Elbrus: T-minus 2 days...helpful advice from the State Department

Saw this helpful advice from the State Department today:

North Caucasus Region: Civil and political unrest continues throughout the North Caucasus region, including North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. Additionally, local criminal gangs have kidnapped foreigners, including U.S. citizens, for ransom.

Do not travel to Chechnya or any other areas in the North Caucasus region.
If you reside in these areas depart immediately.
U.S. government travel to the region is prohibited, due to ongoing security concerns.
The U.S. Government has no ability to assist U.S. citizens in the North Caucasus Region.
There have also been several kidnappings of foreigners and Russian citizens working for media and non-governmental organizations in the region
Mt. Elbrus:

Do not attempt to climb Mt. Elbrus, as individuals must pass close to volatile and insecure areas of the North Caucasus region.

None-the-less:  I'm back here in Delaware and have essentially completed all of my packing and gear check.  The plane leaves in 48 hours.....