As we have travelled with kids through the years we have made our way to many national Parks, Monuments, and Preserves. Being all the way down in the Keys we could not pass the opportunity to go to the Dry Tortugas. As we planned our trip we discovered the ferry had limited capacity and full for the days we were visiting. The only other way out is by sea plane (ie not cheap). After some debate we decided this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for us and we would take it. Traveling for this long and with 4 kids is not easy or inexpensive but this is what we save for. We like to say we may have a kitchen and bathrooms from the 80’s in our house, but our kids have seen the US and some of the world. Money is spent on the things we find most important for us it is travel.
The sea plane was absolutely amazing and we recommend if you are making the trek out forget the ferry and go by plane. WOW!! It was quick 40 min instead of 2 hours by ferry. It was exceptionally beautiful and landing on the water was super cool! This may end up being the best part of the trip.
As we got on the plane the pilot asked were we were from. Since he knew the local nickname of our town we knew he was from the area. Turns out he was a pilot at the drop zone we use to skydive at. The more we travel the smaller the world seems. We have met many people while traveling from our area or an area we have lived in. We listed people we both knew and our lives since then. One of those really cool moments far away from home when the world just shrinks.
We flew over the ocean learning about history and sighting boats run aground or sunk, sharks, turtles, and sting rays. Unfortunately we did not get to see any dolphins. The underwater sand dunes were amazing!! They change with the waves throughout the day so they are never the same anytime you pass them. We saw tons of turtles a couple sharks and at least one sting ray. The kids were amazed and happy, even A who had a few mini anxiety attacks leading up to the day. Landing on the water was smooth and simple. We stepped down the ladder and off the plane onto white sand surrounded by blue water. The day could not have been clearer or calmer.
We toured the fort and the kids got their Jr. Ranger Badges. We learned about life way out there and how hard it was to build the fort (which was never even used). The kids found cave formations (stalactites) and thought it was hilarious. The views were beautiful and we smiled through the sweat, well mostly there was a certain little girl who got a bit angry. Just keep going is a moot we use a lot with our crew. After all our touring we were hot and excited to snorkel.
A selfie just to prove momma was there. 
Stalactites 
A happy group walking to the beach 
A very hot and grumpy kid lagging behind
We had bit of loud talking and small kid fits. Getting us all in snorkel gear, sunscreen on, adjusting masks and fins, and deciding where to swim is not an easy task. Then there was a bit of kids arguing as they all were in each others space. Oh my! After a while we got everything settled and were able to swim around the fort. We saw many colorful fish, schools of fish just swam around us. We saw some corals, anemones, sea grasses, and algae. Even with some little troubles it was a great way to spend the afternoon. All too soon it was time to board our plane and leave. We watched jealously as we passed a few families camping on the island. What a great way that would be to spend a few days. In checking one thing off the bucket list we may have added another.
The sand was full of shells 
A second after this he saw a crab inside and threw his treasure! Lol! 
Our flight back was just as awesome as our flight there. This time each of our kids spent some time in the cockpit. B helped take off and C helped land. Ha ha! It was such a phenomenal experience for the kids. The just lit up climbing into the cockpit and looking out the windows. Travel is wonderful, but watching our travels through our kids eyes is so much better. It is sad to think they will be grown soon and our travels will just be us with no kids to see the world through.
Underwater sand dunes 
Can you find the turtle? 
After landing back in the keys we climbed into our home took some quick showers (major perk of traveling in your house), buckled up, and headed to the Everglades. We watched the sun set and a thunderhead form as we drove through the keys. the kids were in their pajamas by the time we reached the Everglades National Park sign but got out for their photo anyway. We followed the thunderhead watching the lightening flash in it all the way to our site at the Flamingo Camp. The bugs were intense and it was late so we climbed into bed exhausted from an exciting day.
The beast looks good at the beach! 
Our 6S Full Life 