April 16th – Heading up the canal toward Newtown, on the bend just past the old mill, a relaxing couple on a sunny afternoon. I’ve not seen the swans do this on the canal bank here before, and this one has me a little puzzled, but they were utterly relaxed and convinced the spot was just right for them.
A lovely sight, but I know the one that was ostensibly asleep was totally aware of my presence.
April 13th – An odd thing on the local canals – lots of reed debris all of a sudden. Not sure if this is natural detritus as part of spring, or the result on thinning redheads for boats.
Anyone know? Lots of it around Brownhills, Catshilll Junction and Clayhanger.
March 31st – Also greening up is the canal through Catshill to Chasewater; the traditional demarkation between urban and rural, this green line of water may be only feet wide but the difference from one side to the other are polar opposites.
But on a mellow, sunny spring evening, with low sun and long shadows, I wouldn’t be anywhere else.
I keep saying it; I shouldn’t have to – be we live in a surprisingly beautiful place. Treasure it.
March 31st – A fast run out late afternoon to test some adjustments, and for the second time in a week my gaze fell upon my favourite tree, the singular horse chestnut at Home Farm, Sandhills. Those who read this journal regularly will know well that I gauge the seasons by this tree. It’s such a classic, perfect conker tree with the iconic outline; I treasure it.
On a brighter day than awful Tuesday, with the spring sun picking out the greening fields and hedgerow, could that be a smattering of green on the tree? I do hope so.
March 14th – A horrid return journey into an easterly wind was cold, protracted and unpleasant. I took a breather on Catshill Junction Bridge to catch my breath before heading into Brownhills. Only just dark, tonight it was shades of dark blue following a dull, overcast day.
I love this spot. It’s changed so much in the past 20 years or so.
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…
February 27th – A grey, murky day with little merit, which was OK really as I was so unwell I could barely make it out until late afternoon. I potter in the usual canal loop from Pier Street up to Wharf Lane and back down the Parade. I barely saw a soul. It was very cold, and the light terrible.
I’m so unused to typical February weather this year, when it happens, it’s an unpleasant shock…
February 25th – I’m experimenting with night shots at the moment, and what better place than Catshill Junction to try them? Quite pleased with these.
Again, that seasonal light-not-yet-died colour was fabulous. Hardly and wind with a flat-calm canal. Wonderful.
February 11th – Heading over Catshill Junction to slide down the High Street, I still can’t get over the lights and reflections of the new build, and the way it affects what was a formerly barren spot at night.
Combined with he LED streetlights from Chandlers Keep, it feels quite awake there these days, no longer lonely and isolated at all.
February 1st – A little over 30 minutes later, thanks to a following wind of epic proportions, just preparing to head into Brownhills.
Catshill Junction, long exposure in a wind so keen I had to hold the camera to stop it blowing off the rail.
This spot has become much more interesting since the new build.
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