Cory Richardsさんのインスタグラム写真 - (Cory RichardsInstagram)「12 years ago today. First winter ascent of Gasherbrum II 8,034 meters. Brothers for life @iamsimonemoro @urubkodenis I don’t know what the temperature was on the summit because our altimeters were frozen. We do know that it was -51 c inside the tent, out of the wind, with three grown men emitting heat. Winds were gusting to about 60-75 kph on the summit, so windchill was likely significant, potentially dropping the temps to around -70. By the time we left the summit, the forecasted storm had hit. Winds increased and visibility dropped until it was so white, it gave us a sense of vertigo. The only way I could keep balance was by staring at whoever was leading. When it was my turn, we dropped below the glacial plateau onto exposed rock, but by then it was getting dark and we were concerned that the tent had blown away. Summits are an interesting place. They mark the physical half way point, but you’ve usually used about 80% of the gas in the tank. This climb never would have happened without the vast experience of both Simone and Denis. I was so incredibly lucky to be part of the team. Three guys, in winter, alone on the 13th highest mountain in the world. It was, to say the least, improbable. 16 expeditions over 26 years had tried and failed to make a winter ascent of one the five Pakistani 8000 meter summits. At the time, I had no idea I’d be the first American. I had no idea how much the climb would change me for better and for worse. I had no idea of the gravity of the undertaking. Had I, I probably wouldn’t have come. Ignorance can be bliss. Simone and Denis and I don’t talk often, but when we do it is a deep bond and resonance. It’s not that we don’t share profound love and respect, but that life simply moves on. I rarely think about the climb, but I always think of them. I have been so fucking lucky to have men like them in my life. I’ve always sought out brothers and mentors. Sometimes because I needed their shine to light my own way. I love them so much. All of them. I am so grateful. Stay tuned for post two on February 4th.」2月3日 4時43分