Skiers navigate a course in the mountain cluster at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

With the opening ceremonies for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics still two days away, there isn’t much in the way of actual competitive events happening just yet. Sure, there’s practice sessions to be had, but these obviously don’t count for anything, and the images aren’t as storytelling when there’s nothing on the line.

What did all this mean for Guy Rhodes? It meant that I got to enjoy what will probably be one of my last “easy” days here for the next two and a half weeks. Still, when you’re at the Winter Olympics, sleeping in isn’t really an option.

Instead, I woke up at a respectable time for a “normal person” (anyone who knows me knows that I’m typically a night owl), and decided to make an assignment for myself. I decided to focus on images relevant to a few stories that are currently hot in regards to Sochi.

One of the many hotels in the mountain cluster that did not exist prior to 16 months ago.

1. Accommodations. With stories of unfinished hotel lobbies, no hot water, and bare electrical wires hanging out of walls, I felt it relevant to tell the other side of the story here in the “mountain cluster”, where I’m stationed. Our two bedroom apartment is just fine. Granted, the “fit and finish” could be a little cleaner in some spots, but it’s at a solid B on the letter grading scale. Most of the other apartments and hotels in the area, at least on the surface, seem to be fine as well.

An apartment building along the reka Mzymta (river) in the mountain cluster. The one I’m sharing with two other photographers is very similar in appearance, and near the one pictured above.

2. Stray dogs. Stray dogs are a large part of the population here in the Sochi region. With talks of “doing away with” that population from Russia’s president prior to the opening ceremonies, images of strays became important to capture. This was an easy task, since it’s not uncommon to walk past strays on the street multiple times per day. In fact, one stray dog has a family of puppies living under the main security tent for the mountain press center! They’ve become quite the curiosity for members of the media and volunteers alike.

A litter of stray puppies (along with mom) have taken shelter under the main security checkpoint for the mountain press center.

Here’s mom, trying to lick frozen water from a hole in the ground in front of the mountain press center.

Another stray naps in the warm sun near the media shuttle bus loading area.

The highlight of my day was talking a cable car several thousand feet up to the summit of one of the mountains that overlooks our apartment. I knew this high vantage point would give me some good opportunities for overall views of the neighborhood as well as the alpine ski course.

A cable car ride provided breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape.

I was completely alone in my cable car cab on both the 25 minute rides up and down. The cable car gives you the sensation as if you’re flying in a helicopter over the trees and mountain ridges. At the top, I shot a few photos on 4×5 film as well as digital, and made some friends with some of the course workers who will be “running the show” once the games begin.

I was very lucky to have some time to shoot a couple of images on my Crown Graphic 4×5 film camera.

It’s very rare that a landscape alone fills me with excitement and wonder, but this one did just that!

Friendly Olympics course workers who kept me out of trouble and away from steep drop-offs as I explored the area. Thanks, guys!

I felt at peace at the summit as I looked out on the awe-inspiring landscapes, which my images really don’t do justice. The silence up there was very calming as well. Hopefully I’ll get to explore some of the other cable car systems nearby in the coming weeks!

I almost forgot today’s Guy’s Russian Word of the Day! Today’s word is: ??????, pronounced, “Pre-vyet,” meaning, “Hello.”