We spent a fine few days here visiting with other cruisers and swatting no-seeums. They put us way at the back of the mooring field among the mangroves. It is very scenic and in the late evening you almost have a feeling of privacy, until you look back up the mooring field at the 100 or so odd boats moored above you. However, the scenery comes at a price, whenever the wind lays and the sun sets.
We were enjoying cocktails on the boat we were rafted with along with several of his friends from New Bern, NC. The snacks were great and conversation was flowing and then the bugs started biting. After a few minutes, everyone was in full retreat and we took refuge below decks. Unfortunately a few of the pesky critters followed us below. It was one of those warm, windless nights, where you don't need any covers but you have to stay under full protection or risk getting chewed on. Hard to believe, that a couple of days ago it was cold and blustery.
As you can see in the picture, Tali is starting to get a bad case of cabin fever and was having quite a go-round with one of her Christmas mice from years back. The night before she was chasing her tail. I think she needs some shore leave.

We spent last night in Elizabeth City and managed to bring in enough boats to warrant the first Wine and Cheese party for the Rose Buddies. Although Fred Fearing has passed on, his legacy is being carried on by volunteers.
The next morning we headed for the Dismal Swamp Canal. Transit of the canal went fine, though Murphy and Tali kept a watchful eye on the shore. Since the canal is fairly narrow, I think Tali had the idea that she might do a little abandon ship maneuver. However, as you can see, she finally gave it up and spent the rest of the day snoozing hard.

We decided to go outside from Ft Lauderdale to Miami as well. The weather was forecast as 5-10kts E with 1-2ft seas. Instead we got 0-5kts and 0-1ft seas. I guess it's better to err on the conservative side, so once again we were motoring down the ocean. However, it was a lot more pleasant and relaxing then yesterday and Nikki was able to stay in her usual hiding place.
Going in and out of the inlets isn't too bad except for the sportfish. They put off more wakes than the large cruiseships that were also going to and from. The last set of wakes entering Miami brought Tali out of the cabin but by the time we got to Biscayne Bay the waves had calmed, the wind filled in, and we had a lovely afternoon sail. As you can see, Tali was not especially stressed and seemed to particularly enjoy engines off sailing. First time since the Albemarle Sound!