May 22nd – Also growing well, and still at the original 9, the Watermead swan family were out on a constitutional.
Those little balls of grey fluff are growing well, and mum and dad are very good parents, keeping them close and rounding up any explorers who stray.
May 21st – On my way back via Chasewater, I spotted the huge Canada goose family near Catshill Junction; remarkably, 12 of the 13 chicks survive, with mum and dad being a good bit more protective and aggressive than formerly – one suspects the loss and protectiveness are related.
The young are growing well though. Lovely to see.
May 20th – Last week, at the floating market, I moaned to my old friend about the p*nct*re palaver I’d had the day before. I arrived home this evening to find a small box sent by my friend, containing a couple of repair kits, some cement, and about 50 extra patches – all my favourite brand – Rema.
It’s a lovely, funny thought. And I’m sure they’ll save my ride many times. Just hopefully not for a while yet…
May 19th – I had gone to work on a pleasantly sunny morning, but returned in light rain, through a glistening, green, dripping landscape, no more in evidence anywhere than Green Lane on the Walsall Wood/Shelfield border.
The wet tarmac glistened, the trees, bright in their new green jackets, dripped softly. There was the gentle hiss of rain and babble of water.
But it was warm, the wind was behind me and for once, I didn’t mind.
Sometimes the only thing to do is open your senses and let it all in.
May 18th – I spotted him sat on the decking on the canal bank by Barrow Close, Walsall Wood. The marmalade cat’s attention was so fixed, I couldn’t possibly distract him.
I hope he caught whatever it was. Not seen this chap before – that looks like a fine stripes tail there!
May 16th – I had to make a train journey mid day, and I spotted this horror, travelling on the same train.
This is why I’m opposed to seat post mounted rear lights.
The danger of overhanging clothing obscuring them is bad enough, but how is anyone to see your light if it’s obscured by your own saddlebag?
May 11th – Another rainy commute in both directions, although it did dry out a little for the second half of the journey in.
I did promise to bring my friend some sunshine. On a dull day in Walsall, this will have to do. What a lovely looking boat!
May 9th – Pear blossom lasts but a few days, and you’re lucky to spot it really, but this thick crop of flowers, just going over and scattering like confetti on the strong breeze were profuse on the small pear tree by the new pond in Clayhanger.
Last year the tree fruited well, but with a late frost on the blossom, I’m not sure how well this tree will do this year.
Beautiful while it lasts, though.
May 8th – There can be few finer sights at the end of a long ride than the sunset over Home Farm to Ogley Hay, punctuated by the spire of St. James in the middle.
What a fantastic sky.
May 1st – Born to be wild, still running free, the Newtown One.
The Muscovy Pimpernel still evades capture.
BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking 