Summer into Autumn

We haven't gone far this summer. Due to failed engines, we were stuck in Whaley Bridge/Furness Vale for eight weeks,  including Stella's two weeks summer (well, that was advisory, summer doesn't happen in August anymore) holiday, spent on a marina awaiting a new engine.
Anyway, that is all sorted now and we are back cruising. 
We had a lovely weekend last week at the Steam Fair at Bugsworth,  meeting old friends,  catching up with gossip.  Simba had an unplanned overnight stay at Cheshire Dogs Home after going missing and being handed in. My phone had no signal, as I was in Glasgow, so phoned warden when I got back and a very chastened Simba was returned the following morning, after us paying a £91.40 fine.
That's the only problem with being on one wage; we don't have contingency money just at present, with an engine to pay for. However,  things will get better and we are getting set for winter, mooring near woodland, to collect fallen logs for the stove.
Still loving this life; even being without electricity had its own charm. The cats have a new lease of life and the dogs really enjoy going to new places, returning to old haunts. Just have to keep Simba near the boat!
A few photos and shout out to our coalboat, Nb Alton. The lifeblood of the canal, lovely people and have a special.place in everyones lives.
Will try and do this weekly from.now on!

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!