Sailing Quest

February 24, 2010
Hi 70 Lo 58
Lat/Lon 24 38.3 N, 82 52.4 W (Tortugas)

We’re back from the Dry Tortugas. (In Key West) We were at Garden Key where Fort Jefferson is located. We left Key West on the 19th at first light, and arrived there about 4pm. The trip out was the first time I’ve been completely out of sight of land on something smaller than a massive cruise ship. I though it would freak me out a little, but I was totally cool with it.

The Dry Totugas are an amazing place. It’s a bird-nerds paradise! And if you’re into civil war history, the Fort, and the stories surrounding it, are fantastic! There was also white sandy beaches, easy snorkeling.

The best part is, there were very few people out there. No road or airport, combined with shallow waters, means you can only get here by fairly small boats. So it greatly reduces the traffic. There were only been 2 other boats anchored there most of the time. A few fishing boats come and go, and there is a commercial shuttle catamaran that brings people out for a brief day trip, but that’s about it.

This has really been the highlight of our trip. I’m soooo glad we made it out there. Rob and Apryl are really fun to have along.

That was probably the best Birthday I’ve ever had!

Lots more to say about the Tortugas, and the trip back, but that and photos will have to follow later.