Fetch is for dogs

We had difficulty finding an anchorage to stage for our crossing of the Albemarle Sound.  Our reference guide, "Skipper Bob" suggests Broad Creek (Mile 61.2) but we found there wasn't enough depth to get in so we back-tracked from there.
The next anchorage back was S/E of Buck Island.  It was unfortunately open to the south wind that was blowing.  So, we continued on to back-track to Mile 56.5 - behind Buck Island close to Green #153 mark. 
We anxiously edged in and dropped anchor in 5' of water behind the flashing green mark.  Our concerns lay that we'd go aground and not get out in the morning or one of the tugs that pushes barges through the canal in the dark of night would hit us.  Sweet Dreams.
We didn't want to spend more than one night anchored as such so we headed out at first light to make the 25 mile crossing of the Albemarle Sound in N/E 10-15 knot winds (& building) with a small craft advisory coming into effect at 1300 hrs. (1:00 p.m.)
We had a wild ride but at least the swell was from behind. (this kind of sea always makes our dinghy try to get into the boat)
We dropped anchor for the night just south of the sound in South Lake.
The day's small craft advisory built to a gale warning by the next morning:  N/W winds 15-20 gusting to 30 knots.
The forecast for the next day was:  North winds 20 knots, gusting 30, then N/W 20-25 knots, gusting 30 with 2-3' seas.
As we were anchored in South Lake open to the North and North-West we decided to lift anchor and feel our way through the shallows to drop in East Lake......not out of the gale but definitely out of the fetch. 
(photos of our laptop screen showing the navigational program - Open CPN)
Of interest, our VHF radio weather broadcast advises marines to use caution as the endangered right whales are active in coastal waters.  They also are broadcasting the yellow fin tuna fish report.