Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in the Caucasus, and the highest peak in Europe. It is located several kilometres north of the main crest of the Central Caucasus, in the Russian Republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, north of Georgia. Its origin is volcanic, and though it has long been extinct, it still retains its gently sloping, conical shape, with twin cones rising on its summit. The west summit at 5,642 meters is slightly higher than the east at 5,621 metres. The summit is capped in ice year round, and 22 glaciers sprawl from its slopes. The summit provides spectacular views of the entire Caucasus.
The site of this geocache is well known. In 1929, eleven scientists erected a small hut at 4157 m. and called it Priyut 11 (Refuge of the 11). At the same site, a larger hut for 40 people was built in 1932. In 1939, the soviet Intourist travel agency built yet another structure a little above the Priyut 11 site, covered in aluminium siding. It was meant to accommodate western tourists, who were encouraged to climb Mount Elbrus in commercial, guided tours at the time to bring in foreign currency. Not much later, this hut was converted into a mountain barracks, serving as a base, first for Soviet and later German troops in the Battle of the Caucasus of World War II. On August 16th, 1998, this hut completely burned down after a cooking stove fell over. After that, the new Diesel hut was built in the summer of 2001 a few metres below its ruins, so called because it is located at the site of the former Diesel generator station.
This geocache was created during the Lithuanian expedition to the Mount Elbrus, which was dedicated to the 300 birth anniversary of famous Lithuanian writer Kristijonas Donelaitis (1714-2014). Lithuanian mountaineers have read the part of the poem "Metai" together - that was like a greeting for all the people to be positive. 10 mountainers had 10 T-shirt with the letters, which made the word D-O-N-E-L-A-I-T-I-S.
This geocache is typical small container. You'll find typical contents inside: some logbooks, pen, sharpener, gifts and little LT flag. FTF prize - not activated Geocoin "Lituanica". You can take it and do what you want :)
Please look at the hint and some spoiler photos.
If you are here, go to the final - climb the Mount Elbrus and add some photos here. Just be careful and enjoy this adventure.
THE OTHER GEOCACHES ON THE SLOPES OF ELBRUS:
ELBRUS - Top of Europe
ELBRUS - Barrels
