Mt. McKinley Expedition: Cifelli & Team Check In from the Glacier
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 7,300'
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Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 9:21 pm PT
We’ve Landed
We’re officially on the glacier.
After spending, as Dom puts it, “the right amount of time in Talkeetna,” we loaded into the Dehavilland Otters this morning and flew into the heart of the Alaska Range. Jack, our pilot, confirmed that “of all the RMI groups this year, this is the nicest day to fly.” Jack was kind enough to take us around for a view of the climbing route. It is difficult to describe the scenic majesty of the jagged snow-capped peaks as we circled around and made our landing approach. We have base camp practically to ourselves, and it’s very peaceful and quiet, with a few clouds drifting in the blue sky above. After setting up, and spending time learning how to rig the sleds, and how to pack as to not look “like traveling merchants on the Kahiltna glacier,” we settled in for a break.
Tonight we’ll have some pizza for dinner, the last trace of civilization (apart from the 9 inReach units our group brought along. . . )
For now, the focus is rest. We’re planning to head out with our sleds sometime around 3 a.m., taking advantage of the firm snow and cool conditions for travel on the lower glacier.
Signing off from Kahiltna Base camp,
RMI Climber Nate Brunner
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Comments (7)
Mikayla-we are going to be checking in on you as you go up the mountain. Have fun!
Posted by: Christine Simon on
Andrew, you and the guys are like those Dehavillands - you just keep going! We’re enjoying it vicariously- thanks!
Posted by: Allen on
Wishing all the very best of luck on the mountain! Enjoy every moment! Especially to Myles! Happy Anniversary dearest!
Posted by: Fionnuala Walsh on
Allô Etienne, te voilà à réaliser ton rêve. Profite pleinement de cette montagne majestueuse aux milles défis, des défis qui te donnent de l’adrénaline. Je t’accompagne en pensée et t’envoie plein d’énergie. Salutations à toute ton équipe.
Maman xx
Posted by: Denise on
Go Mikayla. We’ll be following your climb on a daily basis. We love you! Grandma
Posted by: Grandma Donley on
Good luck to the team! Stay safe! Love you Mikayla! So proud of you and can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back! - Love Mack
Posted by: Mack Thompson on
Watching and cheering you on from Texas! Have a safe, great journey.
Posted by: Michelle DeMers on