A Day At "Dry Tortugas" National Park

Almost 70 miles west of Key West, nestled among spectacular coral reefs, fascinating shipwrecks and sandy beaches lie seven undeveloped coral and sand islands known as the Dry Tortugas.  On Garden Key, the centre of these sandy islands, stands Fort Jefferson, America's 3rd largest 19th century coastal fort.  Originally named "Las Tortugas", (the turtles) and discovered by explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513, these islands became known as the"Dry Tortugas" because they had no fresh water.  Frequented by pirates and Spanish ships, they are rich in pirate legend.  In 1825 a lighthouse was built and later in 1846, Americans built Fort Jefferson, essential for securing  the Gulf of Mexico from intruders.

It never saw battle but was used in the American Civil War as a Union Military Prison and housed such infamous men as the four conspirators in President Lincoln's assassination........including Dr. Samuel Mudd who offered medical aid to John Wilks Booth when he was shot, fleeing from captivity.

Today the fort is wildlife refuge, and proclaimed Fort Jefferson National Monument in 1935.

An aerial view of the Garden Key and Fort Jefferson National Park.  Staffed all year round and offers day visits for tours and amazing snorkeling as well as sandy beaches and over night camping.

We boarded the "Yankee Freedom II" Ferry, at dock in Key West and spent 2 hours at sea to reach the Tortugas.  Beautiful boat that served  breakfast and lunch, with comfortable accommodations and even frequent dolphin sightings off the bow.

 Alistair saw all the dolphins and they never were around when i was on deck......so sad.

Our first good look at the fort. All the other Tortugas are just sand with birds on them and one island had a lighthouse.

Getting ready to pull into the dock.

Ferry dock.

There were loads of Pelicans fishing near by!!

 

Swallowing a fish!!!!

And that would be me.......holding up yet another sign.....

Front of the Fort, with a moat surrounding it.  We were told that an aligator has found its way into the moat so don't walk in it!!!!!!!  OKAY..........

Our  Ferry at dock on the Island.

View from inside the Fort looking out at the Gulf.

Hall ways inside the Fort.

View of the Fort wall.

View of the gater occupied Moat and our Ferry.

I am the white speck on top of the wall!!!!!!

These guns were never fired in battle.

After the tour of the Fort I went snorkeling

 while Alistair drank beer and socialized.........or so he said......

Alistair took my pic snorkeling..............actually I look like a dead body floating..........

SHES ALIVE....SHES ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!