Mount Elbrus

Me and my mate Ben summitted both peaks of Elbrus in very cold wind - clear conditions made routefinding simple. Apart from that, a fairly easy snow plod, got to the top from diesel hut in about 6 hours. Walked all the way from Azau, no guide, and camped out in 2-man tent all the way - had a superb time. Camping is fine but remember to bring snow pegs and be prepared to use boulders. Also bring some very good sunglasses as I suffered sore eyes despite wearing strong high-altitude ones. The mountain itself should be ok for anyone competent in Scottish winter expedtioning to run as an independant trip, so long as they are well prepared for the step-up in conditions and altitude. The hard bit is getting there....

Oh, and if you go to Adyl-Su, watch out for bulls charging at your tent!

This trip raised several hundred pounds for the Shaun Johnstone Memorial Trust, raising money for brain tumour research (see www.sdrt.co.uk for the sister-charity)

Have a good trip, enjoy the vodka!