I was and still am upset at Ueli's death. The many of us of far less ability and of far lower goals, found inspiration in such a quiet, but incredible athlete mountaineer. He grew in international stature with every amazing achievement, but the nature of the man himself did not seem to. I went to his lecture last year at the Royal Geographical Society in London, and found it to be a great meeting with no undue hype. Just a presentation which was presented logically and showed the supreme dedication involved. Afterwards I stayed behind and spoke to him, and was pleased to find that he was a really pleasant fellow. A person who had time for all. Even my daughter who is not a climber, but who met Ueli at that meeting, was shocked and upset when I told her of his death last weekend He will be missed by our community for a long time to come. Rest in peace Ueli. Rob
Ueli Steck was one of the people I measure my achievements (or lack of) against: 'set the speed record on the Eiger at 32 (or whatever it was) - don't worry, I've still a couple of years in hand to draw level'. Now he's a reminder that accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how skilled and prepared. I hope I don't lose too much of my own enthusiasm for adventure by assuming a grim fate awaits anyone veering from their comfort zone
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