Katherine’s been checking the flight status of our Egypt Air flight to Moscow, to see whether there are any delays because of the fires raging around the city.  One website states that Domodedovo airport sent 33 jets to the reserve airfields, 36 departing and 44 arriving flights are delayed.  Eysh.  I’m more concerned about the fact […]

While all of Russia burns and while Muscovites are evacuating the capital, eleven of us are getting ready to fly in!  How comical is that.  It all feels like a typical Wisedale expedition.  Yep – we are en route to the highest mountain in Europe – Mt Elbrus 5642 meters above sea level.  If all goes well, I hope to blow the […]

 It was a long day yesterday for the crew.  After summiting, they spent a few hours in camp trying to get some sleep before the descent on tired legs to Mweka (3000m).   Sean said the weather was perfect and unusually dry.  It will be an early start this morning as they descend for approx […]

“Full house – everyone made it to the top.  9 out of 9 at 9am. Beautiful morning with lots of snow on the crater.  Zanzibar here we come!”

 “We’re in Barafu. Everyone is doing well. Breathing hard but the rest this afternoon will sort us out. We depart at midnight tonight”.

“Summit dome towering above us. Perfect day. Pole Pole upwards”.  Received 10am (Tanzania is 1 hour ahead of SA).

 “Beautiful sunrise this morning – view over the clouds. Mt Meru in the west.  We had a great sleep and everyone is amped for the summit push tonight!”

Text from Sean last night “Wildest sunset – clear and stable. It’s going to be a very fresh night. Stars galore. There are only 3 other tents […]

 Just in: “All into Karanga camp and going strong. Having my favourite tucker – chicken and chips. Going to nap and then take a stroll higher up, after tea at 4.30 to help acclimatise. Everyone enjoyed the trek today. Flowers everywhere”.

Received from Sean mid morning: “We’re at the top of the Baranco wall (4200m). […]

Just received from Sean: Good day today.  Everyone is well and stoked about the climb. Salva chef made beef kebabs tonight – tasty!  It’s misty with the peak popping through – looks spectacular.  Lots of snow on top”.

The walk today becomes steeper but very scenic, along narrow valley ridges and over rocky sections towards the Moorland zone. 

From Sean: We’re tapping up, singing wima we.  The views are unreal. Senecio flowering.  Cool climbing conditions.  The porters are flying by to set up camp.  The Umbwe route is the best. Only one other couple from […]