Week 17 - In Lockdown

Our time is spent in Chester. The batteries are getting low again.
This time we are heading for the Marina. Got to get through that triple staircase lock first out of the basin. I do enjoy locking, but not this one. Each chamber is 11ft deep, the lock spindles are really stiff to turn & only one operational paddle on each lock. They were all double locks. (You can read a book waiting for them to fill ) The gates weigh over 3,000 kg each, & don't always want to move even when the water has equalised. (Who needs a gym!) The difference is quite noticeable between double & single locks. On top of that, all 3 locks have to be set before you begin, as one lock tips water into the next. No volunteer lockies to help me this time. They all finished for the season on 31st Oct. Boo hoo!
I must have a guardian lockie, as every single lock was set ready to go when we arrived. I just had to open gates & get tipping. The paddle cogs had been greased & a ladybird had settled on each of the lock spindles. That's good luck right? Done in 30mins-hooray!

Reluctantly we came to roost at Tattenhall Marina on Friday. I think I would rather be safe than sorry, but I can't help feeling a little bit trapped & unsure of the oncoming months. We are moored between "Dark Side of the Moon" & "Moonraker". We are now in 5 star accommodation. On shore electricity, water on tap - luxury. We have a cafe/bar on site too. All the same, I think I will be climbing walls if I don't find some outlet to pass the time. The search begins.

Sights/Activities
Remembrance Parade Chester
Grosvenor Museum
Rowton Moor Battlefield

Pubs
The Cheshire Cat - Christleton

Total Lock Count
154