Dry Tortugas National Park: A Guide for First TIme Visitors

[@timh.940]

What kind of sandwich? You need to stop in PA and check out Longwood Gardens right in my backyard!

[@tomnjudychalmers]

You are such an inspiring couple. We live in Ontario Canada and look forward to following you on this awesome adventure up the east coast. It will be easy for us to duplicate when we head south to Florida and west to Texas in 2024. You both pronounced Newfoundland correctly the first time. The emphasis is on the first syllable, the last 2 syllables are identical. Noo-fuhnd-luhnd Can't wait for the next video in this series.

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks so much!

[@CatherineHamel]

Newfoundlander here. We actually pronounce the first two syllables quickly and the last syllable with a long 'A'. Just like you would normally say it when talking about land..."Look at all of the land he owns". So, it would be Noo-fin-lAnd.

[@michaelburke9153]

Thank you so much for bringing this national treasure to folks attention. Like the Spanish missions of San Antonio, its great to see it is being preserved for future generations.

[@petitchenil]

Great video. I lived on Key West in the mid 80's for a few years and never made it to Dry Tortugas. About two weeks before I moved a friend was telling me I should buy a share in Mel's treasure hunt just for fun. It was $100 a share and I was moving to CA so I needed the gas money. Two days before I left for CA the radio station announced they found the treasure! I took my wife back to Key West to visit friends and toured Mel's treasure - that's mind blowing; a must do if you are visiting Key West. Thanks for sparking the memories.

[@meridethhendry5733]

Love this video! We’ve been to Key West a few times but never further than that. Love the sea plane! We’ve been on small prop planes a couple of times, once in Hawaii over the Mauna Loa volcano and once in Alaska to visit a glacier. So much fun!

[@peggyr.346]

I love places like this!! I’m one of those weirdos who would go to an off the path wall and touch an odd placed brick and think that the last person to touch it before me was the person who actually laid that brick! What great history!

[@elizabethlarose3632]

Went with my daughter on the boat called The Yankee Clipper….fabulous visit…we snorkeled…

[@melissalouderback1325]

Video was great! So happy that you got Kris for a pilot and that Stacey got to ride up front. We enjoyed meeting you in the keys and hope to see you again on the road!

[@BoomerTheRVBassett]

Phil, I agree with you, got to think of the tummy first

[@BoomerTheRVBassett]

🥰Love ya both, and it was great to meet ya both at Tampa, (too bad we did not have Boomer with us, but he was at a friend's house for a play day)

[@brendasweetapple7444]

So excited that your are visiting Newfoundland my home province, love to say Hi while your on the island but do your homework it isn't a small island..:) NS is also a great visit.

[@mikenowak2360]

Looks exciting Phil I love a good sandwich. Thanks for all the tips.

[@frans.6369]

Thanks for the mini tour! This is on my bucket list and the price has been a deterrent- now I see what I’m missing and am going to work towards getting there. Look forward to watch as you travel the east coast. Have fun!

[@todayissomeday]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardpeebles8492]

I’m with Phil, the sammich is enough to sway me to take the ferry ⛴️

[@rvcruising]

You can also take your own boat there. We used to anchor out in front of the fort. Some people take a tent (if they have a smaller boat) and camp at the fort. Beautiful place.

[@polgara28]

I was wondering about personal boats. Thanks!

[@rickhicks3477]

I like Phil's pro tip. Food is always good 👍 😋

[@airstreamer]

Thanks for sharing this! So glad you were able to film Dry Tortuga's National Park and share this wonderful area with us.

[@scotttaylor3598]

"Understand" = "Newfoundland" - taugtht that by a Newfy! We took the ferry to Dry Tortugas, got in some snorkelling, unfortunately a recent storm had the water churned up and low visibility that day. Also ferried North Sydney to Port Aux Basque - another interesting ride! Happy to provide some insider tips for New England and the Maritime provinces! ST

[@pameladstephens]

We just visited Dry Tortuga's! Totally agree it is worth it. We took the sea plane (first flight) for a full day. Loved the history, the fort and the snorkeling. So thankful we were able to experience this trip.

