back in u.s. waters!!

May 1992.  After nearly three years in Mexico and Central America, we were back in U.S. waters!!  Our first stop was Fort Jefferson, Florida.  It's located in Dry Tortugas National Park, which is made up of seven small islands, west of Key West.  There are no amenities here, so having a boat is ideal because there is a decent anchorage.  A ferry comes from Key West and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.  Most people stay for four hours and return to Key West.  There are limited camping sites, but we never saw them or the people who were using the sites.  There were several cruising boats, though, and it was fun getting to know the crews.  It seemed to be a popular sailing destination for those who live in south Florida.

Bijou's approach to Fort Jefferson. Since it's so low to the water, it took us a while to actually see it, even through binoculars.

Bijou at anchor in front of Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas.

Samuel Mudd, convicted of aiding and abetting Lincoln's assassination was imprisoned here for four years.  

Aerial view of Fort Jefferson. Small boat anchorage is on the left side of the picture.

May 1992. Center courtyard of Fort Jefferson

May 1992. Carl in the center courtyard of Fort Jefferson.

Carl outside For Fort Jefferson

May 1992. Brickwork of Fort Jefferson

Just looking around Fort Jefferson

Lori just looking around. Small boat anchorage in the background. Bijou anchored center, front.