February 19th – There were other stars, too though. The cats are waking up in the warm weather, and I saw several, including the two canalside kitties at Brierley Hill and the great dog and cat partnership at Bumble Hole. That pair’s facial expressions were absolutely priceless. I think they are big mates, but the cat clearly tries to hide it.
February 19th – It was a warm day with an insistent wind and occasional sunny periods – but a fine day for a ride. I covered 63 miles, the first big ride of the year, and the towpaths were much easier going than I thought, apart from a couple of rough patches at Stourton and west of Wolverhampton.
The canals showed themselves beautifully, and the sound of church bells and sight of daffodils, snowdrops and other spring flowers gladdened the heart.
Of course, the architecture stole the show – the viaducts, aqueducts, bridges, locks and associated houses are gorgeous.
The Black Country is wonderful and I’ll always love it.
February 19th – I had to be in work on a Sunday, unusually, early in the morning. After spending a few hours there, I decided to make the best of the day and head on to the canals of the Black Country. I shot over to Tipton, then through the Netherton Tunnel, wound around Brierley Hill to Stourbridge, out to Stourton and then all the way up to Wolverhampton on the Staffs and Worcester, heading back home on the good old Curley Wyrley to Bloxwich.
I love riding the Netherton Tunnel – at 3036 yards it’s a long one, and the effects of water seepage and time make it an interesting and dramatic journey.
Those air vents still remind me of something out of Doom or Quake.
Didn’t see another soul down there, either, which was odd. Bumble Hole at the far end was busy, though.
February 18th – Spotted on the canal between Black Cock and Clayhanger bridges, at the bar. of the Maybrook industrial estate – that must have hurt.
A fishing rod, stuck in the bushes, well over the water and far out of reach, still with reel attached.
Unfortunate.
February 17th – I came through Kings Hill Park again around mid-day – and this time, crested the ‘hill’ itself, which is a beautiful, peaceful oasis that would have commanding vies of the area were it not surrounded by lovely, mature trees – which is a bit of a dilemma, really.
I noticed here the bench in memory of Jake Wilkes, sadly lost in 2008, and clearly still well loved and tended, and also the first miniature daffodils of the year, which grow in abundance down beside the old chapel.
A lovely spot that’s just right for a contemplative 10 minutes away from the hassle of work.
February 17th – I noticed something today I’ve passed many times but never stopped to look at – Wood Green Church. Stranded by the road system of Junction 8 of the M6, it remains gracefully marooned in the old village of Wood Green between Pleck, Wednesbury and Bescot.
I have never noticed the elegance of the sharp roof, the beautifully red stone from which it’s built and remarkably detailed spire – and those clock faces are just wonderful.
I need to go and have a closer look – I can’t believe how long it’s taken me to notice this gorgeous building – I’ve been passing it for decades now.
The Black Country gives up it’s surprises slowly, and that’s why I love it so.
February 15th – I see the completion of the conversion of the old church/chapel at Kings Hill, Darlaston is very nearly finished: this has taken years and the workmanship looks stunning.
I’ve been passing this former Methodist chapel and church for a very long time, and it’s previous dereliction caused me sadness – but now it has been made into dwellings, and unlike the usual architectural cut and shut that’s the norm in these cases, the renovation has been astoundingly detailed.
Stained glass has been repaired, missing lead on the roofs, gables and mansards has been replaced. Stonework and architectural ironwork has been repaired, restored or remade. It’s a work of art.
I don’t know who’s been responsible for this, but they deserve some kind of award, and certainly a lot more attention.
It just goes to show what can be done with old buildings given enough attention, time, money and flexibility in the planning system.
My compliments to all concerned – particularly to the chippy who made those wonderful doors!
February 14th – A few people have asked, so as I passed the canal towpath resurfacing works today I took a pic of the map and details.
I’m still baffled as to the concentration on this stretch, and not the awful sections through Aldridge/Rushall and Pelsall/Bloxwich, but who knows what goes on with funding for these things?
There are very few notices up this time, so keep your eye out.
February 13th – On the canal near Bentley Mill Way Aqueduct, a pair of swans feeding on canal-bottom greens, enjoying the company of each other and honking noisily.
They were far too busy browsing the algae to be disturbed by me, and they performed beautifully. You can say what you like, but a swan with only it’s arse sticking above the water is very amusing, and certainly not graceful. A lovely thing to watch.
But those feet too, though. Swan feet are fascinating, and they look almost pre-historic.
February 13th – Just as I feared I couldn’t stand the grey anymore, a blessed break in the weather. I have never, ever been so glad to see the light.
One commute on the canal through Walsall to Darlaston – a route I haven’t taken much since Christmas – was all it took. Sunshine, wildlife, glistening water, beautiful mist-suffused urban streets. And in Kings Hill Park beautiful yellow crocuses reminded me of the good that was to come.
I noted that the towpaths from Bentley Mill Way to Bughole Bridge are now being resurfaced, so if you cycle this way, expect to avoid folk in hi-viz marshalling small excavators and other such plant.
Today, my week was saved… by a crocus. I’m just mad about saffron.
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