Heartbreak Hill

Well, we went from Red Bull Services to Wheelock Services today, down 22 locks, mostly double locks. Very windy,  but picturesque all the same.
I did notice a lot of new orchards being planted, interesting that this is occurring.  More money in fruit?
Heartbreak Hill, as it is known, is a series of sets of locks,  most of them paired locks, enabling two boats to go up/down simultaneously. You pass under the M6, which always amuses me- the juxtaposition of speed.
The dogs were very good today, excited about new smells,  they come off the boat to supervise,  although Simba barks a "Don't forget us" at you! It was very windy across the top, but fortunately,  not that cold. I bought jam, scones and marmalade from a lady selling homemade items to raise money for local children's hospice.
We are enjoying the journey, we are where we want to be ready for Wednesday, when Stella's eldest arrives back from Spain and joins us on our cruise. Gracie has behaved beautifully, although in one lock, she got stuck on something at the bottom,  so had to run water through, she started to float out, got stuck again and then a fellow boater arrived to see if we were Ok and opened the top paddle very fast and she zoomed out! A bag of sawdust or similar we think.
We are now having curry and rice, curry made yesterday and has now marinaded for 24 hours - bliss!