Not all Hall or Corridor members are entirely enthusiastic about Marilyn bagging, and there is no shortage of outright denial in operation. This leads to some fine excuses for not climbing more new hills, as though some sort of apology were necessary. Some reasons seem entirely understandable, for example: getting injured (Alver Burks, Brian Ewing, Helen McLaren, Roderick Manson, Andy Moffat), recent parenthood (John Crummett) or supporting a partner through a major operation (Jon Metcalf), while in 2001 everyone will be able to blame the foot-and-mouth outbreak for a relatively low tally. However, the past year has seen a noticeable increase in the standard and variety of excuses, with some being of such high quality that they deserve a wider audience:
'I had a very quiet year 2000, mainly due to apathy.'
(Mike Milmoe)
'I suppose it's reporting in time again. I walked the Southern Upland way and ascended the following hills: Benbrack, Broomy Law, Three Brethren and Twin Law, which may or may not be Marilyns. As you know I do not have your book to check.'
(Tom Anderson)
'I have made very little progress on peak bagging so far this year, having concentrated more on trekking and long distance walking. I have only claimed three more Marilyns, so my total stands at 465. I was lucky enough to spend some time in New Zealand, where I did several long-distance 'tramps', and also in Tasmania where I claimed a few more Abels. These are Munro-like mountains above about 1100m. The guide book to them looks identical to the SMC Munros guide.'
(Alan Castle)
'I'm sorry to report that my total is exactly the same as last year. Although I made four lengthy trips to Scotland, several to the Lakes, and 30 to Snowdonia I must admit that I have a strong bias to hills over 2000 feet and was therefore merely repeating ascents.'
(Peter Lincoln)
'I should like to grab a few Corbetts and Grahams, but the whole region (Glen Affric) will be new to the members of my party, and I expect that most of our time will be spent on the Munros.'
(David Purchase)
'I received a letter from Dave Hewitt informing me of The Relative Hills of Britain, and that you might be interested in the number I have climbed. I rushed out to Tiso's and bought a copy of the book and photocopied the relevant pages, before returning the book as an unwanted Christmas present. Having now read through the book and my diaries dating back to 1984 I found I was some way short of entering the Hall of Fame. However, now that I know where they all are I will be visiting as many as I can instead of the usual repeat ascents. I will keep you posted on how I get on.'
(name and address supplied)
'I've been careful with my arithmetic this time; on previous occasions I've double-counted new Marilyns in with the old.'
(Colin Donnelly)
'I am still working in Azerbaijan.'
(Andy Moffat)
