September 13th – Spotted on the footpath on a Wednesury industrial estate, these giant pine cones. Weighing in I’d guess at half a pound in weight, they’re actually quite sharp and abrasive and I’d not want one to land on my head as it fell from the tree.
Remarkable things, and lots of them; like conkers, at this time of year falling harvests can be the only decent reason to wear a helmet…
September 12th – While I was in Tipton I noticed there’s something special going on there this weekend.
Tipton Canal Festival always has a good reputation, and this weekend if the weather is decent I may well pay it a visit…
Probably last chance for a good day by the water this year.
September 12th – Remember that traffic island planted with wildflowers I found in Tipton way back in the summer? I passed it again today in the sunshine and it’s still very, very beautiful.
Although the huge mass of flowers is gone now, there are still plenty of diverse, beautiful and understated blooms attracting bees and bugs. And it still gladdens the heart.
When people tell you we live in a dreary, ugly, industrial place, think of this, and smile.
September 11th – I had promised no more wasp galls. Sorry, just one more I missed.
I’ve been looking at this type of gall for ages and not realised what they are – a small, coffee-bean sized growth, caused by genetic mutation provoked by an injected tiny wasp’s egg. These small, rough galls are tiny compared to the more familiar marble oak galls which are smoother and rounder.
They function in the same way though, as a growth pod and foot source for the wasp larva that hatches within, and when ready, the wasp will eat it’s way out to freedom.
This poor tree at Darlaston had knapper galls, marble galls, common galls and cola nut galls. And plenty of acorns!
September 11th – Inescapable now, action is slowly but surely draping it’s cloak over the shoulders of later summer.
I notice the leaves are turning (maybe a little early), and tinges of red, gold and brown are catching hedgerows and woodlands. It’s now sunset way before 8pm, and we’re heading towards the darkness at an alarming rate.
But the beauty is there in the sunshine particularly, and my annual dread is beginning to ease a little…
September 10th – A cat on the patch I’d not seen before. It was chasing insects on the canal towpath by the smallholding at Newtown, and was embarrassed I disturbed a playful half hour. This jet black cat in lovely condition retreated to a nearby fence to glare at me and and like I hadn’t caught it being silly.
I love the way cats have such a well developed sense of self awareness.
September 10th – A miserable, wet and grey day with high winds kept me hemmed in until late afternoon, when despite being caught by a couple of heavy squalls, the skies cleared and the sun came out for a while.
I contented myself with a loop of Brownhills and Chasewater and explored some things I’d been meaning to check out for a while, and it wasn’t a bad, but chilly and damp ride.
Some of the views – when the sun caught the spray and the rain sparkled in the light – were gorgeous.
It seems the Indian summer I was hoper for is not to be this year.
September 9th – Change is happening fast at the site of the old market in Brownhills. At the start of the week the earthmovers and excavators were just moving on site, and a mere five days later the groundworks are well underway with new sewers and the like being dug.
I’m sad to see the marketplace gone in some ways – like most Brownhillians I remember the good days of the market here as being excellent – but we have to move on, and the days of prosperity for the traditional market generally in the UK have long since passed, their job being replaced by online retailers and everyone’s favourite tat bazaar, eBay.
But it will also be nice to see life here again once more.
September 9th – It’s been a while since I las saw eyebrow cat for long enough to take a photo, as it’s normally avoiding me for some reason. Captured taking the air on the grass beside the canal where the old tonnage house and toll point used to be at what is now the private development of Chandlers Keep.
Eyebrow cat didn’t mind me too much but did give me some very thorough stares. I don’t think this cat ever looks pleased with itself.
September 8th – Returning to Brownhills and home, the skies were threatening and it didn’t look like it was going to be a good evening. Looking distinctly black over Bill’s Mother’s, I surveyed the still green canal and banks from near the canoe centre, and unusual angle if I’m honest that I always overlook.
It was good to be near home – the week had been long and trying.
BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking 