We’re a third of the way through March, and daffodils are out, the sun is high in the sky and spring is in full effect. I left in the afternoon for a quiet, fast spin – I ended up on a 45-miler around Lichfield, Croxall, Edingale, Harlaston, Whittington, Weeford and Shenstone.

The weather was beautiful – a lovely hazy sun was physically warm, and I was out in teeshirt and shorts. There was little wind, and the lanes and byways were teeming with other cyclists, and people out walking.

The day ended in a decent sunset, too. After so much rain, the joy of speeding down dusty, dry lanes is immeasurable. Today I felt like I’d left a period of hibernation.

This time last year we were in the interregnum between two heavy snowfalls, and spring didn’t seem to come until well into April.

As ever, for more of this stuff, check out my 365daysofbiking journal.

Soon this will be a green arcadia

I look forward to the weeping willows coming back into leaf.

The Tame had settled down, too. At Elford, it was back to its normal, sedate self.

The sunset died in the mosts striking fashion.

Packington was gorgeous.

At Croxall Hall, the dovecote in the forecround is said to be 16th century.

An excellent day for sailing!

The iconic skyline of Shenstone from the east. Note the second tower.

How Shenstone looks best: in silhouette

The daffodils of Edingale.

By the time I got to Lynn it was nearly dark, but this sunset wasn’t leaving unnoticed.

Croxall: barely a hamlet, but beautiful crocuses on the verges

Packington Moor rendered magical by the sunset.

A busy canal at Huddlesford.

The outward bound course at Whitemoor Lakes was under water a few weeks ago.

No leaves on the trees yet, but the weather was warm, sunny and kind.

Daffs are one of my favourite flowers. To me, they symbolise the end of darkness.

Mease Valley between Harlaston and Edingale

Croxall Hall is a very old, very private residence.

Whittington glowed in a soft golden hour.

At Fisherwick, these huge solar panels rotate to follow the sun.