March 8 - alligator river!

Well,  they've got some sticky mid!  It took almost 30 minutes to break out of the mud this morning!  We did have a bow and stern anchor out to keep us out of the channel. ...

What a day!  We crossed the albemarle sound in 10-20 mph winds and 2-3' slop wroth the occasional 4 footer to keep us on or toes.

However,  it was the crossing into the summer and once across,  we quickly encountered 70 degree sour temps and 55 degree water!  Alligator river is gorgeous.  The wind blew itself out by mid afternoon and we had a beautiful evening.  

We dropped the hook at 3:40 PM after covering 44 miles today.  

We had unexpected guests shortly after arriving: flies!  In swarms!  So we ran away on the dinghy for a half an hour or so to explore our surroundings.  It was beautiful,  like glass. No alligators either.  

We returned for dinner but instead of eating it outside,  we were chased back in by mosquitos!  This has been our first encounter with bugs since the fall.  Luckily,  they all but disappeared and we spent almost an hour from 8-9pm on the bridge looking at the stars!  They were radiant,  and without any light pollution,  the milky way,  numerous satellites,  and a shooting star were all visible. 

A beautiful,  relaxing,  and almost spiritual end to a day that started so excitingly