Adventure to Dry Tortugas

Our National Parks are a resource to be treasured and visited.  I have seen some and hope to see many more in our travels over the next few years.  However, today Alan and Bev left Major and me here in Grassy Key while they went off on an adventure to the Dry Tortugas National Park.  I definitely can’t go there, since the park is actually a cluster of 7 islands located 70 miles west of Key West Fl. 

 The only way to get there is by boat or seaplane.  They opted for the seaplane of course.   www.KeyWestSeaplaneCharters.com

 

 

 Taking off from the Key West Airport and landing in the ocean.  Very cool.  The size of the cruise ships docked at Mallory Square in Key West was amazing to see from the air. They are vertical cities. As the locals say, they like the tourists to come and spend some $ into the local economy, but they are glad when the visitors leave!

 

Some National Parks like Yellowstone get 4 million visitors a year.  The Dry Tourtugas get only 60,000.  Yes, it’s smaller and more difficult (and expensive) to get to, but it’s definitely worth the trip.  There are no restaurants, beach bars, shopping, or even bathrooms (except on the ferry from Key West when it’s docked at Garden Key)  but If you get the chance, make the trip. 

A little history.   The islands were first discovered by Ponce De Leon in 1513. The largest island in the park is Garden Key (16 acres) which is the location of Fort Jefferson, the nation’s largest 1800’s masonry fort. The fort was under construction from 1846 until 1889 and was never completed because of structural issues, the growth of the US Navy, technological issues in warship design and the advent of large ship borne rifled artillery that advanced beyond the defensive capabilities of the forts architecture.   The fort is constructed mostly of poured concrete and the façade is composed of over 16 Million bricks. Technological obsolescence happened back then too, it just took longer in those days!  

The fort is enormous and covers 11 acres of Garden Key and is amazing to explore.  Definitely more time is needed here.  A little snorkeling and a short time to explore the fort today before the plane returns  to take everyone back to the mainland.

 During the Civil war the fort was a prison for captured deserters.  It also held the 4 men convicted of complicity in the assassination of President Lincoln. The Army abandoned the fort in 1874 and in 1935 the fort was proclaimed a national monument. In 1992 it was redesignated as a National Park to protect is scenic, cultural, marine and scientific values. 

 

There is much to see and explore, on the islands, in the fort and in the water as swimming, snorkeling, underwater photography are all popular in the warm, clear waters.   Not only can you visit, but you can camp overnight!   10 spots are available on a first come, first served basis, for a maximum stay of 3 nights.

Once the last ferry or seaplane leaves for the day (3PM) you are there for the night with just your fellow campers.  Just hope no storms come ashore during the night!  That camping adventure has been added to the bucket list for another time!  It won’t be like “glamping ” with me, but it will be an adventure for sure.