{"id":1518,"date":"2011-01-03T17:33:15","date_gmt":"2011-01-04T01:33:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?p=1518"},"modified":"2013-01-06T08:21:51","modified_gmt":"2013-01-06T16:21:51","slug":"mt-elbrus-july-2010","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?p=1518","title":{"rendered":"Mt. Elbrus Climb (Russia), July 2010"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 25%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div data-carousel-extra='{&quot;blog_id&quot;:1,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?p=1518&quot;}' id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-1518 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-thumbnail'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1523\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1523\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1.jpg?fit=1600%2C1200&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1600,1200\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 3G&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1277811599&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"My First Night In Russia\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;First Night&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1.jpg?fit=584%2C438&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1523'>\n\t\t\t\tFirst Night\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/2.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/2.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1524\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/2.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/2.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/2.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1524\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1524\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/2.jpg?fit=1600%2C1200&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1600,1200\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 3G&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1277888078&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"My Friends,  Zhenya, Oksana &amp;#038; Vasya On The Red Square\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Zhenya, Oksana &amp;#038; Vasya&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/2.jpg?fit=584%2C438&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1524'>\n\t\t\t\tZhenya, Oksana &#038; Vasya\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/3.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/3.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/3.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/3.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/3.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1525\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1525\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/3.jpg?fit=1600%2C1200&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1600,1200\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 3G&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1277879254&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"The Famous St. Basil\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Cathedral\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;St. Basil\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Cathedral&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/3.jpg?fit=584%2C438&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1525'>\n\t\t\t\tSt. Basil\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Cathedral\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/4.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/4.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1526\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/4.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/4.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/4.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1526\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1526\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/4.jpg?fit=1200%2C1600&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,1600\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 3G&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1277894654&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"My Very Expensive Moscow Hotel-Hilton\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Moscow Hilton&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/4.jpg?fit=584%2C779&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1526'>\n\t\t\t\tMoscow Hilton\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/6.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/6.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/6.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/6.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/6.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1527\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1527\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/6.jpg?fit=3872%2C2592&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3872,2592\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;10&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;NIKON D80&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278049270&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;85&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.000625&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Ride From Mineralnye Vody Airport-Dodging Cattle\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Dodging Cattle&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/6.jpg?fit=584%2C391&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1527'>\n\t\t\t\tDodging Cattle\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/7.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/7.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/7.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/7.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/7.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1528\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1528\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/7.jpg?fit=3872%2C2592&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3872,2592\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;7.1&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;NIKON D80&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278106028&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;85&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"7\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/7.jpg?fit=584%2C391&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/11.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/11.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/11.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/11.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/11.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1531\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1531\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/11.jpg?fit=4000%2C3000&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4000,3000\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot SX200 IS&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278085044&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;80&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.002&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Ski Resort Hotel View From Room\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Room View&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/11.jpg?fit=584%2C438&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1531'>\n\t\t\t\tRoom View\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/12.7.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/12.7.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/12.7.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/12.7.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/12.7.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1533\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1533\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/12.7.jpg?fit=2448%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2448,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot A720 IS&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278224742&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.8&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Resort Hotel Where We Started\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Resort Hotel&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/12.7.jpg?fit=584%2C779&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1533'>\n\t\t\t\tResort Hotel\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/14.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/14.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/14.