[@rwhite11534]

We met a couple on a cruise a few years ago from Newfoundland. They told us it is New Found Land. :) Enjoy! love watching you two!

[@rfarevalo]

Rain water was filtered through layers of clean sand and empty shells before entering the cistern to provide high water quality.

[@nancyrojas1926]

It is beautiful can't wait to see your up coming adventures!!! Sanmich please..

[@americanrvtraveler2446]

I've been there and done that. Yes, the best way is the seaplane trip.

[@marshaclifton1535]

Yup, I've flown down there. Live in key largo

[@nanahaney1625]

I'm excited for this journey and a sammich is good! Enjoy the journey!

[@randyadams328]

I’d opt for the samich to Phil great tip!!

[@bryanwood84]

Hope to see you guys out there in Newfoundland. My wife myself and another couple are traveling from Ontario Canada and heading there August 15th until September 7th this year. We will have Margaritas ready!!!

[@dawnie3029]

We were just camping at a COE in Florida and met an older couple that lived right near the campground. They worked for the National Park Service and lived at Dry Tortugas NP for 12 years. So cool talking to them.

[@todayissomeday]

Wow! That is amazing. I would have loved to hear that conversation! I cant imagine living there for 12 years! I would have serious island fever!

[@kipeast]

Good pro tip, Phil! Sammiches are important! Plus, with the money you save taking the ferry, you can afford a nice dinner after.

[@todayissomeday]

Very true!

[@AcadianBitcoiner]

So glad to see this video, Fort Jefferson and Dry Tortugas are on our Bucket List too. We just talked about Fort Jefferson with the Park Ranger at Fort Sumter in Charleston SC just over a week ago. Also thrilled that you are headed to Canada. Here in Nova Scotia, you'll pass just 2.5 miles from our welcoming front door on your way to the Newfoundland ferry, We can't wait to see you up here. We'll even teach you how to say Newfoundland. Michael & Amanda

[@mpress60]

The ferry is air conditioned and you get a samich!! 2.5 hour trip each way but well worth it. Pure Paradise.

[@brucefranklin6765]

My brother in law used to captain a research boat for NOAA years ago out of Key West. My son in his teens helped him with the divers doing research on Lobsters at the fort. I’ve been there a few times as a guest on the research boat. Loggerhead Key where the lighthouse is , is amazing!

[@kenpatton8761]

I noticed that #297 on your bucket list is Istanbul TU. As a retired USAF E7 who was stationed there at a remote site for a couple of tours, Istanbul has a number of places to see and you’d have a great time but….you might enjoy Ephesus more. One of the 7 ancient wonders of the world is there, the temple of Artemis. The house of the Virgin Mary is not far away either. And of course the Library and theatre. I saw Diana Ross perform an HBO special while sitting on those marble steps! I was single at the time but now I can retrace my steps and share my past travels with my wife. A new bucket list for the 2 of us! Safe travels all! Cheers

[@todayissomeday]

That is awesome. Thanks for the tips.

[@ncoronis]

Phil, we are on the same page. Samwiches is important! Good Pro Tip. We love you guys. Thanks for all you do.

[@todayissomeday]

Our pleasure!

[@randysiegersma9776]

We did the plane, and that was the best my wife gets seasick, and it was a rough day on the water. You can also see sharks ,turtles, and other sealife from the plane. The fort was great, but because of the rough water, snorkeling was not the best that day, definitely a must-see

[@bigrobsescapades241]

I’m with you buddy on the samwich

[@brianlykins6663]

Alright, guys, another great stop. I always look at structures like ya'll did, how did they build something like that. Without engineering, without all the government meddling, labor disputes, OSHA, it's a wonder they got anything done. Stacy I believe your pronunciation of New Foundland is correct. At least, that's how an ignorant Texas guy says it. Looks like ya'll have big travel plans. Glad your taking us along with you. God bless ya'll and stay safe on the road guys.

