January 27th – Another run up Walsall Wood on an errand in the early evening gave good chance to play with the Canon camera more.
I love what it did to Barrow Close, Hollanders and Black Cock bridges, and the water they cross. Walsall Wood High Street, for 7:30pm on a Saturday, looked vital and busy.
After struggling with tripods of various kinds and other techniques for two years now, its nice to have a camera that works well, handheld, in the dark
January 26th – Friday meant a hectic day in Birmingham on business, then a frantic, frenetic dash back home for an important errand. I hit home, and set off to make the calls I had to at dusk.
Another way I’m liking the Canon camera is the clarity of even low daylight shots. It’s really pleasing me, like these grey canalscapes quickly snatched passing over Catshill Junction on my way to Walsall Wood.
January 23rd – And, as welcome as a warm pair of slippers, I return to Shenstone in the dark.
The Canon again did some good stuff with the atmosphere here. I am adoring this little camera. Never thought I’d say that of this brand.
It was cold, and there was a strong headwind. But I was homeward bound, and Shenstone Station, like an old pal, is soothing in the darkness.
January 23rd – Tuesday. The cold is easing but my average speed is still lamentable. I’m feeling better, but still not well and the weather is… Challenging.
Returning from Birmingham in the 5pm dusk, at least New Street Station gave me some welcome late night feelings.
I’m improving. But a return to health and optimism can’t come soon enough.
“
Then came old January, wrappèd well
In many weeds to keep the cold away;
Yet did he quake and quiver, like to quell,
And blow his nails to warm them if he may;
For they were numb’d with holding all the day
An hatchet keen, with which he fellèd wood
And from the trees did lop the needless spray” Edmund Spenser.At Bagnall Road Wood, where I’m part of a voluntary group helping care for what is very much a hidden gem in the city.
January has consisted largely of working in the office so it was a relief to get out and get some lasting work done. We were dredging the pond, which had become silted up during the winter, and you can see (8) Martin, the chairman of the friends of group, toiling away with canine help!
On Sunday and (2,7) May 2016, (4) October 2016.
January 21st – I did the things I had to do, and looped back around the canal and over Ogley Footbridge, which is officially closed for renovation, but as there’s nothing obstructing the towpath yet, is still passable.
A floating work pontoon has been assembled below the bridge, and protective barrier and a work compound set up.
I have a feeling this will be more than a cursory lick of paint…
January 20th – Back on the Canon, the photos felt more… vital, or vibrant. Which is an odd thing to say about a bunch of images of a cold, wet, snowy and misty grey winter landscape. But they do.
It was lonely. And cold. And I think these images convey that fairly well…
December 20th – A day of horrid weather – wet snow and cold winds. I stayed indoors after an awful night’s sleep, waiting until dusk to dash out on a circuit of Brownhills, which I have to say, against expectations, I enjoyed.
I passed the Watermead Estate swan couple, preening and feeding in the snow. They seemed unconcerned by the cold, which I guess they don’t feel. But I wonder if it annoys them?
It’s almost like they don’t notice it. Birds are odd.
December 19th – I came back through Walsall Wood and up over Castlefort as I had to nip into Stonnall. I’ve been using the TZ100 all week. After trying some night shots from Hollanders Brindge in Walsall Wood, I’ve decided – I prefer the Canon.
This is momentous. I’ve used Panasonic cameras mostly for 10 years. But the TZ100? It takes good pictures. It’s low light performance is good. It’s not a bad camera. But it’s too like the TZ90 in user interface and features, and it’s lagging the G7X in usability, and I think, just a little in picture quality too.
Whatever succeeds the TZ100 needs to plough a different enough furrow to make it feel better. It doesn’t, particularly.
January 18th – Back to work, and very slow on the bike, but the fresh air and feeling of purpose helped me lots.
Passing through Kings Hill Park whose solace and peace I could have done with in the past few days, I was encouraged to see that despite the cold and grey, spring is arranging the furniture and getting the staff ready for another performance.
Can’t wait. Hopefully I’ll be a bit better on the bike by then…
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