Back to Key West - Dry Tortugas, FL

Once back aboard the Yankee Freedom, headed towards Key West, all officially certified Junior Rangers receive a free ice cream!

After the kids enjoyed their refreshing goodies, we all just curled up to relax, reveling contentedly in all we just experienced.

It was a life-alteringly amazing trip, for sure...

Key West on the Horizon

Back to Civilization! Where to now??

Ah, yes! Key West!

Random Tortugas: Day Three - Dry Tortugas, FL

Our last day in paradise...

The morning was spent packing up the campsite, cleaning up, and loading all our gear back on to the boat. We got our Junior Ranger books signed off and received our badges. We hit up the gift shop inside the fort to purchase some goodies, and then we went for one last round of swimming, snorkeling, and exploring before it was time to turn in the snorkel equipment and get ready for the ride back to Key West.

The Dry Tortugas was a Bucket List Dream Come True. This was, hands down, the most beautiful set of beaches and the most amazing fort, all experienced under breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and by the glow of the full moon.

The solitude was unparalleled. 

The relaxation, the exploration...

It was all sheer perfection.

We couldn't have asked for a better trip. And we only wish we could have stayed longer.

But, we WILL be back. 

Goodbye, Paradise!

Junior Rangers - Dry Tortugas, FL

We had a lot of fun with this particular Junior Ranger Badge. This Ranger was SO amazing with the kids. Here he is, going over our books and rewarding the kids with their badges. They learned so much working with him and he was definitely an integral part in making our adventures so fantastic!

 

Junior Ranger Badges and Gift Shop Swag

Random Tortugas: Day Two - Dry Tortugas, FL

From touring every nook and cranny of the fort, its paths, and the island; to snorkeling every coral enclave full of tropical fish; to working hard on our Junior Ranger Badges; it's been a fabulous journey of discovery! 

The boat comes in every morning around 9, and then departs at 3. While it is in dock you can interact with the docents, and purchase lunch, snacks, drinks, or waterproof cameras. 

But the best part about camping is the pure solitude that engulfs your senses when the boat loads up the day visitors and heads back to Key West.  

All alone on this glorious island...  

There's nothing like it!