Fort Jefferson
- Thread starter Jfelkins
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Anything Sailing Forum
Go to Anything Sailing Forum and look up Fort Jefferson for more info and also go to Sailnet and also look up same both have loads of info all about making the trip and all about the fort.
Go to Anything Sailing Forum and look up Fort Jefferson for more info and also go to Sailnet and also look up same both have loads of info all about making the trip and all about the fort.
A fabulous place, but...
I've never sailed there, but my brother and sister-in-law were in the National Park Service. They were stationed there for about three years in the 80s and I made a couple of trips to spend time with them there.
It's the largest brick structure in the Western Hemisphere (if I recall correctly) with an amazing history (Dr. Mudd - the guy who set John Wilkes Booth's leg was sent here, helped out with a surge of disease and was later pardoned).
Walking around the fort and seeing the canon placement, the incredible masonry work, the big arches made of brick that are still solid 150 years later -- it's a real treat for a history buff or someone who appreciates architecture and/or craftsmanship.
The fishing is terrific, the snorkling/diving is wonderful -- all kinds of old stuff in the water around the fort.
But...when I was there, all boaters had to supply all there own water. The fort collects water in huge cisterns for the 6-7 people who live on the fort full time (all Park Service folks) and there's no fresh water supply on the fort except those cisterns. They don't share it -- there just isn't enough to go around. Unless that's changed, you need to be very self sufficient and bring your own water.
I've never sailed there, but my brother and sister-in-law were in the National Park Service. They were stationed there for about three years in the 80s and I made a couple of trips to spend time with them there.
It's the largest brick structure in the Western Hemisphere (if I recall correctly) with an amazing history (Dr. Mudd - the guy who set John Wilkes Booth's leg was sent here, helped out with a surge of disease and was later pardoned).
Walking around the fort and seeing the canon placement, the incredible masonry work, the big arches made of brick that are still solid 150 years later -- it's a real treat for a history buff or someone who appreciates architecture and/or craftsmanship.
The fishing is terrific, the snorkling/diving is wonderful -- all kinds of old stuff in the water around the fort.
But...when I was there, all boaters had to supply all there own water. The fort collects water in huge cisterns for the 6-7 people who live on the fort full time (all Park Service folks) and there's no fresh water supply on the fort except those cisterns. They don't share it -- there just isn't enough to go around. Unless that's changed, you need to be very self sufficient and bring your own water.
we went there last year--was awesome--well worth the visit--do bring your own provisions and water and make sure waste stays in a holding tank. there is a small store there--for souvenirs and batteries for the cameras. there are certain areas wherein fishing is allowed and others where it is not allowed--you need to see the park service people for the info.
Ditto
As I mentioned check out the web sites I mentioned and they made the trip and have great info going to the fort.
Also bring all that you need like extra water fuel and food and spare parts,if you get stuck do to weather or break down you will not get help,a friend was camping in the park and the ferry from Key West could not come over because of weather and they had planned only 2 days and than they ran out of food and lucky for them the sierra club was there and helped with food so don't think any can't go wrong plan it with extra.
And when boating over some times you can not leave do to weather.
I hope to make the trip one day soon from Punta Gorda.
Nick
As I mentioned check out the web sites I mentioned and they made the trip and have great info going to the fort.
Also bring all that you need like extra water fuel and food and spare parts,if you get stuck do to weather or break down you will not get help,a friend was camping in the park and the ferry from Key West could not come over because of weather and they had planned only 2 days and than they ran out of food and lucky for them the sierra club was there and helped with food so don't think any can't go wrong plan it with extra.
And when boating over some times you can not leave do to weather.
I hope to make the trip one day soon from Punta Gorda.
Nick
I have sailed there several times, it is an easy sail, well marked to Rebecca Shoals, then easy entrance once you get to the yellow boundary buoys (go around to the north).I have made the entrance at night several times, it is well marked. The north pass was closed for a few years, but was open again last time I was there, (July of 2009). They are now pretty particular where you anchor and have a mark on Bush Key that you need to anchor east of. if you draw much water stay a bit south of the docks. You can go aboard the head boats that come in during the day and buy cold drinks and sandwiches. Also, be aware, a few years ago, I was taking my dog ashore in my 7 foot inflatable with a 7 hp motor and one of the rangers coming in on a seaplane gave me a 100 dollar ticket for making a wake in a "no wake zone". Also, make sure you take a trip over to loggerhead Key and snorkel on the reef called "little Africa" it is beautiful. On the way there you can stop at the Marquesas, it is quite shoal but good bonefishing.
Have fun!
Michael
Have fun!
Michael
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