Through the pearly gates... 2006 was a year of great activity in fits and starts, inspired to reach the magic 600 by the greater achievements of my friends. Starting the year with 32 to go, and 'wasting' the spring in New Zealand, the first outing was Paul Caban's 1000th party in April - a hard act to follow. Frantic activity in the Western Isles added 14 in a fortnight. Steady single additions as opportunities arose, followed by a couple of very productive days in the Lakes, got me poised at 599 by September. It was hard to choose a 600th that would also be new to the others, so Alison (Wilson) conceded a repeat, on Meall Gainmheich, beyond Ben A'an. Has there ever been such a special party cake, with candles, on this summit before? It was the centre of the universe on the warm September day that saw me cross the threshold. Since then, no slacking, as I've been to Mull, to Melrose and to the Lakes again, and there's another 1000th party in the offing. The plan for 2007 is for repeat visits to as many islands as possible.
