Today was a day of preparation. We went up to 4.050 metres, which took only about an hour and a half. We arrived at the 'Priut 11' camp site, where we will sleep. Once we arrived, we set up our beds and began to train with our ice axes, which we need to use very carefully once we start. In case one of us falls, we can stick it in the snow and thus stop the fall.

I've been checking the list of things I have to take so that I don't leave anything behind. I'll tell you what I'm gonna be wearing when I summit: On my legs, a pair of long thermal tights, pants made out of merino wool, ski pants, and an extra pair of tousers on top. Above the waist, three merino shirts, one fleece jumper, a jacket and a windbreaker. On my head, a mointain cap which covers most of my face, a fleece hood, ski goggles and the good of my jacket.  And on my hands, a pair of woollen gloves and another pair of leather gloves.

We feel very optimistic about the weather. Over here, they call the weather report 'weather prognosis'. So the prognosis is good. According to all the weather forecasts, there'll bee good weather for the next four days. And the best weather will be tomorrow morning, right when we are planning to climb. Last night, for instance, it was much more cloudy than it is right now (it's 7:30 pm in Russia) and this morning a team of 15 Norwegians summited. 

 To be honest, I have a lot of respect for the weather. I'm keeping positive, hoping there won't be too much wind, because the temperatures could be as low as -35. That said, I'm sure that, even though I wish to summit, I'm not going to do anything stupid, like let myself get caught in a snow storm and pretend to go on. 

The group is very tight, we're very happy. One of the Norwegians has had a headache for the past to days. It may be from the height. We're taking three guides, so only one of us can change their minds. That's because we must reach the summit with two guides.

Physically, I feel very well, and that gives me comfort. I've fed myself well, and not the knee nor my toe have hurt at all. I've never climbed so high and I'm both excited and anxious. 

I must go to sleep now. Tomorrow we'll leave between three and four in the morning and we have to be ready. The idea is to summit 8 to 10 hours after we leave. Up there we will only be a few minutes, to yell that we've reached the top of Europe and to take some pictures. I have my Colombian flag with me, and it's huge. Andrés Cruz is climbing Mt. Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe, in support of 157 single mothers and teenagers who live in Cartagena. Follow his blog, and remember to make a donation.