Key West::Part II

On day three we decided to go see Fort Jefferson at the Dry Tortugas. The day started early, we had to meet the ferry at 7am. Nate and I were running late and I don't think I have ever biked so fast in my life! We made it just in time and are so glad we did because it was an incredible day. I highly recommend taking the day trip out to the Dry Tortugas but you are committing your entire day.  It is a 2.5hr boat ride each way, but they serve you breakfast and lunch on the boat, then you arrive back in Key West around 5:30pm.

Aerial view of Ft Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas from their website.

You can get to the Dry Tortugas by sea plane or by the Ferry. We opted for the Ferry since the plane ride is triple the price and Stray likes to be the one flying the plane!

Here is the Yankee Freedom that took us out. The Dry Tortugas are a cluster of islands about 70 miles west of Key West.

Right after docking we took a tour of Fort Jefferson. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable about Fort Jefferson's very interesting history.  It is the 2nd largest masonry structure in this hemisphere and at one point it was used as a prison during the Civil War.

They heat up the the cannon balls in here so that the ships catch fire.

A live prisoner!

One of these cells was Dr. Mudds' cell who mended John Wilkes Booth's leg after shooting Lincoln.

Inside of the fort

Listening to our tour guide.

The fort gave a gorgeous view and it was beautiful day!

After the tour we went back to the boat for lunch and got our snorkel gear on. This was my first time snorkeling in the ocean!

We snorkeled all along this bridge and over by the old dock in the right corner of this picture.

Nate with his fins...

Jenn with her pink fins...

We saw some huge and colorful fish, coral, and huge schools of fish, and I got a sunburn on my back!

Back on the Yankee Freedom ready for the ride home with a margarita.

My hat was about to blow off on the deck!

After we docked we went to Kelly's. It was fabulous!

The next 2 days I was really bad about getting my camera out, I didn't even take pics on our anniversary dinner night out (boo)! Anyways here are some random ones.....

     Southernmost Point

In Key West roosters walk around everywhere. Along with some other weird animals, and people for that matter!

This was an incredibly talented blues band that we listened to at Hogs Breath Saloon. We also had a lot of fun dancing and listening to music at Sloppy Joe's which we did almost every night.

One last picture with Miranda, this was right after I got her a special bell as a going away present:)

Key West Beauty

Beach!

Pete and Jess took us to a local joint for dessert. The desserts were crazy good and I enjoyed drinking my vino out of a chocolate dipped glass, genius!!

We left early on Wednesday morning so we could enjoy the drive over the keys and to sight-see Miami a bit.  Then back home to our girls!

It was such a great vacation, Nate and I cherished every moment together. I really needed this to refresh my mommy soul! Can't wait for our next adventure (more on that soon;).