Mt. McKinley: Luetke & Team Move to 14,000’ Camp
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Mike Bennett, Avery Stolte
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
Received June 18, 2026 - 2:45 am PT
Denali Dispatch June 17th 2026
Did you know your brain has to make around 250,000 decisions per week.
and did you know that… if bees were to be taken off this earth humans would only have 4 years left on earth to live, Einstein said that. and did you know a single tomato plant can yield around
100 tomatoes per year…AND did you know…that if hypothetically…YOU were to stand at the bottom of a mountain OF THIS extensiveness, this height, this coldness, this atmosphere.…well…a ticking time bomb goes off… a build up of emotions…that have been sitting inside you for months.. just soaking in… mentally preparing for this place in the middle of Alaska on the cusp of the artic circle…the time bomb of emotions is different for all …For some it’s freedom, for some it’s fun, for some it’s a confidence boost, for some it’s to clear their head, for some its to test themselves, for some it’s to prove something, for some it’s just a break … A break from society, the world, the noise. And hypothetically when you start to put yourself in these environments…these untraditional, uncomfortable environments.. it’s beats the therapist 10/10 times, it lowers your cholesterol, its heightens your senses, it makes you feel alive and OVER ALL in the end ….it adds happiness to your life. But also… this place is cold af, we’re carrying a ton of gear, shoulders are throbbing, everyone’s aching somewhere, it’s 24/7 sunlight … which is trippy, and honestly… a quick hot shower would be kinda nice. So I guess what I’m saying it’s kind of a double edged sword… it’s hard… but it works. It works for whatever you need it for. the climb is medicine in a way… not the pharmacy drugs … I’m talking the good stuff. It’s the best kush you ever smoked... Figuratively it’s the ” sour diesel mountain kush" (Might take that out) It gets you high…i mean we’re already 14k ft…I’ll speak on all of our behalfs, at this very moment on June 17th 7:15 PM Vibes are high, We just got to 14 camp like a bunch of dogs that just ate a big breakfast. carbed up. 5 hours 45 min… of pain cave. but The Team cooked. Ruff ruff it’s about to get real though…weather girl goes “high of 30 ….. below” who says that? For real… have you ever heard your local weather person say “high of 30… below” NO…it’s barbaric…it doesn’t even make sense… what person in there right mind would...anyways… vibes are high. If you’re a family member reading this.. just know you got one hell of a person in your family…if they chose to come out here and attempt this thing. they got a different switch in their brain, a switch you can’t buy for any amount of money. it’s a God given switch. It’s the type of person you wanna be around. Absolutely blessed to be able to spend this climb with some real characters. Everyone has a story all you gotta do is ask.
Quote of the day: Life becomes beautiful when gratitude becomes louder than stress
PS: The word “sled” has given me full ptsd
RMI Climber Devon
Comments (3)
Get it! What a motivational post. Just positive drive and vibes to be at that 14K camp. Awesome work to all!
Posted by: Ed DaPra on
Well stated!!! You all are are a family, going through the daily challenges of life on the climb to that summit - amazing!! Pushing one another to reach down inside and believe we will get there!! Keep safe and enjoy the journey.
Posted by: Sas and Sandy on
YAYYYY LUCKY 14!!!!!!
What a feat!!!!
Dev that description is so well written.
After you all summit you might consider writing a book together!
You are a true multitalented team!
I will continue to speak with Mother Nature hourly!
Stay safe, stay sharp!
Love you all,
Kier
Posted by: Kierstin Decicco on