February 22nd – Frustratingly, I had to pop into Birmingham on my way home, and caught the train back out, but it was gratifying to find myself cycling back from Shenstone in almost daylight, in a misty, lovely sunset.
It’s gone cold again, but this still felt quite spring-like.
February 22nd – Passing through Telford on a flying visit in the morning, I noticed that the worksite for the new footbridge was oddly quiet. It seems test bores have been completed and are now being monitored for effects on the nearby built environment – including the railway itself.
Along the rails are mounted at intervals surveying datum targets which will be monitored – either manually, or by use of an automated theodolite – to see it recent operations are causing any movement.
A fascinating use of technology.
February 21st – Meanwhile, in Kings Hill Park the crowds are assembling for a performance.
A host is gathering and although this crowd are miniature, they rather more charming for it.
They can be enjoyed now, or give it a week or so when this lovely park will be bursting with golden charm. A real spring symphony.
February 21st – Looking down Victoria Road from Darlaston Town Centre you’d never really think you were in the industrial Black Country. Although one can hear distant industry and traffic, this sleepy, architecturally fascinating byway remains a little place of calm and historic beauty. Just on the right, past the pub, the Town Hall, opposite the four square Post Office and Rectory Avenue. Beyond those, Victoria Park.
Even on busy days, this is a sedate place to wander into the town.
Just another reason to love Darlaston…
February 19th – Travelling to work on a grey, horrible morning I dived onto the canal at Walsall to see if there would be anything interesting to share. There was nothing, not even the rats at Scarborough Road bridge were performing today, and as I approached Bentley Bridge it felt very grey and oppressive.
I was, hoever, concerned about one thing: The whole way between where I got on the canal at Birchills Locks and where I left at Darlaston Green there was a skin of non-organic, white scum on the water.
I recognise most seasonal scums and this wasn’t one of those. I hope it’s not serious.
February 15th – I missed the sunset, but escaped from work on a chilly night to one of those early spring azure blue skies fringed with the last orange rays of the sun.
Even in the industrial hinterland of the Moxley-Darlaston border was gorgeous.
February 14th – What an awful day.I battled into Walsall against an evil headwind. I had a hospital appointment that took forever, and when I came out there was heavy rain.
I arrived at work soaked and grumpy.
The way home was just as rain-soaked, but at least the wind was assisting me.
Cycling at the moment is a real challenge. I can see spring. I can taste it. It’s in the light, the flowers, the landscape. But this bad weather seems endless.
I will of course hang in there. But my goodness, this is hard going.
February 13th – A horrid, windy, wet day and nipping out in the afternoon on lan errand from work, I passed through Kings Hill Park just as the rain stopped.
Everywhere is sodden, this winter’s weather has been awful. But the flowers here are showing and everything is just waiting for warmth and sun.
Including me. Patience.
February 8th – Passing through Walsall and running some errands, I crossed Church Hill in a golden hour. Always a bit conflicted about the view from here these days – it’s obscured by tree growth now which is a bit of a shame, but the trees are lovely in summer.
A bit of a trim wouldn’t hurt I guess. All the better to se a town glowing in winter sun…
February 7th – A bitterly cold morning with temperatures recorded by the GPS as low as minus five degrees centigrade and a very harsh ride to the station.
There was a fair bit of black ice and concentration was intense.
My longed for spring would seem to be on hold a little, but hopefully the daffodils – now forming buds on the verge outside my destination in Telford- won’t be deterred.
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