Liverpool ahoy

On our way through Chester we passed King Charles' Tower. 

The canal runs alongside the old city walls.

Above you can see the rock upon which the walls of the city were built.

Just about to pass under Northgate Bridge.

Here we are in the Northgate Staircase Locks. 3 locks this time but, luckily for us, there was a lockkeeper in attendance who helped us through them all.

Those gates don't half look big.

Locks 2 & 3 ready for another boat to come up. The two boats will pass in the middle lock. One up, one down.

Out she comes.

And they pass just like that.

At the foot of the locks is a plaque for L T C Rolt. He was a prime mover in forming the Inland Waterways Association and is well remembered in canal circles.

Just around the corner and we pass the old Taylor's Boatyard, no longer in operation, alas. 

And then, 10 minutes later, we're away from the city and out in the country again.

Only included this photo because Chusan used to be moored next to us at Bugbrooke Marina.

Now it's moored amidst a long line of boats. Almost as far as the eye can see.

Aaaww... No words needed.

Just short of 5 hours later and we arrive at Ellesmere Port. A quick spin round, tie up and off to see if we can find anything to eat.

The C&RT café had just finished serving food so we walked along to the Manchester Ship Canal to be greeted by a boat coming our way.

And on the corner we came across the Port & Anchor Eatery. 

Well, were we glad to have missed out on the café. We had a delicious tagliatelle carbonara with garlic bread. If ever you come this way then the Port & Anchor is well worth a visit.

After lunch we needed a walk round so we had a look at the old port. It must have been quite something in its day.

Oh, and you see those blobs on the far left in the distance, well that's Liverpool. Ahoy Liverpool. 

After that, back to the boat and put tonight's supper back in the fridge ready for tomorrow.