OK, it wasn't me...but it was a photo of mine from the summit of Everest.
On May 29, 2009, I reached the top with cameraman John Griber and assistant cameraman Kaji Sherpa at 7:45 AM. We were shooting for First Ascent (the new line by Eddie Bauer), and covering Peter Whittaker and Ed Viesturs as they climbed that day.
When Ed arrived later on, we went through the various banners he had with him for photos, including on strange one with a kooky looking face on it...that of Stephen Colbert of the Colbert Report. Seems Ed had made a promise to Stephen that last time he was on the show that he would bring Stephen's flag with him to the summit the next time he climbed.
So, there in the rarified air of 29,035 feet, in gusty winds, we took the shot...and, on July 2, 2009, Ed was back on the Colbert Report with Stephen showing off the photo.
You can watch the video below, or go straight to the Colbert Report and watch it there.
- Jake Norton is a climber, guide, photographer, writer, and motivational speaker from Colorado.
