From the start of 2015 I began to struggle with the foot disorder, plantar fasciitis. Unlike the last time I suffered with this affliction, when the right foot-beds and exercises began the healing process almost immediately, this time it lingered stubbornly. In February I managed Creag Mhor and Sgiath a'Chaise but there was a price to pay afterwards. On Mull in April, I mostly watched birds, did get up Creach-Beinn on a very fine day but struggled on the descent. Even the minor jaunt of Carn Ban later in the week was very uncomfortable. Eventually I had a steroid injection and by June all seemed to be well when I discovered I had a detached retina requiring a further two and half months out of action.
Consequently, this has been by far my least active year for over 40 years. And to add insult to injury my list has suffered a deletion with the demise of Swyre Head. From mid-September onwards, I tried to get fit again but with so many months off it was hard work. Even my annual October trip to the Highlands took a hit as Trevor had another bout of sciatica and I went to visit and missed a Munro for the first time since 1980.
So, am I downhearted? Well, not really. Yes, I missed so much this year, and when you are in your mid-60s it cannot be certain how many more active years there might be in the future. But there are far worse things that might have happened and hopefully 2016 brings more than 2015.
A sure cure for seasickness is to sit under a tree
- Spike Milligan
