Mission Accomplishments Share and Share Alike
An agreement between the CMC and other mountaineering clubs leads to success on Mount Elbrus
In the Caucasus Mountains of Russia sits Mount Elbrus, at 18,510 feet one of the world’s Seven Summits. Because of its location several kilometers north of the main ridge line of the Caucasus, cartographers consider the mountain to be in Europe and, thus, the continent’s highest point. The mountain, with its twin summits, has long held strong allure for members of the CMC. Many members have climbed it on their own or with friends, among them noteworthy, world-class climbers like Gerry Roach, Gary Neptune, and Glenn Porzak. In 1994, the CMC made its first official climb of Elbrus, sponsored by the club’s High Altitude Mountaineering Section (HAMS). Since then, the club's climbs of Elbrus have started to resemble Super Bowl games in name, with the attempt in August 2010 being Elbrus VII. This year’s trip was a special event for members of the CMC. In addition to 11 CMC climbers from Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, the team also included four members of the Mountaineers from the greater Seattle area. The Mountaineers’ climbers included Tab Wilkins, chairman of their board of directors for 2010. The four were the first non-CMC members to participate in a club climb as part of the reciprocal agreement signed this year by the executive directors of the CMC, Mountaineers, Appalachian Mountain Club, Mazamas, Adirondack Mountain Club, and the American Alpine Club. The reciprocal agreement allows for members of each club to go on trips of the other clubs, and to use various club facilities, all at member rates. The ubiquitous liability waivers must be signed, but generally no other paperwork is required. “Our affinity with CMC folks was instant as we were welcomed and fit right in as if we were regular members,” said Wilkins. “But the experience reminded me of how great it is to be a Mountaineer, as reflected in conversations with CMC members and in comparing our two clubs.” As the initial outing with members of other clubs, Elbrus VII was a resound8
Trail & Timberline
Courtesy of Bob Dawson (2)
By Steve Bonowski
ing success. Most CMC members on the climb had not done a big peak expedition before and weren't sure how to react at first—both to an elevation higher than any Colorado fourteener and with the distinguished guests. However, the fraternity of mountaineers is a solid one; in no time at all our Mountaineer guests fit in well. Most importantly, 12 of the 15 climbers on the trip, including all four Mountaineers members, reached the summit and safely returned to camp without incident. “Going with fellow mountaineering folks meant that we'd have the same goals in our trip overseas, lots of similar experiences to share, which meant, in theory, that we'd have a better time—with all turning out to be true!” echoed Wilkens. “Plus, in the true spirit of the climbing world we knew it would be reasonably priced and we liked the idea that it was led by someone who had done this before from the climber’s perspective.” The St. Petersburg-based outfitter, CET-Neva Mountaineering, again provided quality service, something they’ve done on two previous trips to Elbrus and on a 2008 attempt of Muztagh-Ata in China. We look forward to many more trips and shared experiences with our new Moun-
▼ Trail & Timberline has now made it to the top of three of the world's Seven Summits. Here, Bob Dawson holds it atop Mount Elbrus.
taineers friends and future friends from all the clubs. “The affinity was almost instantaneous—amazing in some ways and I expect there will be future connections made as we pass through Colorado, or as folks (like the HAMS members) come to Washington State,” Wilkins said invitingly. △ Steve Bonowksi has been the primary leader for all seven of the club's Mount Elbrus climbs.
