Treasure Into Trash
Imagine you're intent on climbing the highest mountain in the world, a truly formidable quest. Made all the more so by the fact that, but for a brief window of opportunity in the spring, to hazard the attempt at any other time is to draw the wrath of the mountain and its accompanying weather systems down upon one. Even at the most propitious time of year to attempt these awesome climbs up the long slopes of these mountains, the weather is never to be taken for granted. Nor is the terrain, where at any time a questing climber can slide straight off an innocent-appearing ledge.Where, during the course of a climb when the sun is shining and the winds are light, clothing is shed in the afternoon, and by evening a sudden storm of immense, howling proportions is sighted in the distance and too soon envelopes the slopes and the climbers. There is no visibility through the ice fog and the snow. The banshee winds threaten to tear one's tent from its tender moorings, and hurl its occupants into oblivion. The unremitting cold shrivels one's soul and fear grips the imagination of the courageous.
And even though most climbers use the services of Sherpas and guides, they must also carry some of their own equipment, not the least of which would be canisters of oxygen at the higher levels. This enterprise is one that takes immense planning skills, and it also takes a considerable amount of energy and time. Three months is a likely average to acclimate to the various height levels and base camps. Apart from the horrendous amounts of human waste left on the mountain from so many would-be climbers and their entourage, there is other trash.
Mountains of discarded tins, useless tents, foodstuffs and medicines. And, of course, the corpses of those unfortunate enough not to have made the return journey in complete safety. Of the nearly two thousand people who have climbed Mount Everest, slightly over ten percent - 202 individuals - have died in the attempt. People never, ever, seem to feel that the tragedies that befall others may also be visited upon them personally. One simply does not. The mind doesn't allow it - all the more so when one is young, confident, fit and determined.
So there are years upon years of accumulated detritus, tonnes of discarded supplies left on the slopes of 8,850-metre Everest - more added every year. Odd, when you think of it, since the people who ascend this giant claim to have the utmost respect for its presence and what it represents on this earth. Good thing that others, other climbers take the insult to the mountain seriously. Seriously enough to mount their own, purposeful expeditions.
Their personal awe of fearsome nature impels them to collect these offerings of propitiation. Japan's Ken Noguchi has led the latest in a series of clean-up enterprises on the mountain. "We have brought some of the garbage with us, which will be displayed in Tokyo and Seoul to raise public awareness to keep the mountain clean," Mr. Noguchi told Reuters news agency after returning from his latest trash-gathering campaign.
Mr. Noguchi has the distinction of having led several of these clean-up campaigns. He has been responsible for collecting 8.8 tonnes of rubbish from the Nepali as well as the Tibetan side of Everest. Good on him.
Labels: Heroes and Villains, Human Fallibility
posted by Pieface @ Tuesday, May 29, 2007
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