Alligator River NWR

With just a few days, a short week, really, I didn’t have much time to explore around Alligator River NWR. The property is so huge that I couldn’t see it all, but wildlife operates on its own timeline and I had yet to see a Red Wolf. I also discovered that there was a lot to see in the area.

While the first morning in Nags Head found me sleeping in a little (8 am is late these days), on the 2nd I rose before the sun. I wanted to get a shot of that early morning light that’s part of what’s known as the “Golden Hour”. I quickly got things together and got out the door. To get onto the property is a 40 minute drive and my timing seemed to be right on as there was the slightest lightening of that early morning dark hue. I drove down the dirt road and after passing a couple of the maintenance buildings, I found the perfect place to stop and setup my tripod. I got camera in place just in time as the orange globe barely climbed over the horizon.

One thing on my agenda for the morning was to get to the other side of the creek that I was paddling in the day before. This was going to be my last day on the refuge and I felt that being around water was going to be the best opportunity to see a wolf. I made my way and having navigated from one dirt road to the next, I found myself at the dirt parking area marked as a takeout for canoes & kayaks. The morning was cool (some would say downright cold) and getting out of the car, I crossed the footbridge to the other side of the creek and continued to walk down the trail for a couple minutes. The fog rose over the water at the creek and on the other side of some trees, where I assumed was some type of pond. I could barely see more than two feet in front of my. I felt tense as I considered what I’d do if I heard one of the resident black bears. I didn’t have much on me in the way of protection. A small pocket knife, my camera and not much else. I quietly continued down the path. It was otherworldly.

I had probably covered about 50 to 60 yards and hadn’t seen, nor heard anything. The sun was climbing higher and the fog was slowly burning off. I was glad I took the time to compose a few photos before moving on with my walk into the unknown. I got to a road I had recognized from the day before and decided to turn back to the car. There was still much more to see.

The morning slipped into the afternoon and I hadn’t seen much in the way of wildlife. I was disappointed but accepted that the wild runs on its own schedule. Along the way, I did see a Great Blue Heron. I’m always amazed to see these somewhat prehistoric looking beasts. For an avian species with such long legs and lanky features, Herons possess a remarkable ability to move with such grace.

The day was coming to the end and I decided to make my way back to Nags Head. It was beautiful day despite the fact that it hadn’t produced the results I had hoped for. I left ARNWR with a feeling of peace and contentment. I saw next to no one as I cruised around the property. I crossed the bridge back to the island just in time to see the setting sun.