Duravent Cap after 2 cords

[MR. GLO]

1st year with a new stove and new basement location. This is the cap after two cords of wood between 10-20 percent moisture (split to check) and 3/4 of a cord was kiln dry. I never choked more than 1/2 way, mostly 3/4. Burn 450 -550 but quick reloads because draft is sometimes .12 .14.
Is this normal? I couldn't inspect chimney from top down yet but I cleaned it a month ago and it was ok looking up.

 

[MAD MARK]

How'd you get up high enough to take cap off, but not inspect chimney at same time?

 

[MR. GLO]

had somone go up and switch caps in dark. trying out a new wind cap.

 

[Highbeam]

Looks fine. Still brown and dry up top is good vs. black and gooey.