October 15th – By the time I reached Chasewater, the dusk was settling in. Over the depleted lake, the Sailing Club looked forlorn and spare; it’s remaining members must now be praying for rain and a miracle. There was a huge gull roost, however, and the surface of the water was white with birds loafing in the early evening.
October 15th – A late afternoon spin around Brownhills, and my attention was snagged by the cellphone base station near the old cement works on Coppice Side. I recently featured a picture of Pye Green communications tower and noted that the microwave network was being dismantled. Whilst that’s true, Pye Green and others like it are still hubs of the telecoms network. Microwave transmission, rather than providing high bandwidth channels for live TV and suchlike like it used to, is till used for backhaul and interconnection purposes for the mobile phone network. The plethora of small drum antenna on this tower are pointing variously at Sutton Coldfield, Pye Green, Birmingham and Tameway Tower in Walsall. The shorter tower to the left is a Tetra unit providing support for emergency networks secure communications.
October 14th – Another stretch of canal, 70 minutes later. Had to nip out to Walsall, so swung home on the canal from Sutton Road to Leighswood. The sunset was remarkable, but sadly, no herons today. I didn’t see a soul, and as the sun sank over Walsall, the familiar chill of autumn returned to the air. A gorgeous end to the day. 30 miles in two hours punctuated by the most gorgeous scenes and views. It doesn’t get much better than this…
October 14th – A day working from home, followed by a couple of hours of frantic errand-running. On the canal near Catshill, just by Lanes Farm at 5pm, the light was mellow, soft and golden. This is mad, it’s like August; in two weeks the clocks go back. What gives? Still, I’m not complaining one little bit… after a grey start to the week, the is just the ticket.
October 13th – Due to the unseasonably warm weather, some plants seem to be confused, and have started flowering again. I believe this antirrhinum shouldn’t be in bloom at this time of year, but there are several of these delightful yellow flowers on the canal bank between the Clayhanger and Black Cock bridges. I’m not sure even if the species is native, or an escapee from domestic gardens, where it’s more commonly known by the name snapdragon. In summer, it’s a favourite of gardeners as a bedding plant.
October 13th – A day of meetings. First in Darlaston, then a second in Telford. Leaving Darlaston mid-morning, I headed onto the canal to catch the train to Wolverhampton from Dudley Port. On such a sunny, hazy, bright day it’s easily to fall in love anew with the Black Country. I adore it’s backstreets, canals and unexpected vistas. The view of Rowley Regis and Turner’s Hill from the station was particularly fascinating. I love this place.
October 12th – Returning at the same time as the previously dark and dingy evenings this week, it was still fairly bright without the cloud that had overcast the previous two days. The low sun came out, and the sunset rendered many views golden. At Mill Green, it added a glowing sheen to the hedgerows and cottages, while it’s final recedence as I passed Lazy Hill made for a dramatic and beautiful sunset. This is more like it…
October 12th – This is Redditch. Not on the outskirts, or the countryside surrounding, but right in the middle. The Arrow Valley Lake is a favourite of boaters, watersports types and anglers. Situated in the Arrow Valley Park, which serves as a green ‘spine’ for the new town, it’s a stones throw from factories and busy roads – but you’d never know it. When I’m working in Redditch, I pass it every morning. A fine start to the day.
October 11th – I’ve been watching this tree change colour for a couple of weeks. It stands in the pasture near Little Aston Forge, on the bank of the Black Brook, and has gradually turned the most dramatic shade of yellow. I think it’s some species of ash, but haven’t got close enough to look. On this dark, dismal evening with dusk falling, it was a cheery sight as I cycled home against the wind.
October 11th – An early morning trip into Lichfield for a meeting resulted in getting the train from Lichfield City to Redditch. Whilst waiting for my train, I studied the bikes locked up on the platform – there are usually loads here. Amongst the stovepipe chainstore mountain bikes and a rather lovely battered old road bike, a huge – and I mean massive – Pashley stood tall. I can only assume that the Jolly Green Giant commutes from Lichfield. Note the odd angle of the saddle – that really would lift and separate. The double crossbar, flying bedstead design must make for a very heavy steed. Impressive, if not absolutely sensible.
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