a lot slower than I thought and the breeze on your face bringing with it the scented meadows and pine smells which lingered for some time adding to this really special experience. I soon relaxed and wondered what the fuss was about as I took in the spectacular views and was even brave enough to look down every now and then.

The topography started to change quiet dramatically as we left the meadows and the dense forest of tall pines. Suddenly through the trees I spotted her for the first time, Mt Elbrus on my right hand side. I was silent. I was in complete awe, memorized. I was actually here seeing her in the flesh. I was actually taking my own photos of Mt Elbrus. this was really 2 years of hard work. 2 years of extra overtime shifts that had brought me to sheer exhaustion - right now it was so worth it. It had finally paid off. I was HERE!! I was thrilled. The brilliant white of the snow caps on Elbrus against the deep blue clear skies was exceptional. Breathtakingly beautiful. I looked at her slopes wandering how some of my face book mates who were currently on Elbrus were fairing on their summit bid. the weather looked really good for their attempt. But as high altitude mountains go, its always left to Mother Nature who can change her mind at any second and change the game plan. We will have to wait our turn.

The meadows below are covered in small alpine flowers mostly white, yellow, blue and lilac.

My first proper photo of Elbrus. some of the grey bits are "scars" left by the avalanches during the heavy snow seasons

The deep valley below with the avalanche breaks above

The weather was fantastic, it was a weekend and school holidays so it was actually quiet busy with both locals and foreigners doing their acclimatization climb of Cheget

Just love this shot - the black number 7 in the snow at the middle of the snow below the first peak is the rocks that we will climb to on the 2nd day of our acclimatization of Elbrus. The next bunch of rocks in the middle left is where our base camp will be. The ice - the grey bits in the lower middle between the large rock mass in front will be were we will practice our skills at walking over slushy snow and blue ice with our cramptons (those metal teeth we put on the our boots)

The second peak on Elbrus which is a goal - the highest point in Europe at 5642m

close up of the beautiful glaciers

one of the huge spectacular glaciers

The ground gave way to a more alpine more-land, then to a more desert type of look. To my left the huge Caucasian Mountain range stood out like a massive cathedral that evolved millions of years ago. The range is impressive and the many white glaciers and avalanche scars against the grey green of the massive rocks made for a spectacular visual treat on all levels. I was in love. I was at peace among my beloved mountains. I felt I could do anything. I could conquer the world actually. Roma pointed out that the huge glacier looked like a number 7 and thus this particular mountain within the range was given the local nickname of The No7 Mountain. Its official name Mt Donguzorun-Chegetkarabashi at 4454m.

Roma explaining the No 7 glacier

The No 7 can be clearly seen. Roma told me this has been like this "forever" and had never broken off.

Suddenly Roma told me to unclip my carabiner as we are almost at the ski station. Everything happens fast and you need to get off quickly as the chairs continue their way around to make their way back down. I was somewhat slow to catch on and looked rather like a deer in head lights, bewildered I jumped off and instead of making a dash to the right I tried to outrun the bloody thing until some of my brain matter sparked and I made a left, slightly disorientated I got my bearings and made my way towards the right side and to the gate. After than I was acing the jump on's and jump off's, I was not going to be run over by a flippen ski chair before I even got to Elbrus!!

Sherrie and Gaven the awesome Aussie couple that had us in stitches

these were streams of melted ice from the glaciers above and these ran into the river below.

I am behind Daniel not looking as brave and comfortable as Daniel yet!!

