August 6th – Today’s ride was, oddly, mostly observed by cats. Dozing cats. Strolling cats. Stalking cats. Cats taking the air, the afternoon off or the initiative. From Brownhills to Croxall and back, it was all about the felines.
I saw all these fine examples on the same rife, and more I didn’t manage to photograph. No idea what drew them all out this afternoon, but I hope it happens again.
June 14th – Spotted on the way to work in Place, this pair of characters. They seemed friendly enough. They mewed at me softly. I assume they’re siblings, or if not, they’re close pals.
One of the very best things about summer communities on a sunny day is observing the cat population taking the air and enjoying it.
June 14th – I’ve been aware that Jockey Meadows has it’s own cat for a while. I sometimes see him disappearing into the meadow, or running over the lane into the wood. He always seems busy, and I think he lives at the cottages near Grange Farm.
Today, we met face to face – as I rode down Green Lane, I spotted him perched on a gatepost. Large, slightly long haired and with splendidly white whites he’s an impressive, large lad. We exchanged pleasantries, and then he continued his vigil.
That cat must have a ball. Acres of woodland, hedgerow and meadow right on his doorstep, he can while away his time dozing in any quiet spot he likes, or patrol a huge territory packed with interesting, small and squeaky things.
What a life.
June 10th – I slipped out of work for the day near lunchtime, and pottered through the Black Country down the canals into Brum, then back home on the waterways to Aldridge. Unlike Brownhills, I had a mostly dry, temperate afternoon, and life is everywhere, from the lounging cat to the aggressive geese. Flowers and greenery are everywhere, and as ever, the landscape was the star.
It wasn’t a long ride at 35 miles, but the stop at a favourite Jamaican cafe for curried mutton, rice and peas and a good mooch around the architecture was good for my soul.
A lovely afternoon.
June 7th – I spotted this proud fellow in central Walsall, watching the world go by. He regarded me distastefully, then posed helpfully for a photo before sauntering off. I love how in summer, the cat population awakens, stretches, and takes the air on summer days.
Oh, to be a cat.
March 5th – I spotted this young cat on the opposite side of the canal near Catshill Junction. He stared at me contemptuously for a while, then, feigning disinterest, went and stroked his nose on an overhanging bramble for a bit.
A lovely chap. Hope he’s a regular…
September 22nd – The cat population of the UK doesn’t seem very pleased with me lately. After being scorned by the posh pusses of Lower Stonnall yesterday, today this black and white fellow glared at me from wasteland in Leamore.
A lovely cat though: love the three spots on the nose and white tail-tip.
I remember when cats used to stop for a bit of fuss. Not at the moment, it seems…
June 24th – I don’t know who he is, but this proud cat was loafing by the terrace of houses just at the eastern end of Kings Hill Park in Darlaston. The fact that he’s tailless doesn’t seem to be bothering him much.
A lovely lad. his coat shone – someone loves this puss very much!
June 15th – The warmer days seem to be here at last, and out on the streets come the cats. These fair-weather flaneurs of the urban streets roll, stroll, preen and posture, but mainly just laze around languidly waiting for something interesting.
I saw this chap in the backstreets of Walsall. There’s an admirable air of relaxation and smugness there. Impressive.
May 12th – He was hiding in the long grass near James Bridge Aqueduct. I decided to blow his cover.
This lovely chap – who had a white tip to hist tail, as if it had been dipped in a paint pot – must have been a long way from home. There aren’t many houses nearby.
Lovely chap though in excellent condition.
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