April 1st – While I’ve been obsessing over leaves and flowers, the canals have, as ever, been doing their own thing, and the birdlife is following it’s spring imperative.
Herons, scarcer during winter, are out and about again, and birds are nesting, from coots to the Watermead swan couple.
Everywhere, life if kicking off again for the coming summer, and I love every single sign of it.
March 30th – The wolfish, windy days continue, but at least it was warm and sunny. After battling the wind from work into Tipton, I returned with it thankfully behind me. Crossing the Black Country Route near Moxley, I noticed the hint of spring in this favourite view of the church.
Just a hint of green. Soft sunlight, A blue sky. This’ll do.
March 29th – Along the cycleways and towpaths of the Black Country, despite the wet but warm morning, life is springing forth. Everywhere, some seasonal starting gun has been fired and leaves and blossom are appearing everywhere – and it’s wonderful.
There is little better on a grey spring morning that seeing the new green life, and the promise of a verdant, beautiful – and hopefully dry – summer.
March 28th – And not far away, another sight to gladden the heart: nascent cherry blossom, just waiting for a sunny day to encourage the buds to expand into beautiful pink flowers.
It may not have been very springlike today, but signs of the season were all around.
The daylight is back, the trees are coming into leaf and yes, I’ve survived the darkness once more.
March 28th – On a grey, misty and cold morning running through Wednesbury on an errand, what better pick-me-up than this embankment of daffodils?
I was cold, and not feeling the love at all, but these reversed my gloom. Daffodils are such lovely flowers and I adore the way they transform even mundane industrial estates like this.
March 27th – Over in Kings Hill Park in Darlaston, there is a gorgeous p[atch of spring flowers that have been planted near the old chapel. All sorts of varied plants seem to be included and it really is rather delicate and beautiful.
Kings Hill Park – like many of Walsall’s green spaces – is a true joy to the heart in springtime, and I commend people who love this season to get out there and enjoy sights like this while they last.
March 25th – First decent-length ride of the year in nice weather, still a very keen, cold wind but the sun was warm on my back, especially when stationary.
A run to Rosliston and back via my summer haunts of Coton in the Elms and Clifton Campville was just what the doctor ordered, and I enjoyed the ride.
The ride passed my favourite horse chestnut at Home Farm, Sandhills, visible from the canal. I judge the seasons and watch them pass by the condition of this fine tree. I think there is a suggestion of fresh green there: just a hint.
For a large gallery of this ride, see this post here on the main blog.
March 24th – I had to visit that cowslip in daylight, so I made sure I passed by in the sunshine.
I hope I did it justice this time.
March 22nd – A terrible photo snatched in the dark: but spring is here – THIS IS NOT A TEST.
The first spot of my favourite flowers, cowslips on the side of the canal towpath at Clayhanger.
I adore these charming little yellow flowers. Their appearance for me confirms the end of winter and the brightness of a new spring. After the rain and misery of the day’s riding, areal pick-me-up in a dark, wet ride home.
March 21st – Gosh, it was cold this morning. After the warmth of the last week or so, riding out in the early morning in a wind air air temperature just above freezing was a real shock. Just as well, then, that the day was gorgeous with bright sun and blue skies.
The change in temperature hasn’t bothered the trees at all – they’re bursting into life. fresh new green leaves appearing, more every day.
I feel the gladness in my heart that only spring can bring – whatever the temperature!
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