Mt. McKinley Expedition: Cifelli & Team Rest at 14,000’ Camp
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 8:30 pm PT
Hello!
And welcome back for another installment of Doing Really Hard Things for Fun-Denali Edition.
I'm Aspen, and today I will be your host.
Previously, the team has gone up, up and down, up, down and up, up and down, up, down and up, and finally up and down again on their quest to climb The Tall One, the highest peak in North America, Denali.
After the most technical day yet, climbing up and down the fixed lines to cache gear and food for their summit attempt, the eclectic team looks forward to a day of rest.
Today, on the longest day of the year, we sleep in, tired not only from a physically taxing day at altitude, but also from staying up late watching. movies, like Deadpool, in our tents or playing the most riveting game of Texas Dice yet. Shout out to Etienne for stealing the win from not one, but two other players with his final roll of nearly 3,000 points.
The day started out with delicious blueberry pancakes, made by Dom, after which the group split to relax in various ways. Some of us went on a walk or two to warm our toes, while others snuggled back into sleeping bags where good books and knitting await. We chat, we nap, we do some self care. The cook tent serves as a gathering place. People come in and out throughout the day. Sometimes to share snacks; other times to play games or read in the company of others. Without any defined tasks for the day, we are forced to slow down and take in the views. The mountains around us look different today, like they seem to every day. I am filled with a sense of adventure and awe. This is what I love about climbing. The amazing views, the good company, and the incredible sense of pride I get from doing really hard things.
After having such perfect weather thus far, the winds have blown in clouds. They pass over and through camp throughout the day leading to constantly changing temperatures and visibility. Snow falls and taps on the tent walls, and so the waiting game begins.
Do we have enough toilet paper? Does anyone die of boredom? Do I get so sick of my hair that I shave it off? Tune in next time to find out.
A special thank you to Jake and Nomad for all their love and support of this Happy Cappy.
Until next time,
RMI Climber Aspen Hansen out.
Comments (7)
Heureuse de lire ,que ça se passe bien On ne lâche pas Je suis avec vous
Posted by: Claudette on
Hello Aspen & Team! No, no one has ever died of boredom. Fact. ;-) You’ll have plenty of excitement with the challenges coming up, I bet. I’m trying to guess which activities Mikayla chose to pass the time but she has always surprised me (ask her about when I took her to Paris when she was 10!). Cheering all of you awesome folks on and praying that Denali and the weather cooperate.
Tante Mary
Posted by: Mary McKinley on
What an adventure! Almost there!!! Cant wait to see all the pics. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Jake on
Don’t shave your head and I’m praying there’s enough TP! Knitting at 14,200, hmmm. I do love to crochet. I hope everyone thoroughly enjoyed their rest day and are powered up for the next challenge. What a journey this has been. You can do hard things!
Capt. Mikayla you amaze me.
Posted by: Michelle DeMers on
Maverick and Wellie here again, we are loving the updates!
We are off to the valley to the ranch until we see our mom. We’ve had the best time with walks and snuggles w Christina, sadly her time here is over. We will miss her and cant wait to see our mom soon.
Keep going guys!
Love Always,
Maverick and Nellie Wellie
Posted by: Christina Trombley on
Aspen, awesome to hear from you! You and Nate are crazy, in a good way! So glad you are having this experience. Hang in there, and keep going? Grandma and Grandpa Brunner love you! Praying for a safe and successful climb!
Posted by: Earl Brunner on
Love this peak into a day in the life of a mountaineer. I’m so proud of you and Nate and all the amazing things you’ve accomplished. Good job!!! Love you.
Posted by: Betsy Brunner on