Take one cyclist, and one stressful day at work. One escape at 3pm, and one dash to Cannock Chase from Darlaston in an hour. Add awakening nature, balmy languid weather and the stirring of summer’s cauldron…
I spent the evening spinning around Cannock Chase, the Shugborough Estate and the Trent Valley. It was magical. As usual, for more of this sort of thing, check out my 365daysofbiking tumblr journal.
Just a note to say posts may be a bit thin this weekend. I intend to ride as much as possible. Can’t miss my fix of Staffordshire in the sun. Please bear with me. Weather’s too good to be sat at a computer.
This swallow was one of several flying right into the Maquis Drive toilets to pick off flies and bugs. They fly in, do a loop round the room, and fly out. Remarkable. 4:17pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
The fallow deer were lazy in the heat – most were dozing, heavily pregnant. I expect to see fawns in a few weeks. 5:28pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
First time I’ve ever seen horse riders up on this part of Wolseley Plain. 6:03pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
Near Seven Springs, the foliage is lush and bright. 6:23pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
The soft, hazy light ws mesmerising… 6:25pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
Spirit of the greenwood. 6:26pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
Shugborough is an incredible carpet of buttercups. 6:54pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
I should think the heat was a bit trying for this big hairy fellow. One of Shugborough’s great assets is it’s farming of rare breeds. 7:00pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
Bit concerned that the current Earl can’t afford a lawnmower, mind… 7:07pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
Healthy looking rabbits were quite unpeturbed by my presence on the canal towpath in the centre of Rugeley. 8:08pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
No sign of myxie here… which is good news. 8:10pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
The Trent & Mersey at Armitage is as enchanting as ever. 8:30pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
When the sunset came, it was gorgeous over the rapeseed at Tuppenhurst. 8:38pm, Thursday, 24th May 2012.
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What is the link between the first picture and the last but one?
The swallow in the toilets at Marquis Drive, and looking down the Trent and Mersey Canal at Armitage.
Regards Pedro
As the swallow flies along the canal from the bridge at Armitage he will see the Armitage Shanks factory. At the side of the canal all types of bathroom fittings can be seen.
I thought that the ale drinkers of the site would be quite familiar with Armitage Shanks, they must have read the advertisement many times!
All the best Peter
HI Bob
super photos.. …
Enjoy the super cycling week-end
cheers
David
For the last two years I have been seriously considering leaving this country that is being led by a coalition of fools. Your images have reminded me of the reasons to stay, and to stay and fight for a country that I love.
What the hippo said, without the thinking of leaving bit. Particularly like the Armitage canal bridge pic. Unconscious elegance it is.
I gained the impression that no one lives at Shugborough now. Last weekend (last day today 26 May) I saw an exhibition at Chasewater Innovation Centre by the Rugeley & Armitage Camera Club. One of the exhibitors (Mr A Downes) said that the private apartment has been opened to the public. His picture of the dining room was one of the exhibits.
Living in the Land Down Under now, where the trees don’t shed, I’d forgotten how great that new growth green can be in Spring.
Superb!!
Brilliant pics, walked my dog over Chasewater this morning, it was beautiful, forgot how close I live to such a lovely place till I had Marley xx
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