June 27th – The hot weather of the weekend had clarified the canal water and the fish that normally dwell in the town’s waterways were clearly visible all around Walsall. I know nothing about fish, but there were some fine specimens visible on this hot afternoon. They seemed unsettled – I wonder if they were fearing their sudden exposure to fisherman and heron alike?

June 6th – Cycling home, enjoying the sun I took to the canal through Pleck, south Walsall. Passing under the bridge, I slowed to a crawl as I couldn’t see the towpath ahead. True to form, a prat hurtles round the blind corner, nearly ends up in the canal, and as he steers around me I notice he has a toddler in a child seat at the rear of his bike. The kid is strapped in. If he’d gone in the water, there’s a real chance the child would drown.

Moron.

June 6th – There seem to be two types of lilies on the canals of Walsall; this type, which seem more traditional, are prolific through Pleck, south of Walsall. They have beautiful, open blooms and form a lovely green and white carpet on the surface of the water. The other type are similar, but have a closed, globular yellow or white flower. Due to pollution, both would have been unthinkable 20 years ago. A sign of an improving environment.

May 23rd – I left work early afternoon in a rain storm. I don’t mind cycling in the rain, and the wind was behind me. Periodically very heavy, the downpour lasted 45 minutes or so. I did what I usually do when it rains on the commute – headed for the canal. It’s safer than the roads, and the sights and sounds are wonderful. Here at Pleck, the rain rattled off the canal like gravel in a tin can.