Mt. McKinley Expedition: Cifelli & Team Take Rest Day at 14,000’ Camp
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 8:51 pm PT
It’s been 8 days since my last dispatch. Eight days since those heady times at 11,000' Camp, when our pounds and pounds of food seemed excessive, when trading for extra toilet paper and coffee were moments of mirth; now we covet our remaining pounds of food, and those trades seem like masterstrokes of genius.
Our first week at 14,000' is coming to a close, our team has experienced wind, snow, and searing heat. Being simultaneously as hot and cold as we have ever been in our lives. While the recent weather has not been as amenable to a quick summit as we would have liked, this past week has still been an incredible and hard to describe experience. The views (when they are available) are breathtaking, reminding us of how lucky we are to be here at all, and how thankful we are for our family, friends, and coworkers supporting us back in the real world allowing us to stay focused on our goal.
The team’s morale remains high, supported by our amazing guiding team of Dom, Ben, and Mike, who keep us active, both physically and mentally, every day. Special shoutout to Dominic’s wife for providing the team a rousing trivia night via satellite messaging a few days back.
As we enter our second week at 14,000', the team is a coiled spring, ready to launch as our hopeful weather window approaches, but until then thank you for all the love and support as we wait out the weather (but god save us if the hot sauce runs out).
RMI Climber Tate Bishop
Comments (6)
Hi Mikayla, I sent you a message yesterday, however it didn’t post properly. Anyways, I think of you and your teams struggles everyday. I sending you warm wishes and huge cyber hugs. Bloom where you are planted and keep your eye on the prize. I’m praying for you and the team. We love you!! Papa the Bear
Posted by: Dan DeMers on
It sounds like it’s time to dig deep Denali climbers! How exciting! Stay safe, Onward and upward!
Love you Cakes!
Posted by: Michelle DeMers on
To the Denali Climbers,
You are standing on the edge of something few dare to dream, and even fewer have the strength to pursue. Climbing Denali isn’t just a test of endurance or skill — it’s a journey that calls on every part of you: your courage, your resilience, your discipline, and your heart.
When the wind howls and the summit seems impossibly far, remember: you are stronger than you feel, and braver than you know. Every step you take is a triumph. Every breath in that thin, frozen air is a testament to your determination.
You are not alone — not in the climb, and not in the struggle. Thousands have stood where you are, faced the same doubts, and pushed on. Let that legacy lift you. Let the mountain shape you, but never define you.
You belong here. Keep climbing.
Posted by: Earl Brunner on
“Tate Bishop”, I don’t know you but I feel as though I do…
Would you rather have lots of hot sauce and no toilet paper or no hot sauce and lots of toilet paper? Tough decision if you ask me.
You’re amazing. I know you both crushed that trivia night. Go Phils!
Posted by: kell kelly kell on
Rooting for good summiting weather for y’all from deep down in Thibodaux. Good luck and stay safe!
-Matt
Posted by: Matt on
Praying the weather clears and you all can keep going on.
Keep up being the Bad Asses you all are.
Christina
(Mikayla’s friend)
Posted by: Christina Trombley on