Is any one planning a trip to Dry Tortugas from west coast Florida,suppose to warm up next week and get some good sailing again and hoping to go to Dry Tortugas in mmaybe April or May.
Nick
Nick
Dry Tortugas
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Last summer my wife and I were going to spend a few weeks at Caladesi Island but my mother got very sick so we called it off. We are going to do Caladesi this summer. We need to see how my 5 year old does on the boat for a longer stay. My wife is drooling about Fort Jefferson. I am itching to get down there.
Fort Jefferson is amazing
Have never sailed there -- but my brother and sister-in-law were stationed there (they just retired out of the National Park Service). I was last there about 20 years ago.
The fort itself is amazing -- largest brick fort in the Western Hemisphere as I recall. The brick and masonry work is simply outstanding. The fishing off the dock was very good -- lots of yellowtail snapper as I recall.
The snorkeling is very, very good. Lots of reefs and therefore lots of reef fish. There are several wrecks you can dive/snorkel on that are pretty close.
When I was there, any visiting boat had to bring all their own water. There was no water available on the Fort. Might want to throw an extra jerry can on board. They get all their water via rainfall that's collected into very large cisterns. But I had to take Navy showers both times I visited. There is never enough water.
It's really an amazing place with great history and great architecture and craftsmanship. Wish I could go with you. Have a safe trip.
Have never sailed there -- but my brother and sister-in-law were stationed there (they just retired out of the National Park Service). I was last there about 20 years ago.
The fort itself is amazing -- largest brick fort in the Western Hemisphere as I recall. The brick and masonry work is simply outstanding. The fishing off the dock was very good -- lots of yellowtail snapper as I recall.
The snorkeling is very, very good. Lots of reefs and therefore lots of reef fish. There are several wrecks you can dive/snorkel on that are pretty close.
When I was there, any visiting boat had to bring all their own water. There was no water available on the Fort. Might want to throw an extra jerry can on board. They get all their water via rainfall that's collected into very large cisterns. But I had to take Navy showers both times I visited. There is never enough water.
It's really an amazing place with great history and great architecture and craftsmanship. Wish I could go with you. Have a safe trip.
CruisingDad, one of the mods on Sailnet is looking to do this trip. He's posted a threado n both Sailnet's forums and the Anything-sailing forums about it IIRC.
Loggerhead Key
When you go plan on a day at Loggerhead Key. It is to the west about 7 miles with the light house on it. You can anchor on the east side of the island and dingy in. You can not anchor over night, but the couples that man the light house station are usually very friendly, and you can snorkel on the reef on the west side of the island. It is in shallow water and very close to the island.
Have a great time. I did, both times I went.
When you go plan on a day at Loggerhead Key. It is to the west about 7 miles with the light house on it. You can anchor on the east side of the island and dingy in. You can not anchor over night, but the couples that man the light house station are usually very friendly, and you can snorkel on the reef on the west side of the island. It is in shallow water and very close to the island.
Have a great time. I did, both times I went.
Patrick
I spoke with some one this forum about making the trip with a group starting by tampa I think and picking up other interested sailors along the way.
I did speak with cruisingdad and love to make the trip with him but I am having
a medical situation too soon for April 1 unless my plans change than will go with him and if not hoping to try the trip[ later in April or may so if any one else planning a trip I would love to hear about it.
Nick
I spoke with some one this forum about making the trip with a group starting by tampa I think and picking up other interested sailors along the way.
I did speak with cruisingdad and love to make the trip with him but I am having
a medical situation too soon for April 1 unless my plans change than will go with him and if not hoping to try the trip[ later in April or may so if any one else planning a trip I would love to hear about it.
Nick
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