May 6th – Only a short run around Brownhills and over to Chasewater as it was, not to put too finer point on it, bloody cold and grey, the day being more akin to February than May. I was cheered however, by the cats I met at Catshill Junction. 

These canalside kitties were at opposite ends of the age spectrum, and whilst the black and white one was a dashing, well-maintained cat about town who was all to ready to stop for a fuss, the old tabby with the mangled ear and sad eyes was telling a tale of great experience and no little fighting. 

Both lovely animals in their own way. That’s what I love about cats and dogs; one can almost identify with their personalities, tribulations and lives.