Arrived on Schedule to Cox Bank

A shamefully low lock miles day today but we were on a mission to get moored up for 11.30 so Rachel could join an RCN webinar (that didn't happen but hey ho) 

I was up early for me and had the engine lubed up and the day tank full by 8.45 am and we were away for 9.10.... we arrived at the top of the Adderley flight for 9.40am and were clear in 50 minutes having to turn the top two locks. 

A nice cruise to the top of the Audlem flight and another wait and a two turned locks got us to just off the 48 hour moorings at Cox Bank by 11.32... my estimate was 11.30 so felt a bit smug ! 

A few things to note...

We met David Rey and family owners of Norbury mid way down the Adderley flight. His young daughter chatting away to Rachel as they worked the locks. She was justifiably proud to tell Rachel her family owned Norbury wharf. Now the impressive bit... David and his family were on two boats that left Chester on Saturday morning  morning and were heading back to Norbury today ! Saturday was Chester to Audlem, Sunday, today was Audlem to Norbury.... Chucking in a start place on CanalPlanAC it's still a good 2 x 10 hour days. 

This is a trip of 39 miles, 5¾ furlongs and 33 locks from Quarry Bridge Winding Hole to Norbury Junction.
This will take 19 hours and 39 minutes which is 9 hours and 49 minutes for each of 2 days.

Needless to say we are taking it a bit slower ! I do recall one of our longest days was bringing our last boat Waterlily home it was a 13 hour day and we ended up at the Tame Otter and the pint of Guinness and steak was one of the best meals ever ! 

Anyhow a lazy afternoon, we may walk into Audlem later and see if we can get a meal at the at the Shroppie Fly.... just checked the stop food at 5 on a Sunday so that'll be a no. 

Our mooring last night well into the vegetation 

How lovely would it be if much more of the system was a nice at tis lock gate the the moorings at the bottom of the Adderley flight 

Then the reality.... not heard much about this works, looks like they are restoring part of the embankment between Adderley and the Audlem flight. Mr Telford's guarantee has long run our but not a bad job lasting so long but no doubt better looked after when it was a working canal ? 

Advice needed .... We have half a plan to make Chester and maybe even Ellesmere Port those who have been this way have you good mooring recommendations ?