I spotted this wee bunny at Croxall. Suspected he might have myxie, but he seems healthy – probably just enjoying the sun!

Today, spring showed her hand a little – just a little – the sun came out, and so did I. A little  quick maintenance to show the bike some love, then I loaded up the saddlebag and headed off to the floodplains of the Tame to see how they were bearing up under the exceptionally wet weather.

The warm sunlight on my back soon had me peeling off the scarf and jacket – and the joy of fingerless gloves for the first time in ages. Out via a very wet Stonnall, Footherley, Canwell, Hints, Hopwas, Hadmore and Elford. From here, up to Harlaston, Edingale, Croxall, Whitemore Haye and returning via Lichfield.

I was amazed to see that although the Black Brook and Tame were swollen, they weren’t anywhere near in flood; it just goes to show that although in the Midlands we’ve had lots of rain, unlike 2007 it’s been spaced out, giving the rivers time to drain it away. It’s worth noting that the water swamping Hints Ford is bulked up by the overspill from Chasewater, flowing via the Crane and Bourne brooks.

It was a slow paced 48 miler, and I felt tubby and out of condition. It was, however, just what I needed – fresh air, a ride that was actually a joy. Lots of other folk were out on bikes, motorbikes, horses – or just walking dogs. Today, everyone seemed to reawaken.

I know we’re not out of the woods. After all, remember the snows of last March – starting on the 21st, snow was still on the ground well into April – but today looked a lot like spring. A break from the relentless wind, and above all, a day without rain.

For more of this tomfoolery, the 365daysofbiking journal is still running…

This one’s for Trev in Australia. Hope you’re feeling better, chap. Thinking of you.

The flood channel of the Tame at Hopwas is massive, therefore in flood, the 1 metre rise to the houses saves them easily.

Sleepy Harlaston.

Never noticed Lichfield Cathedral visible from Whitemore Haye before.

The golden hour in the Mease Valley.

Hopwas was lovely in the spring sunshine.

The Black Brook is swollen, but far from the worst I’ve ever seen it.

The Tame at Hopwas seems to have kept within it’s channel.

Given a month or two, this old magnolia bush will be beautiful – it’s one of my harbringers of spring.

Hints Ford – stark in winter, a green Arcadia in summer.

I just love that church – the same rural, farmhouse theme as Hopwas, but more formal.

They probably won’t be using the climbing kit at Whitemore Lakes for a week or two…

Hints Ford footbridge: must be under considerable side-pressure.

I spotted this wee bunny at Croxall. Suspected he might have myxie, but he seems healthy – probably just enjoying the sun!

Yay! Crocuses. Already…

The Tame is engorged at Whitemore Haye, but I think most of the standing water is from rainfall, not overspill.

Whitemore Haye is waterlogged.

Grazing safely at Hints

South from Elford Bridge – surprisingly all in order.

There’s a road under here somewhere – Hints Ford is passable, with care.

Hopwas Hayes Wood to the left, looking up the Tame flood channel to the north.

Snowdrops in Hints churchyard.

In 2007, there was water here at Elford for as far left as you could see, and the houses at The Beck, in the distance, were flooded out.

St. Bartholemew’s at Hints: remarkable gable end view.

Croxall – an old, old hamlet.

Vanishing points: snapped quickly on a level crossing in Lichfield.

Edingale from the Mease Valley.

Harlaston Church. Timeless. Well, sort of.