Douglas Diary Sunday 24th April 2016 Day 5
It was cloudy and threatening rain this morning as we left our pleasant overnight mooring at Red Bull and glided peacefully on our way into the county of Cheshire to continue our journey north. It was then, my bearded one, our Captain, after a short distance pretending to consult the map announced a possible reason why we lost our crew Peter and Lesley yesterday. I am particularly excited because he told us we have 26 locks to negotiate as we travel the next seven miles and descend 250 feet onto The Cheshire Plain. This means, because all these locks are quite close together, I will be walking pretty well all the way with my long haired one, helping her with the lock operations – one of my favourite things. She did not appear to
quite share my excitement about the prospect. This section is known as Heartbreak Hill to generations of boaters, an appropriate handle judging by the state of my two humans when we completed the no 66 ( see photo) final lock. It was quite early in the afternoon when we moored up. I loved all of today of course, I met lots of my kind, walked for miles and had some super smells but did I mention, it was cold and raining most of the way? I was very happy because I am a dog. Anyway, my bearded one lit a fire and my long kennel became nice and warm, I went to sleep and I think they both had a siesta too. I think we are staying on board tonight because it is still cold and raining outside. It is worth mentioning that this is the first rain we have had since we arrived in England. Love Douglas x
Sent from my iPad

Hi Douglas –
Ha ha – it’s not raining in Eastbourne (well – not really). I’m sure you’ve had a nice time but my mummuy and daddy say will you please give their love to you long-haired one? They are thinking she can’t have had much of a day with 26 locks and rain and wind.
Let’s hope the weather improves for you, anyway.
Love & scratches
Millie (and the fox)
Well Millie, my long haired one did enjoy it really, especially when it was all over! She sends her love and pI’ve just given her a lick.
Love Douglas x
Hello again, Douglas –
Glad to hear you’re having a more restful day or two. I’m fine – I’ve made a new friend called Sarah who is staying with us and apparently acting in a play in the theatre. Daddy and mummy went to see her act last night and they say she got poisoned and died. I don’t understand because she was OK this morning when I jumped on her bed.
My mummy says that she is going to collect some pills from the chemist which are for your bearded one – please tell him.
Daddy says that friend Len is poorly this week and can’t play golf with him. (Actually, I think he’s quite pleased because it is still very cold – only 10 degrees).
I must go and have a sleep now –
Love and scratches as usual –
Millie
Dear Millie thank your mummy for me for him, he needs all the pills he can get. It is hailing here as I write. I am glad you have a new friend called Sarah.
Love Douglas