Spring Break 2019, Dry Tortugas

We had to be up and at ‘em before daylight the next day because we were embarking on our 2.5 hour trip to the Dry Tortugas via the Yankee Freedom. We loaded the ship and should not have been surprised that Thomas made an instant friend. Thomas always makes a friend. The friend is usually a little closer in age. This trip Thomas set his sights on a retired college professor from Missouri named Dr. Norm Cox. John and I quickly made the observation that Thomas’ new friend looked a lot like his “Pop” who we lost a little over a year ago. Thomas and his new friend talked endlessly for 2.5 hours on the way to our destination. Thomas talked, his friend listened and vice versa. There was this sweet little connection. The older gentleman went out to take some pictures, Thomas tagged along. They did a crossword puzzle. They shared a coke.





When we boarded the boat to come home there was a moment we couldn’t find Thomas. After a few minutes we located his buddy. And, there was Thomas right beside him telling him all about his day. 

And what a day it was! Dry Tortugas/Fort Jefferson is the most remote of all our fine nation’s national parks! And, it is my new favorite!

Hey Smiths!

It is literally the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. The way the red brick of the fortress contrasted against the aquamarine water was breathtaking. AND! OMG, Dr. Samuel Mudd was housed here after he and some co-conspirators got what was coming to them after my man Abe met the business end of a Derringer that night in the balcony of Ford's Theater. If it would’ve been up to me, he still be in the dungeon, but do you know that President Johnson pardoned him after HE’D ALREADY TRIED TO ESCAPE!?!? He only served 4 years, but apparently saved everyone at Fort Jefferson from dying of the Yellow Fever so there’s that. But his name will always be Mudd to me!

Thomas and his BFF

The snorkeling was out of this world and we are already planning our trip back!
We ended our day in Key West curving our way around the little side streets of the historic district. The flora of this town defies explination. Only your eyes will do it justice.
BOCK-BOCK! Chickens. They are a thing.








































Charlotte saw some random YouTube star and lost her mind old skool Beatles style. Like with squeals and wet tears. We were flummoxed. Her comparison was, “Mom, if you saw Dolly Parton on the street you would freak out!” Yes, fair child, I would quite literally lose my sh*t if I happened upon her Royal Holiness, Dolly Parton. But, she is also a talented legend who has changed the face of music as we know it. Your little YouTube friend is famous because she tapes herself going to the Starbucks with her mama's money and then makes a fish face about it. Gag me with a spoon. Don't insult Queen Dolly with your naivete.

Mr. Bullington was ever-pleased with our restaurant for the night because it actually was a local dive in the middle of a trailer park that had great food and locals. The food was incredible and the people watching was epic. #WTFlorida