TA Loeffler continues her quest for the Seven Summits this month. She hopes to climb the highest peak on each continent. TA departs St. John’s on August 26 for St. Petersburg, Russia from which she will travel to Mount Elbrus. Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe at 5642 meters. Mount Elbrus dominates the western Caucasus Mountains like a two-headed giant. Mount Elbrus is an extinct volcano that is covered by an immense permanent snowcap that covers 145 square kilometers, and in some places is 400 meters thick. This ice sheet feeds over 50 glaciers.

TA will be climbing Mount Elbrus as a member of The International Mountain Guides Expedition. They will be attempting the normal route on Mount Elbrus, an arduous challenge because of the high elevation and frequent strong winds. Climbing Mount Elbrus will allow TA to test out new clothing and equipment systems, see how her training is progressing, and further hone her skills for her bid on Mount Everest during Spring 2007.

TA will be sending updates to her webpage from Russia, www.taloeffler.com. Please check this page often for news. Her team expects to summit around September 4th if weather and acclimatization allow. TA returns to St. John’s on September 9th.