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/14.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/14.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1534\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1534\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/14.jpg?fit=3264%2C2448&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,2448\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot A720 IS&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278145249&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.8&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;80&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00066666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Warm Up Hike\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Warm Up Hike&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/14.jpg?fit=584%2C438&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1534'>\n\t\t\t\tWarm Up Hike\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/15.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/15.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/15.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/15.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/15.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1535\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1535\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/15.jpg?fit=3264%2C2448&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,2448\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot A720 IS&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278232467&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.8&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;80&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.002&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"The Base Camp Home-Holds 6 People\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The Barrel Huts&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/15.jpg?fit=584%2C438&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1535'>\n\t\t\t\tThe Barrel Huts\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/17.6.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/17.6.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/17.6.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/17.6.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/17.6.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1536\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1536\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/17.6.jpg?fit=3264%2C2448&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,2448\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot A720 IS&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278407842&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.8&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;80&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0015625&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"The Group\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Climbing Group&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/17.6.jpg?fit=584%2C438&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1536'>\n\t\t\t\tClimbing Group\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/21.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/21.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/21.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/21.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/21.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1537\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1537\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/21.jpg?fit=3840%2C2160&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3840,2160\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;DMC-LX2&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278329854&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;6.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Mess Hall\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Mess Hall&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/21.jpg?fit=584%2C329&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1537'>\n\t\t\t\tMess Hall\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/26.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/26.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/26.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/26.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/26.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1538\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1538\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/26.jpg?fit=3264%2C2448&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,2448\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot A720 IS&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278336302&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.8&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;80&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00066666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Base Camp Water\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Water Source&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/26.jpg?fit=584%2C438&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1538'>\n\t\t\t\tWater Source\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/29.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/29.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/29.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/29.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/29.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1539\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1539\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/29.jpg?fit=2448%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2448,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot A720 IS&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278226373&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.8&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"The Freeman Pose\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Rick Freeman&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/29.jpg?fit=584%2C779&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1539'>\n\t\t\t\tRick Freeman\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/30.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/30.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/30.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/30.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/30.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1540\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1540\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/30.jpg?fit=3264%2C2448&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,2448\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;6.3&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot A720 IS&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278410273&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;14.745&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;80&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00066666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Left Peak is the Summit\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The Summit&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/30.jpg?fit=584%2C438&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1540'>\n\t\t\t\tThe Summit\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/31.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/31.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/31.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/31.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/31.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1541\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1541\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/31.jpg?fit=2544%2C1696&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2544,1696\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 30D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278481404&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;15&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"The Group\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Early Hours&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/31.jpg?fit=584%2C389&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1541'>\n\t\t\t\tEarly Hours\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/32.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/32.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/32.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/32.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/32.