June 28th – I don’t often ride into Stonnall from Cartersfield Lane, but having hopped off the canal at Warrenhouse, then over Barracks Lane, it seemed a reasonable route. It’s actually a lovely lane, and on the outskirts of the village, I spotted this row of interesting old houses. Even in the rain, I loved the colours, textures, gables, and above all, the great chimneys!

You can know a place all your life, and still spot something fresh. That’s why cycling – even on wet, grey days – can be a joy.

August 1st – On the corner of Cartersfield Lane and the Lichfield Road, at the foot of Sandhills, a field of Rapeseed has been gently ripening for weeks. Just on the cusp of being ready for harvest, the field looks dead and valueless. However, these tiny black seeds, when crushed, contain the most useful oil. 

It’s hard to imagine that a few months ago this field was a fluorescent shade of yellow…