Dry Tortugas

Thursday 2-12- Left Key West with lite N wind, beautiful hot sunny day. Motor sailed to Marquesas Key, where we spent a bumpy night with shifting winds. I have read that this group of islands makes up the only known atoll in the Atlantic. Shallow draft boats can enter inside the lagoon and be nearly fully protected, unfortunately our draft limited us to anchoring offshore. Beautiful beaches and many shipwrecks to explore and we hope to spend time here on our return trip.

Friday-Fogged in, but a long trip ahead of us across open water. Headed out under full sail in heavy fog much of the day. Anchored at Garden Key in Dry Tortugas late afternoon. Protected anchorage off of Fort Jefferson. We are now 75 miles west of Key West, the waters are crystal clear with great beaches.

Sat,Sun,Mon.- Warm but fog keeps rolling in and out. Spent our days snorkeling in magnificent coral reefs and shipwrecks and exploring the islands. Colorful fish and corals abound in the shallow reefs. Goliath Groupers at least 5 ft long hang around the boat whenever we are cleaning fish. Apparently these protected fish have become like pets to the divers. Have been given numerous fish by the commercial boats that spend the night anchored here. Wishing for shrimp or lobster but no luck there, next trip we bring rum to trade. The fisherman won't take cash but a 6 pack got me a bucket of Yellowtail Snapper today. These boats come out of Key West and this is the only protected anchorage for nearly 50 miles.

Tues,Wed- A cold front with strong N winds came thru Mon afternoon. Skies have cleared but the Waters are much rougher today, and until winds subside we plan to stay put. Spending our time wandering around Garden Island, Finding spots out of the wind to snorkel and hang out on beach.

Thurs 2-19, Today we get a break from the strong winds before the next cold front arrives this evening. Headed out at 5:30 am under moonlit starry skies. As we were leaving the harbor schools of flying fish were leaping all around us. They actually look like they fly as they skip across the surface. Wouldn't make much of a meal though as they are only 6 in long. Great sailing with winds 10 to 12 kts from the south with temps near 80. Arrive Key West late afternoon. Todays sail brought us 75 miles, our longest stretch to date.

Fri,Sat- As predicted winds strong again from North. Much cooler but sunny with a high of 70. To town for lunch, shopping, internet and biking about. Dingy ride across harbor very wet with spray from wind and waves. Moved to north of city as wind shifted, better dingy ride and protection.