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1542\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1542\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/32.jpg?fit=1696%2C2544&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1696,2544\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 30D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278481780&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Early Morning Hours\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Rick Freeman&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/32.jpg?fit=584%2C877&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1542'>\n\t\t\t\tRick Freeman\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/40.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/40.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/40.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/40.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/40.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1544\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1544\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/40.jpg?fit=3840%2C2160&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3840,2160\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;DMC-LX2&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278483468&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;6.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"18,550&amp;#8242; Elevation\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Mt Elbrus Summit&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/40.jpg?fit=584%2C329&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1544'>\n\t\t\t\tMt Elbrus Summit\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/0161.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/0161.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1626\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/0161.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/0161.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/0161.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1626\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1626\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/0161.jpg?fit=3872%2C2592&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3872,2592\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;9&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;NIKON D80&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278227376&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;85&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.008&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"The Mess Hall\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The Mess Hall&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/0161.jpg?fit=584%2C391&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1626'>\n\t\t\t\tThe Mess Hall\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1031.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1031.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1627\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1031.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1031.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1031.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1627\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1627\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1031.jpg?fit=3264%2C2448&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,2448\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot A720 IS&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278143506&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;9.954&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;80&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00066666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Left Peak Is Mount Elbrus\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Mount Elbrus&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1031.jpg?fit=584%2C438&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1627'>\n\t\t\t\tMount Elbrus\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1227.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1227.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1227.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1227.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1227.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1628\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1628\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1227.jpg?fit=2448%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2448,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot A720 IS&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278233717&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.8&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;125&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Inside The Barrel Hut-Base Camp\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The Barrel Hut&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1227.jpg?fit=584%2C779&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1628'>\n\t\t\t\tThe Barrel Hut\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1285.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1285.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1629\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1285.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1285.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1285.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1629\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1629\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1285.jpg?fit=2448%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2448,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot A720 IS&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278252287&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;7.059&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;80&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00066666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Warm Up Hike\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Warm Up Hike&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1285.jpg?fit=584%2C779&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1629'>\n\t\t\t\tWarm Up Hike\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1463.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1463.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1463.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1463.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1463.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1630\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1630\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1463.jpg?fit=3264%2C2448&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,2448\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot A720 IS&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278486872&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.8&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;80&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0005&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Nearing The Summit\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Nearing The Summit&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/1463.jpg?fit=584%2C438&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1630'>\n\t\t\t\tNearing The Summit\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/IMG_0009.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/IMG_0009.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/IMG_0009.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/IMG_0009.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/IMG_0009.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-attachment-id=\"1631\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?attachment_id=1631\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/IMG_0009.jpg?fit=1696%2C2544&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1696,2544\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 30D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1278481506&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;20&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Still Early\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Early Morning Hours&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/IMG_0009.jpg?fit=584%2C877&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1631'>\n\t\t\t\tEarly Morning Hours\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nDay One \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Flying &amp; More Flying<br \/>\n<\/strong>Flight to Moscow (SVO) via Amsterdam went well and my friend Zhenya and his friend Vasya picked me up.\u00c2\u00a0 We got in Vasya\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s car, he drives a Ford; there are actually quite a few Fords on the road in Moscow, there is a Ford assembly plant in Russia.