July 9th – Nice to see that with the sun continuing, so does the indolence of the local cat population.
Second night running this lovely puss was asleep in exactly the same spot by the narrows at Catshill Junction.
This time it was displaying a surplus of feet.
Sweet dreams, puss!
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June 28th – Been a while since I was last at Ironbridge. A long dayride with a companion I don’t ride nearly enough with was great: Miles of chat, fun, company and relaxation were just what the doctor ordered.
Arriving at the gorge and bridge at 5pm, ice creams were had, coffee and… Pork pies. Well, it’s a Ironbridge thing.
We explored old haunts, stopped at a riverside pub, marvelled at the bridge (now a lovely deep red colour following extensive renovation) and enjoyed the river, gentle atmosphere and evening warmth, before climbing out of the gorge at the east end and riding home via Ryton and Albrighton.
A lovely place I don’t go nearly enough, with someone I really should ride more with too.
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June 26th – Sad to see the last of the orchids fading away now but it’s been a great year for them.
I think they like the rain, so the summer has been good for something, at least.
I love these gorgeous purple flowers – a real symbol of the cleanliness our canals now enjoy. Such a shame they’re so transient in nature.
Until next year, then…
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June 18th – Looks like another good season for pears at Clayhanger: This solitary tree is growing by the new pond, just need the orchids and it laden with nascent fruit.
The tend to be hard and inedible, and usually are enjoyed by birds who can tolerate the acid fruit.
In many seasons this tree suffers problems with blight and parasites but this year seems very healthy, which is nice to see.
If even half of these fruit make it it’s bee a very good harvest for the birds.
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June 16th – Looks like it’s going to be a good year for crop-field poppies: The gorgeous effect where these delightful flowers bloom amongst agricultural crops and present patches or whole fields of red.
At Stubby Leas near Elford, this gorgeous patch of big red flowers in a field of oilseed rape were absolutely delightful and a patch of brightness after the sun had gone in.
The feathery, fussy and lovely flower was found growing in a ditch, beside the quarry at Sittles, all by itself.
You can’t mention poppies without thinking of the symbolism of Remembrance and they are so beautifully appropriate.
You certainly never forget with these lovely tributes occurring naturally.
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June 12th – I think that very soon I shall start growing webs between my toes. This rain is remarkable and without a break. It’s beginning to get to even me – there’s a permanent rainbow in our kitchen from drying waterproofs.
But still, nature does it’s thing: On a short errand out of work at Darlaston, my first spots of the lovely, thistle-like knapweed and cleavers, the sticky, velcro-like seeds that stick to anything furry – socks, dogs, cats.
Cleavers, or sweethearts are we called them, always now remind me of leprechaun testicles after a comment from Susan Marie Ward years ago.
I’ve given up hoping for an end to the rain and am just hoping I don’t drown…
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June 10th – Despite the rain, wind and general lack of summer warmth and sun, the world does look beautifully green at the moment – a benefit of the rain I guess.
I hope summer comes soon. I can cope with the rain and grey just fine, but I do miss the sun and the effect it has on the world.
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June 2nd – On my return, for a short while, the sun came out and the skies were lovely over Hammerwich and the canal from Chasewater.
One of the reasons I ride a bike is the connection to my environment it gives me – good weather or bad I feel on my bike that the world continues to spin, and that for better or worse, I’m part of it.
For a few sunny minutes on a green, beautiful canal on a blustery sad Sunday, the clouds thinned and as the world continued to spin, and I felt lifted and content to be part of it.
My cyclic antidepressant had worked again.
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May 16th – Such lovely days this week – sunny, but not overly hot, with a fresh breeze. The burst of early summer has jolted trees, wildflowers, wildlife and the community into life.
The roads are full of fair-weather cyclists, the countryside full of walkers. People taking the air, enjoying the beauty of the season. Here in Green Lane this evening I noted unfamiliar folk out and about – and what a fine spot, alive with greenery and birdsong.
Of course, it’s mostly beautiful all year around, even when in the darkest winter days. But it takes a lot of time and experience to appreciate that.
So for now, I greet those newly rediscovering the outdoors with a cheery ‘Hello!’ or wave, and resist the urge to ask where they were six months ago…
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April 20th – First dayride of the year on a glorious spring day racked up a decent 188 miles.
Leaving at dawn to return in the evening, a run the length of the High Peak and Tissington trails and then over the Weaver Hills was just what the doctor ordered although I was exhausted at the end of it.
The rout was broadly Lichfield – Burton via Whittington and Walton; Derby via Findern; over to Keddleston Hall where I opened these majesticic gates to cross the hall grounds. From there, Mercaston to Kirk Ireton, joining the HPT at Middleton Top.
Return was via Rochester, Abbots Bromley and Handsace.
I have missed having the Peak District in my life so much.
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