R21

We made base camp just above the abandoned hotel. Approach by car was difficult, so we used the wide ski track and cable car erected by the previous team. You could take snow plow from hotel to first village houses, and on from there using the paved road. To the mountaintop you could only get by climbing, following the set lines if you had showshoes and icepick.

Beside basic gear and supply tent, base was made up from shipping container we converted to HQ. That meant incessant radio chatter, and gas stove was always on, pot bubblng either with tea or bread panada. We gathered there to catch breath, exchange word or grumbling complaing with our team mates.

Father entered the container, shaking snow off his shoulders. Snow was falling in small lumps resembling brown sugar. He approached old metal frame bed and landed dirty transporter bag on it. He undid yellow cotton-padded jacket and moved dark ski goggles. When his shawl came off, his graying beard appeared.

"Storm is coming" he said, smiling.