\u00c2\u00a0 Moscow has the typical traffic like any other major city and we got into some typical rush hour traffic\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6so it was slow going from the airport.\u00c2\u00a0 We listened to local Russian radio stations playing all sorts of music\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6.also listen to a couple of stations that only played English rock n\u00e2\u20ac\u2122roll songs.<\/p>\n<p>Zhenya insisted I stay with him and his wife Oksana the first night\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6.which was alright with me, I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to spend $400 plus on my Hilton room that night.\u00c2\u00a0 Zhenya and Oksana live in apartment\/condo on the fourth floor fifteen miles from Moscow downtown or the Kremlin area.\u00c2\u00a0 Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world.\u00c2\u00a0 Olesya was waiting for us at the apartment\/condo and provided a warm greeting when I walked in.\u00c2\u00a0 Zhenya took off to buy some vodka and Olesya took off for the local market to buy groceries for dinner.\u00c2\u00a0 I was able to get in a little nap while they were out.\u00c2\u00a0 Olesya got back and started to prepare for dinner right away; it was a wonderful dinner shared with new friends.\u00c2\u00a0 During dinner we poured shots and shared stories and myths about each other country.\u00c2\u00a0 We also pulled out the computers to share pictures of each other\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s life and culture.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day Two \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Checking Out the Sites<\/strong><br \/>\nSlept quite well\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6.not sure if it was the jet lag or the local vodka we had with dinner last night.\u00c2\u00a0 I started my day off with a shower and two cups of instant Starbuck\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s that I brought with me.\u00c2\u00a0 Breakfast consisted of a Danish and leftover food from last night\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6.delish.\u00c2\u00a0 About 9:00 a.m. Zenya brought out a local beer, since I was on vacation I thought it couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t hurt.\u00c2\u00a0 We started watching some ESPN Sportscenter on the television as we waited for Zenya\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s friend Vasya to come around.\u00c2\u00a0 After a couple of beers, Vasya showed up and we took off for some site seeing.\u00c2\u00a0 We heading toward the Kremlin area and of course parking was tough to find; we walked about 4 blocks to get on the Red Square.\u00c2\u00a0 The Kremlin was much bigger than I thought; almost reminded me of the Forbidden City in Beijing for the size of it.\u00c2\u00a0 I provided a few poses in front of the famous St. Basil\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Cathedral.\u00c2\u00a0 We walked over to Old Arbat Street for some people watching.\u00c2\u00a0 I came close to purchasing an oil painting; I try to buy a painting of some sort from each new country I visit.\u00c2\u00a0 Zheny\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s wife met up with us and we headed toward my hotel so I could check in.\u00c2\u00a0 This Hilton was established in a landmark building in 1954 and belonged to the legendary Stalin Tower.\u00c2\u00a0 After check in we headed out for dinner, we decided to walk\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6.we didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t realize how far the restaurant was, because we walked nearly 45 minutes.\u00c2\u00a0 After dinner\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6we took the subway back to the hotel where I said farewell to my new friends.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day Three \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Chilling &amp; Relaxing<\/strong><br \/>\nToday I was on my own, so I slept in some and by the time I got around it was brunch time.\u00c2\u00a0 I headed out for some local shopping and finally made it over to Gorky\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Park.\u00c2\u00a0 I made it back to the hotel to finish up on some work emails and after a hotel dinner and wine I made it to bed early.\u00c2\u00a0 I had an early fight out the next day to Mineralnye Vody to start my Mt. Elbrus excursion.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day Four \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Heading to Mt. Elbrus<\/strong><br \/>\nUpon check out, I found out that Hilton charged me for the first night anyway; hopefully\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6.as I am writing this my friend will be able to get my money back.\u00c2\u00a0 After checking in and paying extra for overweight luggage at the airport\u00c2\u00a0I waited in the gate area for my flight.\u00c2\u00a0 I thought maybe I would see a person from my group; I was looking for hiking boots or a person that might look like a hiker.\u00c2\u00a0 Actually, there was quite a few people with hiking boots, they\u00c2\u00a0were all\u00c2\u00a0heading to Mineralnye Vody as I was and this is mainly a mountain area.\u00c2\u00a0 When we landed in Mineralnye Vody, our guide was waiting for us.\u00c2\u00a0 There were a total of four flights that all carried our group; consisted of 3 from Sweden\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s, 2 from Belgium, 1 from Austria, 1 from the Netherlands and myself.\u00c2\u00a0 I was pretty excited to meet everyone and it seemed to be a great bunch of people. The mini-bus ride was little over 3 hours\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6.beautiful scenery the whole way; we were dodging cows for most of trip that were slowly walking on the road.\u00c2\u00a0 The lodging was actually quite nice; I had a single room (highly recommend) that overlooked the ski-lift\/cable car with two single beds.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day Five &#8211; Warm Up Hike<\/strong><br \/>\nWe all met for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and met up outside for our first altitude warm-up.\u00c2\u00a0 We hiked a mile or so over to a single chair-lift that took us up to 3,000 meters and from there we hiked up through snow and rock up to 3,400 meters\/11,400 feet.\u00c2\u00a0 We had a 360 degree of some fantastic views at the top; the east\/west peaks of Mt. Elbrus were sticking out like a sore thumb.\u00c2\u00a0 My heart rate peak hit 171 and I burned nearly 3,000 calories.\u00c2\u00a0 After coming back down, we had a great local lunch down at the village where we started at the chairlifts.\u00c2\u00a0 A little nap was in order in the afternoon as soon as I got back to the room.\u00c2\u00a0 We met up for beers before dinner around the lobby television to watch some world soccer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 6 &#8211; Heading to Basecamp<\/strong><br \/>\nWoke up to rain\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6.which totally sucks.\u00c2\u00a0 Today we start our accent to Mt. Elbrus by taking chairlifts up to the first set of barrels.\u00c2\u00a0 First we will have breakfast and take off at 8:00 a.m.<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"gallery link=&quot;file&quot; columns=&quot;4&quot;\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/wp-includes\/js\/tinymce\/plugins\/wpgallery\/img\/t.gif?w=584&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Day One \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Flying &amp; More Flying Flight to Moscow (SVO) via Amsterdam went well and my friend Zhenya and his friend Vasya picked me up.\u00c2\u00a0 We got in Vasya\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s car, he drives a Ford; there are actually quite a &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/?p=1518\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[5,40,47],"tags":[357,19,20,18,356],"class_list":["post-1518","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-difficult-hikes","category-europe-trips","category-international-hikes","tag-mineralnye-vody","tag-mt-elbrus","tag-rick-freeman","tag-russia","tag-st-basils-cathedral"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5jXSd-ou","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1518","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1518"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1518\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3255,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1518\/revisions\/3255"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1518"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1518"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderjunkie.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1518"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}