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April 6th – it’s not just about the blossom and attention seeking flowers, though.

So many new leaves, but is there any new leaf as crisp, beautiful, green and geometrically beautiful as the humble beech?

Go on, next time you pass one, take a close look. They’re wonders of verdant perfection.

April 6th – More blossom, and there will be lots more to come as this seems like a good year. I think this is some kin of ornamental cherry, spotted by the canal in Darlaston Green.

The flowers are fascinating, and almost look like they’re made out of tissue paper. They are the most wonderful deep pink.

Travelling to work these last couple of weeks has been a much brighter experience when the route is line with beauty like this.

April 5th – The season is moving on at such a pace now, it’s very hard to keep up. Another first this morning near Clayhanger Common, my first bluebells of 2017 in a patch of spring snowflakes. Yes, they’re Spanish rather than their more delicate English cousins, but that dash of blue-violet is unmistakable and soon the woods and hedgerows will be a rash of vivid colour once more.

Welcome back, old friends.

April 4th – Again at telford, just by the side of the cycleway, lots of this curious shrub – bright red leaves I think, rather than flowers with white, bell shaped blooms. Every year the pieris surprises me and this year it’s especially lovely.

So much coming into flower now, such a change from the grey days of winter, which were only a few weeks ago!

April 4th – I had to pop to Telford in the late morning, and was impressed, as I usually am, by the ever-changing flowerbed on the westbound platform, currently full of what I think may be alyssum, purple easter primroses and the most beautiful red tulips, just breaking bloom.

Telford gets a lot of stick (much of it from me over the years), but some bits of it – like this – are thoroughly gorgeous and a constant delight.

April 3rd – Running an errand from work into Walsall mid day, I decided to avoid the traffic and take the canal, as the resurfacing of the towpath would surely be finished – sadly, it wasn’t quite, and there’s still some plant and workmen putting the hours in around the rear of James Bridge cemetery, but mostly it’s now tarmac all the way through with a coating of tar and chip. 

At the moment, there’s lots of loose grit on top so take care – it’s skinny and hard going in places, but will improve once settled and swept.

A decent job executed well. I just didn’t really see the need, but hey-ho…

April 2nd – Cobwebs near Abbots Bromley is a lovely little coffee and cake stop. Set in a quiet backlane, it overlooks open fields with a lovely outdoor patio area that’s shady but warm with lovely flowers… and the cake is astoundingly good.

Most importantly, it has the essential ingredient for any cycling cafe: tame local birds that come and steal crumbs you leave behind. Watching the antics of the local sparrows was endlessly fascinating.

April 2nd – A better ride on the first warm, shirtsleeve day of the year, with thankfully little wind. I rode out into Staffordshire, up through Chorley and Hanch to Blithbury, then a call at Cobwebs for tea and cake. From there, through Abbots Bromley past Bogot Wood, then over along Marchington Cliff to the church of St. John in Marchington Woodlans, at Woodroffes. This church is beautiful, and absolutely in the middle of nowhere.

A run through Marchington, Coton in the Clay, Hanbury, Needwood, Dunstall and Barton then back on NCN 54 to Lichfield and home was a lovely ride in excess of 60 miles.

I had a good average at near 13mph and felt fluid and full of energy – remarkable considering my recent issues.

Spring is here, so is the sun and I’m totally ready for this.

Thanks for all the best wishes on the 6th anniversary – still can’t quite believe I’m still doing this. I never thought I’d still be here today.

madoldbaggage:

Saturday 25 March 2017

Shugborough reopened this week. Hooray! Last November Staffordshire County Council handed back the lease to the National Trust and since then the NT have been starting what will be a 10 year renovation programme. As such it has a half empty feel to it all at present.
The house, servants quarters and farm are all open but alas all the old farm machinery has gone from the farm, all the old Staffs CC information displays and exhibitions have gone and the walled garden looks very neglected. Also many rooms in the house are empty pending displays. There’s a lot to do and being honest, charging full price for what is available is a bit cheeky in my opinion. At £33 for a family ticket it isn’t cheap!
Despite all of this we had a pleasant afternoon following our picnic from a proper hamper I hope you know (!) near to the Triumphal Arch and we shall return in a few months to see how it’s all going and to see the Lichfield apartments that are not open at present.