McKinley Expedition: Luedtke & Team Enjoying Camp Life at 14,000ft
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Mike Bennett, Avery Stolte
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:11 am PT
June 22nd - Day whatever.
Today was the teams first unplanned rest day. A storm is moving through the area over the next few days, and while we are unsure of how severe it will be, we are sure we don't want to be high on the mountain until it passes. We are also sure as hell up to the task when our time comes. Today we enjoyed excellent breakfast quesadillas (send hot sauce) and built up our fortifications around camp. These fortifications are 4-5 ft high walls made of quarried snow blocks, complete with a 6.5 ft arch the ancient Greeks would approve of. Shout out to Jimmy's vision and passion to this beautiful piece of work. Bob the builder ain't got shit on him. After a short break we jumped right into a quick yoga session. Amanda led us through an excellent vinyasa... in the snow, at 14 thousand feet, we are not in Kansas anymore. After another short break Dr. Nick gave us a wonderfully compelling, if not sobering, lesson in the basics of wilderness medicine and the benefits of a tongue piercing. I feel compelled by the many elegant writers in our group to expand beyond the literal in this writing, and the reflection of Nick's question seems to be the jumping off point for this so here goes...
What makes you feel alive? This is a very individual question with no proper answer. Personally nothing challenges me, fulfills me, or motivates me like the wilderness. Nothing gives me perspective, closure, or meaning like the places in the world where nature still reigns supreme.
Nothing makes me feel alive like being in the mountains. Everyone on this mountain, not just this team but the true spectrum of humanity that coexists in this frozen paradise has a common goal, and in this goal we are united and supported by each other in ways that don't always persist off the mountain. We are far more than surviving out here, we are thriving and growing and learning in ways that you cannot replicate in a classroom.
Life is weird and trippy and completely uncertain, but in these moments and in these places we are present and living to the fullest. We are very very lucky, and very very smelly.To avoid writing a thesis, I think what it boils down to is to find your mountain. Find what makes you feel alive, whatever it is and keep climbing until your knees give out. Then maybe crawl for a little bit. I want to thank my parents and siblings for supporting me while I chase my dreams across the world. I love you guys, and I miss my dog.
RMI Climber Matt Gates
Comments (2)
Matt,
Thank you for the welcomed update! I hope you all get the rest you need to hit the fresh snow. It must be absolutely beautiful!
You are all missed very much and supported with so much love and strength! I hope you feel it!
Thank you 14k for providing exactly what is needed!
Stay safe, stay sharp!
Love,
Kier
Posted by: Kierstin Decicco on
Another well stated post. Reading these daily updates provides us all with insights into your strength, and spirit! They also provide the “WHY!” On the mountain, you see the meaning of unity and diversity as you all come from different places and yet, working together towards the common goal you are all stronger. We can’t wait to see the pictures of your “home” on the mountain, built for protection with all Mother Nature can provide. Stay safe and look forward to the window for the summit to happen. Love you - Aunt Sandy and Sas
Posted by: Aunt Sandy & Sas on