So now that I was feeling back home in my mountains and could conquer the world and the like I froze as I saw that the next ski lift was "those terrifying single bloody flimsy ski chairs". I would be solo here! Time to man up - grow some really big balls double time and just do this. I though about my men back home and how they would kill themselves laughing at me that I survive working in Hillbrow and Jeppestown alone in my response car. I have survived an attempted rape, being shot at, had a gun held at my head and guns pointed at me many times. and now I was afraid of that tiny chair. well that and the huge Jeppestown rats, they are the size of small cats in my defense. The rest of the group was catching up with us and some almost spilling out their chairs with huge shrieks of laughter. I also spotted the other climber who was afraid of heights and could see he was still nervous. I knew that he knew I too was afraid of heights and if I looked brave maybe it would help him even though I was shitting in my pants but that's beside the point. So I put on my brave face jumped onto the chair as it scooped me up mid air and took a huge deep breath. I did some Hooosaaah techniques I learnt from watching Bad Boys, managed to clip my chain over my waist. In fact I was so brave that I did not even clip my harness on. Okay truth be told I was to afraid to move at first and never got around to it in the end. I had my backpack in front of me so most of my view from the front and below was obscured. I kinda liked it that way. I soon started to relax and take a few photos from a rather stiff pose just in case. This was really high, flip. but I focused on Mt Elbrus I could see her so clearly now on my right and on my left following me was the No7 Mountain my old friend. Then I saw some children with their parents on the ski chairs and I thought to myself. "you are such a poop and a big baby. If these little ones can take it in their stride what was your problem?" So I chilled and acted really cool and found myself loving every minute. I was so owning this moment. It ended up not as crazy as I thought it would be and going down was not going to be a problem. I was now brave and had got over my fear of these chairs so many storeys up giving me a birds eye view of the mountains I love so much. It was indeed a privilege and a thrill to be right here in this moment. something I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Daniel on chair no 77 as cool as a cucumber!

love the contrast of this pic - the green bushes, wild flowers, then the start contrast of bear volcanic rock with snow and deep blue skies.

Daniel having a moment!!

this is an old abandoned weather station and planetarium

The deep blue of the ice of the glacier in the background is really beautiful and a little similar to the huge glaciers on Kilimanjaro

I could see the ski station approaching and one of the guys shouted from behind me to un-clip my chain from my chair now. I snapped out of my mountain awe mode into awake mode. I was ready this time and was so going to ace this jump off and I did. We waited for the whole group to arrive again we could hear the laughter as everyone jumped off and made their way to our starting point. It was quiet warm just that slight mountain chill. We grouped together as Heinrich gave us the brief of today's plan. We were all excited to get going and stretch those legs, get the blood pumping and flowing through our tired bodies. 2 days of long flights and bus rides needed to be worked out.

Yvonne making her way up to Cheget with some of the group tailing behind

behind our No7 Mountain was the Georgian border which requires a border permit.

an alpine lake below - all the water here was milky I found out later that this is Donguzorunkel Lake.

my favorite photo of No 7 Mountain!

This is a continuous relatively easy upward hike on dusty trails with the most unbelievable views of deep valleys and high peaks covered in colours of greens, greys and glaciers contrasted against the blue skies and white wispy clouds. Heaven basically!! The temperature was warm so we did sweat a lot and took in a fair amount of water. The rock formations were interesting and the rocks are mostly made up of iron ore, so it sparkles against the sun creating a bit of magic. We zigzagged our way up a bit breathless as our bodies were getting used to the altitude. This trek up to the summit of Cheget is used as a acclimatization climb and is a popular day hike for many Russians, much like our own majestic Drakensberg and Cape mountains.. Cheget Peak is only a class 2 scramble in comparison to the other surrounding peaks. The Caucasus are one of the most rugged and spectacular mountain ranges in the world and I ws standing bang in the middle of all of this. WOW.

some fun on a patch of ice and snow

A snowman we found!!

our awesome South African Guide from Adventure Dynamics Heinrich - I have hiked with many guides and he has to be the cream of the crop. I learnt an incredible amount about breathing techniques and mountains skills from him. he is an Alaskan trained guide making him an International Mountain Guide.

Helping one of the hikers up. this was Suzanne's first ever real hike and highest mountain summit so quiet the adventure for her and Heinrich was fantastic with her helping her to achieve new heights.

drinks break - Yvonne and Debbie

We passed many other climbers doing just this, before they went onto Mt Elbrus. Teams from all around the world. We may speak a different language or have different cultures but when on the mountains we all become a unit. Everyone is all smiles and greets as we pass each other. sometimes to take a breather and chat. I was amazed to see even some of the teams in their plastic double snow boots walking along the trail. Some were struggling while others on a Sunday stroll. I passed 2 guys looking supper fit doing their "Nordic walk" up the trail. One chap had the most unbelievable legs and six-pack offering some great eat candy for us ladies of course!!

