July 23rd – Saddly poor photo of something that caught me by surprise: A wayside pear tree in Clayhanger (I won’t say where) is fruiting very heavily this year, and despite the dry conditions, the fruit look like they’re going to be quite large.
Watching this one carefully, but expecting the crop to be decimated by birds (bless them) as it has been before.
December 14th – Some things you see while out and about just make you smile.
As I was taking a call on my way through Darlaston on a sunny but cold day, two young ladies passed me, one pushing a child in a buggy, the other carrying a huge dog soft toy, one of the largest I’ve ever seen.
All the time chattering in Polish like there was nothing unusual about this at all.
June 10th – I took a ride out on a dreadfully windy afternoon intent on visiting the Clifton Campville Country Fair. I’d been before a decade ago, when it was just a few stalls in a large garden, but I do love a country fete with cakes and all the usual things, and I’ve been determined to attend more this year. It was also a good way to force myself into a 40 mile plus ride in weather I’d normally swerve one for.
What I found was stunning; a large country event with big arena, loads of great stalls, a real ale bus, more cake than you could ever eat and lots of people. I wished I’d arrived earlier with more cash in my pocket!
It was a lovely, offbeat affair with a peculiarly eccentric atmosphere; a little disjointed but great fun.
All in the shadow of one of England’s finest churches.
The day was only darkened by the rain setting in on my way home; it started at Whitemoor Haye and didn’t stop. Combined with a 20mph headwind, it wasn’t a fun ride back.
But the event was well worth the battle.
May 16th – Everybody go home, I’ve found the king of the polypores.
This is wonderful. A felled tree by the roadside near Cat Holme, and upon it a whole host of bracket fungi. The main clump must be 30 inches wide, and 12 inches thick. It’s the largest and healthiest looking polypore bracket colony I’ve ever seen – fresh and perfect.
I was unaware they even grew at this time of year. You learn something new every day.
April 6th – Out for a sunny afternoon ride, gradually getting longer as I get back into the swing of better weather. Down to Middleton, then up the canal through Tamworth, then out to Alvecote, Shuttington, Seckington, then back via Clifton, Lullington, Edingale and Harlaston. A fine ride on a lovely day – I even caught the sun.
I spotted this boater cat in Tamworth. He’s a big fellow who looks like he doesn’t stand for any nonsense.
July 15th – I know nothing about fish whatsoever, but cycling along the canal at Brownhills, I noticed lots of them visible in the still waters. They aren’t usually this visible, I’m not sure if the sunlight is making them more evident, or the warm weather has drawn them to the surface.
I have no idea what species they were, but there were plenty of medium and small sized fish, and a few quite large ones. The chap in the top photo looked at least 18 inches long.
A fascinating thing to see.
BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking 