Denali National Park Mt. McKinley Climb: Cifelli & Team Move to the Base of Ski Hill
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 9600'
Thursday June 12, 2025 10:15pm PDT
We moved to the base of Ski Hill.
Dia dhuibh, Taimid anocht i Camp 1. Ta an foireann go maith, tar eis an suil anseo. Taimid tuirseach, ach go beo. Nil eine eile anseo. Tar eis an suil, codlaimid go leir, agus ansin, bia, deoch, caint, agus sos. Is la eile amarach!
That was a special request for Tate and Sophia. They understand that about as well they understand me talking. I have an accent!!! However, I’m not alone. There’s a fair TexAn contingent in the group, and they taawk aaaawful slooow. It takes them sooooo long to saaay some ot, that we’re aaaawl daaaamn neeeeear asleeeep by the time it’s finished! And then there is the very suave, some might say sesay Etienne, the French Canadian. Throw in the New Yorkers (because we can’t throw them out), and you have quite the cultural hotpot! Seriously, this team is a blast. Quick facts, stories, jokes - it helps ease the end of day pain.
Oh yes - the hike update! Up at midnight, after a weird dream where Dominic gave a graphic presentation on CMC (clean mountain can a.k.the potty) etiquette, and an old buddy of his called Timmy…. Sleds loaded, teams roped up by 3 am, and a quick 4.5-hour jaunt to Camp 1. On the way we got some early sunlight on Mt Foraker, making it illuminate like a candle. Camp one is a ghost town. We are home alone. Tents and camp erected, water, and a very welcome sleep. Spent the afternoon lazing, with the whoosh of an occasional avalanche.
Finally, and most importantly, happy wedding anniversary to my beautiful wife Fionnuala. (you thought I’d forget!). I am the luckiest man on this planet. I love you.
RMI Climber Myles O'Neil
Comments (5)
Google translate didn’t let you down there cause I know for a fact you can’t speak more than 4 words of Irish.
Posted by: Rory O'Neill on
Hey Mikayla, sounds like an epic push to Camp 1. Glad the ghost town came with some peace and sleep. Enjoy the quiet (and dodge the avalanches). Hope the ravens don’t get too curious while you’re lazing around—seems like they always show up when you least expect ‘em….you’re crushing it out there! - Love Mack
Posted by: Mack Thompson on
Sweetest message from the sweetest guy! X
Posted by: Fionnuala Walsh on
Happy Anniversary! I’m sure ya’ll will get used to the slow Texas talkers soon.
I’m not sure I like hearing about the whooshing sound of avalanches with my bada$$ baby girl on the mountain.
Ya’ll stay safe, rest up, and aim high!
Mikayla’s mom in Texas.
Posted by: Michelle DeMers on
Maith thú, a MhÃleas. Tá áthas orm cúpla focal Gaeilge a chloisteáil ó Alasca. Táimid go léir ag smaoineamh ort féin agus ar do fhoireann.
Posted by: Judy Lee on