There's something about the dichotomy between the ultimate in human achievement and the stark realites of life and death above 8000 meters that I find fascinating.
Some estimates put the death toll as high as one climber for every ten who reach the summit, with many of the fallen within sight of established summit routes. Their bodies often remain in place years due to the overwhelming effort it takes above 8000 meters to accomplish even simple physical tasks (and a cynic would also mention climbing Everest is very expensive and only open to a comparitive few per year, making side trips to remove fallen climbers a waste of resources needed for the summit and the glory).
Which is why I find this article so intriguing. I hadn't heard of his story before today, and the article is dated August 2009, but Ian Woodall - you, sir, are a hero.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co....cle6735969.ece
And a second article about Sherpa's organizing a "spring cleanup" this year...
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle1539951/