December 4th – Similarly, when I passed the canal junction at Walsall further on my way to work, I hopped off the ring road and on to the pavement to take this one from the Smiths Flourmill Bridge.
It’s early in the morning, the sun is low, and the two constants of Walsall – the waterway and that huge Victorian chimney stand as markers to the place I love.
A great morning ride.
November 28th – back in Brownhills later that afternoon, during a respite in the rain I headed to get some shopping in. On my way I noted that the lower meadow on Clayhanger Common was flooding and returning to it’s normal winter boggy state, which it’s designed to do. From the Pier Street bridge, I regarded the hardy, wind-buffeted canoeists with admiration.
For a couple of seasons, I wondered why so many craft had been motored at Silver Street at various times. It looks like there’s my answer – and now the Canal and River Trust have clocked that people are mooring here and are after money.
Let’s hope they use the proceeds to clear their marina up… it’s in a terrible state.
November 26th – Yet another wet, miserable commute, and I feel I must surely soon develop webbed feet. The squally, blustery conditions have now stripped all but the most stubborn remaining leaves from the trees and scrub, and revealed some interesting views not visible in summer.
Also revealed at Bentley Bridge was this fie display on moss on a hawthorn bush. There seem to be several strains and various shades. I’m curious as to why this particular bush, in this spot, but it is rather fascinating.
November 25th – Spotted on a damp Darlaston canal towpath just after daybreak, this tiny toadstool. It was alone, and looked almost pristine – I have no idea what it is and would appreciate suggestions. Key is the dimple on top of the cap; this is a delicate and tiny orange-brown fungi yet was outstanding enough to catch my eye as I passed at speed, so I felt it deserved recording for posterity.
November 23rd – it’s been a while coming this year, but a hard frost took me by surprise. On the roads and towpaths, ice lurked, waiting to snach my wheels from under me.
I let a little air out of the tyres, and took it steady. I pondered whether it was time to fit the studded winter tyres gain…
November 23rd – It was a bitterly cold morning – or at least, it seemed like one after the unseasonal warmth of recent weeks. Cycling down to Darlaston on the canal, I was accosted by some familiar hoodlums.
This is the only family group of this year’s swans I think are sill together, most having joined larger local flocks. They looked in rude health though, and gave no answer when I asked if they were cold.
They soon lost interest when they realised I had no food…
November 22nd – Time for a warning to local cyclists again.
The hedges hat (at last!) been flailed again from Anchor Bridge to Chasewater along the canal. The towpath is littered with sharp hawthorns and will puncture thinner tyres.
Probably a route best avoided for a week or two until the weather washes them away.
November 21st – A late spin around Brownhills after a long day, and at night this place still fascinates me. The lines of Silver Court are still otherworldly and night, and the vies of the canal from the Pier Street Bridge are ones I keep returning to.
After a grinding day, it’s good to be home.
November 18th – A tough journey to work in a gusty headwind the morning after severe gales blew through. My earlier than usual return home, however was again assisted, so much so that I forgot I had to call in to pick something up in Aldridge. As I trundled up a very wet canal towpath on my errand, it was a very atmospheric sunset. That horse weathervane at Bullings Heath fascinates me.
Also interesting – and now becoming visible due to the leaf-fall – are the industrial yards and excavations near the canal at Stubbers Green, including the brickworks. I still find the scent of firing bricks peculiar.
Getting used to a new camera, too. Quite impressed with this one. Let’s hope the weather settles for a bit now.
November 17th – This new Hope R2i light I’m testing is rather good. This is on a middle setting on the canal in total darkness near Aldridge (obviously, no camera flash was used). Battery life seems good, and the optics give a decent beam. I’d say this is better than the R4 I was using last season, but actually has two less led elements.
A real discovery. It’s no lightweight, but it’s a very good light.
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