September 10th – I was in darkest, suburban Acocks Green, waiting for a slow moving car to come the other way. I felt someone watching me. Then we made eye contact.
Cycling judgement cat finds my bike fit is atrocious, my road position is abysmal and my bike is filthy. I must do better.
September 1st – A dull, unremarkable autumn day, with a steady, draining wind. I headed out to Middleton and back along the canal through Tamworth to Hopwas. At Camp Road, I spotted a massive bracket polypore fungus growing at the foot of a huge oak tree. This fungi was the biggest I’ve ever seen. It must have been 20 inches wide, and seemed to be supporting a variety of bug life all of it’s own.
Near Bassetts Pole, hops growing wild in the hedgerow.
The view of Middleton over the fields is still gorgeous, and the cat at the lock cottage in Bodymoor Heath was an affectionate, sociable chap.
The day finished with the most remarkable sunset I’ve ever seen. But more of that later…
August 7th – Perry Barr, where even the local cat population displays attitude. Never had a cat bob its tongue out at me before, the cheeky little devil…
July 28th – I wasn’t feeling great, but ambled out mid afternoon, with no clear direction. I ended up at Fradley Junction, near Lichfield, and took tea and cake by the canal. The sun was lovely when it shone, but the wind – after the stillness of the last few weeks – was a shock, and my attempts to cycle to Hopwas on the canal were cut short by a dodgy stomach.
I did get to Whittington, however, and noted the new marina just north of Huddlesford. The boater cat nearby was gorgeous, and friendly too. A pleasant afternoon, but it was hard going.
July 19th – Contempt. Utter, utter contempt. This resident of Longwood Basin doesn’t approve.
July 14th – Returning from the Our Big Gig event in Walsall Arboretum late afternoon, I’d had enough of the traffic and heat and headed for the Goscote Valley cycleway, for a traffic-free, shady alternative. There seemed to be a fair few cats about, who in the way cats do, studiously ignored me, or hid. Loved the little black kitten near Pelsall, although Mr. Whitepaws, at Harden, seemed every bit the cat-about-town.
June 16th – A ride out to Cannock Chase in the afternoon. The weather was way better than forecast, with little wind and plenty of sun, although there was very light rain at one point. I tore around the Chase, loving having the forest apparently to myself, then hit the canal at Little Haywood and headed to Rugeley. From canal side gardens to boater cats lazing in the sun, it was truly beautiful. A peaceful, green, gorgeous sanctuary from traffic and speed. Lovely.
May 25th – First cygnets I’ve seen this year, I think from the swans from the new pool at Clayhanger. Four bundles of grey fluff, and a proud ma and pa at Catshill Junction. A fine, Jellicle cat with ideas above his ability. Curiosity from the swans, who’d eat puss alive if he tried anything silly. A brief, Mexican standoff, then Jellicle realises he’s been spotted, feigns disinterest, and wanders off.
A very hasty series of poor pictures, but I loved the little fellow and his lofty ambitions. I passed him later, snoozing in the hedge and dreaming the dreams of the great hunter.
April 7th – He wasn’t cross with me, the cat in the driveway at Hammerwich. He was just very, very disappointed with me.
It’s hard to look superior with fold ears, but this chap manages it.
March 19th – I was cycling back along the canal for a change. Spring must be in the air, as cats have started to be more noticeable of late. Indolent indoor wallahs in the winter, you see lots more about as the season changes.
I spotted this fine marmalade chap drinking water from the canal at Catshill Junction, appropriately enough. Cats seem to prefer natural water to the stuff from the tap, and this must be a sign the canal is clean.
The elegant, nonchalant balance and casually draped tail are wonderful.
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