Tag: canal

January 5th – The antibiotics seem to be working, but it’s a slow recovery. After spending the morning pottering about feeling great, I spent an hour or so of the afternoon with stomach cramp. There seems to be some kind of battle raging in there between normal function and the infection. It’s kind of interesting in a geeky way. Modern drugs really are a wonderful thing.

I snuck out again just before sunset feeling a bit grim, but the fresh air and exercise soon picked me up. I headed up Brownhills and onto the canal, heading towards Wharf Lane. I was wondering if there would be much damage evident from the high winds, but thankfully, there was none. Stopping to survey the favoured view of Home Farm at Sandhills, I noted that the lone tree that stands where Brawn’s wind pump used to be is still standing. That’s a relief; I tell the seasons by that tree. It’s a fine specimen.

January 4th – Another really, really windy day. One thing about being ill that’s not been too bad it that it’s been during some thoroughly lousy cycling weather. I was surprised, therefore, to note the guys recladding Humpries House – Brownhills last remaining high-rise block – were pottering about on their mobile platforms near the top of the building. Until I started to think about that, my stomach had been quite settled. My respect for those chaps is boundless. You’d have to anaesthetise me to get me up there on a still day…

January 4th – I had to go see the doctor. I still had horrendous stomach problems which I was only managing to abate with Immodium. I felt loads better in myself, but I was still having trouble eating. I’ve lost a whole bunch of weight since Friday, but I don’t recommend this as a dieting technique. What started as food poisoning seems to be a bowel infection, and I’m now the proud owner of a large box of antibiotics, which I’m praying will do the trick. Quite pleased that I cycled to the surgery, I took to the canal at Leighswood Bridge and cycled back home to Brownhills along the canal. Passing through Walsall Wood, I noted that Rod, the sculpted fisherman, is still bereft of Bob, his piscean prize. I take it replacing the fish that once dangled from the iron angler’s pole has been given up as a lost cause. Predictable, but sad. 

December 29th – I returned, wet and feeling low at dusk along the canal. Crossing Ogley Junction, I stopped to contemplate: I had so many cycling plans for this Christmas; I wanted to go to Derbyshire again, visit Hoar Cross and the Needwood Valley; roam the villages around Mancetter and Nuneaton. Sadly, it wasn’t to be. Maybe we’ll get some real winter weather soon – snow, or frosty, bright days with a gentler wind. Ah well, there’s always tomorrow…

Boxing Day – couldn’t resist a bit of ride footage. This one runs from the top of Wolseley Plain, down Abraham’s Valley, along the A51, hopping on the canal through Rugeley, then a little of Bardy Lane, near Upper Longdon. I touched 42mph, but note I slowed right down for the horse and dog walkers. People, if you have dogs off the lead and a cyclist is coming, don’t call them. The dogs are normally too interested in the smells of the open than the cyclist and won’t cause a problem. The lady calling the retrievers here actually causes them to run in front of me…

Boxing day – one of the things I like about canal cycling is that many canal side dwellers have a bizarre sense of humour, and construct often elaborate joke displays. This seems a particular tradition along the Trent and Mersey canal, where one can often see odd displays at the water margins of gardens on the opposite bank. I loved this fishing Santa at Rugeley. That must have taken some time to create… my congratulations to the householder.

December 16th – On the Walsall Canal at the back of the factory units Pleck Road, I noticed this curious sight. I guess the caravan – which someone appears to be using, maybe even living in – must have been put there before the steel leanto adjacent went up, as the only way that can now be removed is by floating it down the canal. I particularly like the decking made out of pallets. Curious.

December 15th – Hopping on the canal at Bridgman Street in Walsall today on the way to work, I noticed new graffiti – or at least, some I hadn’t noticed before – on the walkway wall. Someone has clearly been taking inspiration from Banksy, and having a go with stencils. As things go, I don’t mind these, as they’re attractive and interesting. I thought the cat and magpie were particularly well executed. I’m intrigued, though; a caped, make man, Marylin Monroe, a magpie and a cat. What do they have in common, if anything? I looked out for more, but didn’t spot any.

December 14th – I spotted this interesting old bike captive in the old mill by the canal in Walsall today. It looks about 70’s vintage – it’s a large frame, drop-handlebar tourer. It was clearly a high quality machine, as the front wheel is secured with the old style butterfly quick release – these were only fitted on the highest end bikes. I’d really like to rescue this forlorn steed, yet have no idea who the mill, or the yard around it, belongs to.

December 10th – The moon was remarkable. Heading along the canal by the Watermead Estate, I noticed it behind me; orange and masked by banded cloud. I missed the eclipse, but there was something about that big, orange lunar glow that I found reassuring. It doesn’t seem long since that moon was new, and time is passing. Soon, it will be the shortest day, and life will begin to open out again; the moon will continue its inexorable transitions, and soon there will be lightness and spring again. A lunar chronicle. Winter draws on…