The first flurries of snow are sadly already melting away, a wet but mild period expected for the next few days then a return to more seasonal weather.
I've checked back, and disregarding some early season winter scrambling, noted that I've done some routes in November in previous years - almost time.
Fingers crossed it will be here soon.
Time to winterise the rack, hunt out the crampons and axes, check boots from last year and then look again, befuddled, at the array of "winter gloves" on the market to get myself ready for the winter when it does arrive - and early season winters are not known for their calmness!
Looking forward to a good season, have, as ever, my wishlist of routes that I aspire to, hopefully get some more of them done this coming season.
New gloves required for me, and a large set of balls, fingers crossed its a good season.
Now, what's the first "proper" route of the season going to be?