Galleries

April 12th – A horrid, wet commute home on a surprisingly cold day was lightened somewhat by the antics of a familiar pair of avian muggers on the towpath near Clayhanger.

I assume the same pair every year take residence on this stretch of canal, and noisily accost anyone passing for tidbits or sheer goosey devilment – honking, head-bobbing and if sufficiently irritated, pecking.

I carry a small bag of seed to distract them while I make good my escape, but I love them really.

There’s not much kindness in your average goose…

April 11th – In the soft light of a windy but sunny afternoon, the canals are looking great; Here near Clayhanger Bridge the hedgerows and thickets are showing bright green and very, very fresh – but not just that, they’re as alive with songbirds as the waterway is with waterfowl.

Everywhere you look, the environment is teeming with life at the moment, either fresh new leaves, blossom or nesting birds. Such a joyous, beautiful time of year.

Just wish the wind would ease up a bit…

April 11th – In kings Hill Park in Darlaston, the flowers continue to be a delight whenever I pass through; today the deep pink tulips were in bloom, sprouting in profusion from the planters – and in the strip of wildflowers I found a week or so ago, the flowering continues in earnest.

Such a beautiful display in a very well-loved and cared-for urban park.

April 10th – I seem to be annoying the local cat population somewhat of late (and probably those who don’t like cats and read this journal) as I keep catching them going about their feline business and that’s clearly a bit rude.

I’m interested at the moment that canal cats seem to be returning to Walsall Wood and Brownhills – after a scant few years, it’s now getting quite common to see a waterside flaneur taking the air, hunting, having a drink or just watching things over the water. 

They often disapprove of the attention.

The garden panther here, told me off most vocally from behind the Maybrook Industrial Estate. 

The visibly irritated black and white chap was at the back of Barrow Close, and I’d ruined his quest for a little Moorhen.

I love cats. The best thing about summer is seeing them out and about again.

April 9th – The canal through Tamworth is very underrated. Living in the shadow of the River Tame that bisects the old town, there’s a major junction here and some remarkable architecture. 

It’s a shame that nobody’s found a long-term use for the old mill yet. It’s a remarkable building.

April 8th – Spotted in the meadow at Waterhouses, this venerable, grumpy looking puss.

Peak District cats are a tough breed, and often look as weathered as the landscape they inhabit. This white cat was just sat, taking the air and enjoying the sun (one presumes, although the expression doesn’t give much away). I like to think it was taking stock, and looking forward to another summer of hunting, stalling territory and snoozing in the sun.

As befits any older cat, really.

April 8th – The first big hayride of the year – out to Staffordshire, Weaver Hills and the Manifold, then around the Moors and Roaches and returning from Congleton on the train.

More photos on my main blog later today – a cracking ride; I was fluid, had energy to spare and it was a fast, warm ride on a day more usually expected in May than April.

Nice to be back in the saddle for long rides again!

madoldbaggage:

Sunday 9 April 2017

Buildwas Abbey Shropshire

Second stop of the day was the smaller Buildwas Abbey lying by the banks of the River Severn near Ironbridge.
This was a Cistercian Abbey and has some lovely examples of the best of Medieval architecture and also tile making!
Founded as the Abbey of St Mary and St Chad in 1135, the founding Monks from France were a reformed order who believed that a return to pure simplicity and primitive austerity was the way ahead. It didn’t last of course but they managed a couple of hundred years before it all went downhill!
1536 marked the end.
What another fantastic day we have enjoyed

madoldbaggage:

Sunday 9 April 2017

Wenlock Priory Shropshire

Today was stunning and even warmer than yesterday.
First stop was Wenlock Priory. It is simply beautiful.
Originally founded as an abbey by King Merewalh of Mercia in 680, he sent his sister Milburge there in 687. She did well keeping both Nuns and Monks in check and was so good at performing miracles such as making the geese that were eating her crops disappear forever (could do with her along the canal towpaths when cycling at the moment) she became a saint.
By 901 Lady Godiva decided this should be a single sex place for the boys and rebuilding began. They even managed to dig up Milburge’s bones, sorry relics and so the Priory became a place of pilgrimage Eventually the Clunians took charge and ran the place by repute and disrepute until old Henry VIII dissolved the place in 1540.
In the peaceful town of Much Wenlock, the place is so pretty. Recommend the audio tour

April 7th – I spotted this thirsty puss on my way back to Brownhills, on the canal bank behind the building site not far from where I saw ginger last week – but closer to Silver Street than Catsill Junction this time. 

Anyone who owns a dog or cat will know that no matter what water you give them, rain and pond water will always be best, and this cat took it’s fill before studiously ignoring me and heading back to the bushes.

I love to see cats drinking like this.