Chester (Still)

Well we decided this morning we like it here so haven’t moved yet but will tomorrow.

We had a plan, call it plan A. To cruise from Alvecote to Northwich Dry Dock for blacking. When Cheshire locks closed that became Plan B, to cruise to Northwich via the Shropshire Union and Middlewich branch and Anderton Lift.
When the lift closed it became Plan C. Cruise Shropshire Union, Manchester Ship Canal and on the Weaver to the Dry Dock.
The Dock is now unavailable until almost October, to late for us so Plan D. Turn round at Chester, I am not planning what we will do after this.

We are moored in town opposite the Bingo Hall so yesterday we took a walk down the Northgate Staircase locks, on the way we passed where the towing lines have worn groves in the rock face.

Once down the locks we visited the locks that supposedly run drop boats down to the River Dee. I say supposedly as I have no idea when a boat last went down, the locks are chained and there are stop planks above Lock 3, this is what we found below the lock.

Of course this section of the river is tidal for about another ¼ mile upstream where there is a weir. As you can see some boats still use the tidal section.

Today we walked the city walls passed the old castlewhich looks very unloved and past the weir which has a half tide gate at one end that can be opened to allow boats to pass through the weir when there is not enough depth over the top of the weir, however at the moment that also has a barrage across it and doesn't look as if its been used for years.
This map shows the locks, river and weir

Today we also visited the Grosvenor Museum which is a real rabbit warren of rooms including the old3 story house with floors that slope and twist all over the place.
Eating out last night was Ephesus Grill where we have eaten on previous visits, the charcoal grill is built into the restaurant so you can watch things being cooked, thankfully they have a very good extractor system and tonight was The Yard where we have never been before but was very good with quite a small menu unlike most Mediterranean restaurants.