2005 saw me bag 49 new Marilyns, repeat various Munros and scale three international Marilyns, including two of the seven continental summits. High point: Aconcagua (6959m) on 30 December 2005. It was only minus 27C when we left our tents on summit day. Low point: struck down with a mysterious illness at the start of the year on the way back from an ascent of Kilimanjaro (5895m). Wick hospital admitted me with suspected malaria; this diagnosis changed to monkey pox, then filarisis, then other obscure things until they decided that I had chicken pox. This knocked me for six and I had to regain my strength with some leisurely bags at the start of the year. First new Marilyn of the year was Beinn Stumanadh (16C) on 13 February, just two days after returning from sick leave.
Highlight: Four gorgeous, sunny days over Easter, bagging all five Rum Marilyns.
Lowlight: Dragging a friend (a potential Munroist) up the In Pinn in horribly wet, miserable conditions. At least we both survived.
High jinks: Tried to get over to Ailsa Craig but the weather was not suitable for the wee boat from Girvan. Bagged four of the Scottish south-west Marilyns instead.
Least effort: Billinge Hill (36). I did this hill on the way to a wedding in Blackpool, with my kilt on.
A very enjoyable year overall. I'm hoping that I can improve my Marilyn count in 2006.
