| Professionals | Balsigers |
| Tap Richards | Chris and Christy |
| Heide Richards | Joey and Heather |
| Mike Lindhass | Camille |
| Avery |
With Heather recently finding out that she was pregnant, it has stopped her from attempting the summit and thus exposing the baby to any dangers caused by the terrain, weather and lack of oxygen. Christy is very doubtful that she will be able to climb. In June of 2003, Christy, Chris, Joey and Avery were in an icefall while climbing Rainier in preparation for Elbrus. While Joey escaped injury and Avery suffered a minor sprain to her arm, Chris and Christy were injured a bit worse. Chris' injuries were limited to a concussion and minor cuts and bruises and recovery was relatively quick. Christy's injuries were several fractures to her ribs, scapula and tailbone and with Elbrus only 6 weeks removed from the date of the accident, her physical readiness is questionable.
The Balsigers having practiced extensively for this particular climb with recent climbs to Cotopaxi, Ixta and Rainer have arrived in Russia prepared and anxious.
 | Today was spent hiking on Cheget Mountain to 11,800 feet in torrential rain. It was a good day for acclimatization, but with the weather, not a lot of fun. The evening was spent at the "lodge" as we rested well, ate well and prepared to leave the next day for Elbrus. |
 | Today, aided by chairlifts, we moved our gear to the barrel huts at 12,600 feet. The team further acclimatized by climbing to 14,000 feet and returning to sleep in the huts at 12,600 feet. Christy's injuries from Rainier prove to still be painful and she has decided not to advance and will go with Heather to St. Petersburg and wait for our return in a few days. |
 | As Christy and Heather descend, the team advances camp to 14,500 feet and pitches tents. This will be our base for the next few days as we complete out acclimatization process and await our chance to try for the summit. The weather has been horrible the past few days but is starting to break. But at this altitude bad weather can come in fast. The bad weather the last few days has produced news that two young Canadian climbers pushed a summit bid a few days ago and are now missing. Helicopter searches are still occurring but the worst is expected. |
 | We have sketchy weather but use the day wisely to further acclimatize by climbing up to the Pastuchov rocks at 15,750 feet and returning in a few hours to camp. The team is strong and decides to go for the summit tomorrow if the weather holds. |
 | We awaken in a terrible snowstorm at 1:00 a.m. to depart for our summit attempt. Visibility is at best 30 feet, but we think we may hit clearer weather higher-up. Camille however reports with a severe case of sun sickness, which has swollen her head and made her ill. She must stay behind. After venturing out for an hour or so the weather is worsening and our summit attempt is cancelled. We spend the day relaxing and curing Camille. Perhaps tomorrow will be the day. We only have two more days left on our permit in which to try for the summit and with the deteriorating weather some anxiety is beginning to enter the team. |
 | We awaken at 1:00 a.m. in bad but acceptable weather and decide today is the
day and not to gamble that tomorrow, our last permit day, will be better.
Camille is much stronger and resolves to try for the summit. At departure time,
2:00 a.m. Avery is sick with food poisoning and will stay with our cook in camp.
Her disappointment at being denied a summit bid is heartbreaking, as she
certainly has earned one and until now was extremely strong.
The weather, while cold, improves and the team after 8 hours of climbing summits. The climb is cold and windy and our team is one of a handful that day that safely prevails. We descend rapidly and reach the "barrel huts" by 6:00 p.m. at 12,500 feet for a well-deserved rest. |
 | We return to the "lodge" and meet up with Christy and Heather. Everyone is safe. We are especially proud of Camille who fought through sickness and injury and claimed her first major summit. For Avery, we are saddened by her "bad luck", but she, as always, is showing her good character in accepting her fate. Tomorrow we go to Moscow for some R & R and then a late return for home on July 17. |
 | The team arrived safely at the base of Mount Elbrus. We are staying at a Russian version of a "ski lodge" but it is still better than a tent. It has been fun to be reunited with Tap, Heidi and Mike but tonight we are all tired as all have been traveling for nearly 24 hours. The lodge is at approximately 7,000 feet. |