Breakfast at 7am was an odd affair. There was Continental style ham and cheese, but also a kind of baked omelette with sausages and chicken dumplings. Also on the menu was watermelon. Still not really hungry I had some eggs, ham and bread.

8:45am we left. The hotel was fine for leaving gear so I left my small suitcase with my clothes for Moscow. Our main bags went separately and it is worth mentioning that we didn't see them again until Base Camp. I did think this might happen so kept my walking boots out. The drive out took around four hours with a few stops for toilet, food and photos. Food is fairly cheap here and we were advised to get something as lunch would be late. The views of Elbrus were incredible as we approached, coming un and out of view frequently. Finally we arrived at a river which was our starting point - everyone out!

The walk starts steadily but soon starts to go up, following a river fed from glacier water. A few very steep pulls up got us breathing heavily as everyone found their pace. At stopping points we were soon visited by Ground Squirrels, or Suslik as they are locally known, looking for food - clearly not the first time they had seen humans.

At the top of a big climb we came upon what looked like a huge campsite - this couldn't be Base Camp? No, it was just a gathering at the end of the road. This we were told, was our pick up point at the end. Shortly past here we encountered odd pointed rock formations, reminiscent of the Penitentes in South America and probably formed in a similar manner (wind and weathering).

Onward, we passed a small bathing area - people getting into a pool in the rocks. It seemed it was a natural spring rich in Iron and reputed to have healing properties. Either way, it must have been very cold.

At one point we watched a 4WD trying to cross the river at the ford, which by now was a raging torrent. Several failed attempts and he realised a crowd was forming. Russian manhood prevailed and he finally crossed, much to our collective amusement and cheers. Soon enough we had to cross the same river, but had a bridge to do it - a very dodgy, twisted bridge with many slats missing and the handrail conveniently out of reach for most of it - but everyone managed with no dramas.

Up a bit and Base Camp came into view. We'd finished for the day. The huts were, at best, basic, large raised flat areas with minimal mattresses and no facilities. On the plus side, the toilet and shower were close by.

Starting to sort out, lunch was called which was a very nice soup, followed by kind of Con Carne, also very nice.

Later, we had to give our climbing gear to the Porters; Boots, Crampons, Axe and Harness/Slings etc. Mine weighed in at 6kg which was the heaviest but only just. The lightest was 4.5kg by Aisling, but as she pointed out, she is the lightest person on the trip.

Stuart, our leader thought it a good idea to go for a short walk up to help with acclimatisation. We all agreed, so set off for about 30 minutes upwards. We only took water and a jacket and soon reached our high point for the day. Back down for a bit of Admin and relaxing before dinner at 8pm. Dinner was chicken and rice, just one course but very nice. Straight to bed afterwards at around 9:15pm. Not surprisingly I slept badly, getting up for the toilet twice but I must have slept as I had some dreams! Woke around 7am.