Mt. McKinley Expedition: Cifelli & Team Enjoy Rest Day at 11,000’ Camp
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 11,000'
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 9:12 pm PT
Rest day, what a glorious phrase, after 6 days of moving ourselves and our supplies up and down this mountain, we were able to sleep in. We awoke at the late hour of 9:30 am to a leisurely breakfast of bagels, cream cheese, and salmon. After that per our leader Dom’s insistence, we all took laps around the 11,000' Camp or up to Motorcycle Hill to get our blood pumping and make sure our “gears didn’t rust up”. The afternoon was a mix of reading, chatting, napping, grazing on our heaviest snacks, and playing games, the hottest dice den on the mountain is right here at 11,000' Camp. Tonight we prepare for tomorrow for our move to 14k and to the next stage of our journey up this mountain.
Today is also extra special for this blogger, I want to wish a happy anniversary to my wife Sophia here on the mountain with me. It’s been an amazing 8 years of marriage with my adventure partner for life. I’m so lucky to be here with you tackling this challenge together. I’ve loved spending every day of the last year with you through all the training, debating every ounce, gram, and calorie in our packs, and supporting each other at home and on the mountain.
I love you dearly Sophia, and am thankful for every moment we get to adventure together.
- RMI Climber Tait
Comments (6)
Happy anniversary Phia and Tait! You’re amazing! Just keep swimming!
Posted by: Kell Kelly Kell on
Dear Mikayla,
Sending love to you on your grand adventure! John snd I are in Italy with friends and local “beverages” came up. Thought if you and Spain and orujo! Looking forward to more news of your trip. xoxo
Posted by: Shelley Irvine D’Elia on
Aspen! Nate! Powerful people, soooo high in the sky! It’s so fun to watch you go higher every day! We’re 100% with you!
Posted by: Evan Hansen on
Yay for a day of rest. I hope everyone was able to enjoy it to the fullest. Smart thinking on the heavy snacks. Onward and upward!
Posted by: Michelle DeMers on
Sooooo proud of you uncle Myles !! Such an incredible achievement, do it for all the people of Ireland
Posted by: Eva Walsh on
We are SO, SO proud of you mom, all 8 of our paws
Posted by: Christina Trombley on