What a difference a year can make

This time last year the UK was in a firm grip of the Arctic weather system where the world of winter climbing was at its peak in North Wales, a year ago today I climbed the fantastic Maesglasau Falls where as today the temperature is near touching double figures.
http://nickmortley.blogspot.com/2010/12/maesglasau-falls.html

This being said things are forming up nicely in the Scottish highlands laying down a good base for the upcoming winter season. To be totally honest I feel a little sigh of relief that things are not in top shape in North Wales and not looking likely anytime soon as I am about to jet off to the Indian Himalayas until mid January leading a expedition and couldn't bar the the reports of North Wales winter classics being ticked.