April 18

While waiting for the bridge just past Mile Hammock we were passed by a boat that we had spent the last six months watching for. Strathspey, from Trident Yacht Club. Our friends Tony and Monica from the same club had been telling us that two boats were traveling south together and that we should watch for them. Still haven't seen Madcap, but we'll continue to watch.

Finally we had a glimpse of Mary and Blair. Our radio conversation confirmed that this indeed was the boat from Trident.

It wouldn't be until the following evening while anchored in the Alligator River that we would actually get to share drinks and tales of our voyages with the Buchanans and Washers.





As you can see in the background we were also treated to yet another great evening sky.
Strathspey and Eagles' Wings would both continue on the next day across Albemarle Sound and but Sabbatical decided to stay in Alligator River Marina for the night. A following sea, with winds out of the south would have made the crossing extremely uncomfortable for Annette. Winds were to move to the east the next day and supposedly diminish the wave height. WRONG! The wind was from the east, so that was good but the wind blew hard. Our instruments clocked a 32.5 kt high. And the waves were much more like 4'. But we did fine, even got through the Pasquotank River without losing our electronics to a lightening strike. Once in Elizabeth City we headed directly for the Dismal Swamp and rafted with eight other boats at the Welcome Center. Eagles' Wings was rafted just ahead of us and all were treated to a wonderful pot luck dinner on Gitana.