 We
saw some pretty spectacular views from the Fort. Here we saw a
great view of Loggerhead Key. Guess the prisoners that were here
didn't think it was too great. Parts of the Fort are
deteriorating badly. Apparently the builders re-enforced the
openings with iron. As the iron corrodes, it pushes the brick
away from the structure. The Park Service is slowly
rehabilitating the structure but funding is limited. If you are
into lighthouses, the Dry Tortugas is a place to go.
 Our
anchorage as viewed from the Fort. The boat in the far background
is the Jule III. Harry and the Girl are out of sight behind the
Fort. The Girl was somewhat of a pain as she used excessive scope
on her anchor. This prohibited anybody else anchoring anywhere
near her. In the distance, one can see the breakers that mark the
southern reef. The anchorage is protected on three sides.
However, the swells from the southwest can make for an
uncomfortable anchorage.
 The
eastern channel of Garden Key has slowly shoaled to the point
where Garden Key and Bush Key are now connected. The shoaling has
reduced the size of the harbor a bit but it also greatly reduced
the tidal currents. Bush Key is a protected bird sanctuary. It is
one of the few places in the world where the sooty tern nests.
Several of the keys in the Dry Tortugas are off limits. Count on
visiting only Garden and Loggerhead Keys.
 We
visited the beach nearly every day to get a little sun. Ren and
Barb were there a few times as we wandered by. The beach is
nearly empty except from 1000 through1500. Then it can be quite
crowded when the Key West tourists overrun the place. Garden Key
is a popular snorkeling area and the waters surrounding the fort
often have 150 explorers. The Park Service is investigating ways
of reducing the human burden on the local ecosystem.
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