Debbie, myself and Yvonne - the Jozi Girls from Johannesburg

We reach the top after a little scramble over the loose and sharp rocks and were treated to even more spectacular views and out of this world views of Mt Elbrus, our main focus. We met some other South Africans and other teams from around the world. Then the team broke up into little groups and some of us sat on our own deep in our thoughts, focusing and meditating on what our main objective was here. Everyone was here for many different personal reasons, yes a common goal had brought us all together here today, but for most their reason was a much deeper and emotional driving force that had brought them to summit and stand on the top of Mt Cheget looking with respect at Mt Elbrus and what it meant.

Although an incredible viewpoint, Cheget Peak itself is more of a false summit of Mount Cheget than a mountain all in itself. Even so its a worthwhile comb and has some incredible views of Elbrus and Donguzoran (our No 7 Mountain). While the vast majority of people stop at Cheget peak experienced climbers can continue from the summit of Cheget Peak along the ridge to the summit of Mount Cheget. This is a technical mixed snow and rock climb.

Those "spiderman" shoes are on my to buy list for future hikes!!

Andre focusing on Elbrus

couple - Sherrie and Gaven

Daniel, Debbie and Mark creating so awesome photos and Wayne explaining some of the spots on Elbrus

Yvonne and Suzanne sending messages back home. Suzanne was lucky enough too have signal and data most of the time

my favorite photo of Andre - giving Elbrus a bow!!

Cheget in Balkarian means dark or black. In the Elbrus region there are three mountains that bear this name. Cheget-Tau-Chana, Cheget-Kara and Donguzorun-Gitche-Cheget-Kara-Bashy or Maliy (small) Donguzorun. The ski resort was created on the lower slopes and skiers started to call this mountain simply Cheget, thank goodness!!. As the climbing goal to reach the main Mount Cheget summit was not as popular as Cheget-Tau and Cheget-Kara other routes grew from here. However Cheget has become very popular as acclimatization training for Elbrus. There are five routes up to the top.

Debbie in deep thought

time to drink - keeping hydrated is important!!

The No 7 Mountain from a different angle

Rupert in deep thought

Roma our Russian Guide in the background

finding a loo spot!!

meeting up with fellow South Africans

my favorite photo of Yvonne

Sherrie

Mark taking an epic photo!!!!

Gaven with Elbrus

I was climbing Mt Elbrus to created awareness for CHOC an organisation supporting children inflicted with childhood cancer as well as a support structure for their parents and care givers. I had also recently lost two friends who had battled very hard to beat cancer. They lost. Here as I sat on the summit of Cheget thinking about their bravery, their lives, their loved ones. I think about my own family. When you sit on top of a mountain and take time to take it all in you also allow your mind to clear. Things that you were not sure of suddenly become very clear. Decisions you may have been gabbling with are now formalized and an action plan made. Then there is the time when you just sit and take in all the mountain sounds. the wind, the birds, the sounds I like to call the Mountain voices of Mother Nature. In the busy, hi tech and noisy world we live in being able to spend time in such quietness, at one with nature so high up in the clouds always makes me feel closer to God. All that everyday noise is gone, its just the wind and the voice of God if I just sit down and listen I will hear.

my mascots Monty Monster and Keemo

Nick and Sharron

After the usual photographs and much laughter we gathered ourselves and made our way back down the steep pathways. We passed many people on the way up huffing and puffing along. Sweating buckets and I was glad we had gone up a bit earlier as this place could become very unforgiving in the heat of the day.

Roma, myself and Heinrich

Wayne, myslef, Yvonne and Rupert all for South Africa

Debbie and Mark

Sherrie

Daniel, Rupert, Yvonne, Andre and Gaven and Debbie in the background

Myself and Heinrich

the summit Mt Cheget sits at a respectable 3 769m. this is a popular ski resort on the south side of the Baksan Valley are some steep glades offering great sking the locals tell us. The rather anachronistic single chair lifts which haul the skiers up to to 3040m. To the west we find the twin peaks of Elbrus and to the east are the jagged peaks and near-vertical sides of 4454m Mt Donguzorun with a distinctive glacier shaped like the numeral seven plastered to its side.

This was Suzanne's first time on a proper mountain and first time using the famous mountain long drops. She was really very brave!!!

It was time to hop onto the one seater ski chairs. Going down was epic and by now I was not afraid and enjoyed every minute of the quiet time it offered. At the next ski - station we quickly jumped off and made our way to the next platform to jump onto the 2 seater chairs. I was actually sad it was over once we were back down in the village. It was really an awesome experience.