RIGGINDALE

A run up to Cumbria to see England's only Golden Eagle today. This is Riggindale by Haweswater, one of the most beautiful places I know, and where, so long as there is still someone about with the energy, my ashes will be scattered. This decision may have to be altered, depending on who lasts longest.

We were aiming for the end of that wall down in the valley, about the middle of the photo. And when we got there, the Golden Eagle was sitting in one of his favoured trees. He was still a mile away from where we were, up on the scree to the right, directly above that stand of brighter green conifers. There were also two Red Deer a few yards away. You could look large ...... but you still won't see any of them!

We calculated that this was the 21st consecutive year we have gone up to Riggindale to look for the Eagle, and in earlier years used to combine it with the walk up The Rigg, along High Street, and back down over Kidsty Pike. And we've done it in all weathers, from burning sunshine to deep snow. Those were the days; but it is comforting to know that my final journey should be up there too, if we can still make it. At least I won't be so heavy to carry then!