[@michaelstewart8143]

I loved Phil’s pro tip… Sanmitches are important…. You go man.

[@missyjean3588]

Wow! You had such beautiful weather in the Dry Tortuga's National park, another great video! Thank you Phil and Stacey 💕

[@denisewalters8247]

Phil needs his sandwich & snacks. 😂. Like this video! Please keep makin them!😃👍

[@todayissomeday]

More to come!

[@garryhammond3117]

Great start! - This will be an awesome trip guys! Too bad you're not coming to Ottawa to say hi to us. 😀😀 We'll be watching you all the way! - Cheers!

[@todayissomeday]

Maybe one day!

[@SmokeyBear2001]

Great video and thanks for showing this park...add to our bucket list! Only a few years from retirement- ugh!! My late father served in Navy on USS Henry W. Tucker destroyer, like you guys he loved the Navy! Safe travels and thanks for your service and providing the content that you do.

[@hardyschlegel1048]

You're going to love Nova Scotia so much to see here! Safe travels!

[@4LowRocks]

A sammich is always a good pro tip!! Great video.

[@captainkirk8806]

Hey guys great trip to being taking. We went from Virginia up and found some really great places. You guys should check out Boothbay Brewery and RV park when you hit Maine. Great beer and a great little town to visit.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for showing this National Park south far south of the Florida Keys. Wow!! Amazing that a fort was built that far out into the Atlantic Ocean. Yes, I think I would take the seaplane out to this National Park Center.. And yes, bringing sandwiches along is great to have on flights!!! I laughed at that suggestion tip from your husband! By being a former Purser Flight Attendant, I know what it is to have food on an airplane! Hahaha!😊

[@donwilliams6879]

Enjoy your trip to Canada. If you take 81 north past Scranton Pa you'll be in my back yard. The Endless Mountains are beautiful.

[@jeannestark6293]

Been there , done that . 2010!!! We are in clearwater , fl

[@angiemitchell5950]

I LOVE Phil's pro tip. Have fun.

[@badasscouger3]

Absolutely Phil! Sammich is the pro tip. Duelly noted! Thanks!

[@cathym3182]

Enjoyed this video. So many others just focus on the snorkeling but this was so interesting. We're jealous about you going to Newfoundland. It has been on my bucket list for years so we'll be excited to see your videos. We are heading to Nova Scotia again this year to explore the Cabot Trail. Hope you will love Nova Scotia as much as we do.

[@chasfls]

When traveling to Canada just before you cross-fuel up on the US side, it is much cheaper. Same with taking the ferry to Newfoundland. Look at the Navy fam camp Great Pond in Maine. This is a good stop. When in Rocky harbor Newfoundland make sure you get reservations for Gros Morne National Park, a boat ride in western Brook pond. Costco in Saint John is a good place to shop. While in Saint Anthony the boat ride whale watch/iceberg is again good time. I really enjoyed my time in Newfoundland

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks for the tips!

[@denisdube218]

in canada in de french pro vice of Québec the name of Newfoundland is " terre Neuve " so it means new land recently discover so you really Newfoundland the way you are suppose to prononce the name. I wish you a nice trip.

[@shawnwinspear5413]

I appreciate Phil's Pro tip Pro Tip, My wife and I will visit Sigsbee campground and Dry Tortugas in Oct '23 and I'll get my Ferry Sammich

[@chrisbrown811]

Phil - great pro tip! Proper nutrition is key to an enjoyable visit! 😇

[@todayissomeday]

It sure is! LOL

[@blakep4082]

Great video as usual. We're from Saskatchewan Canada and we ventured out to St. Johns NFLD a few years back. You have to check out the harbour. Very scenic and interesting place. Also check out Cape Spear. Its the furthest east point in North America. There is a beer made in NFLD that is made with water from ice bergs I'm sure you'll enjoy. Have fun and I'm looking forward to you're adventures.

[@edcarter2952]

Looking forward to your journey up the coast. My father is from the rock. Yes pronounce it New fund land. You will love it. Going back soon myself. This fall though we are doing the Canadian maritime area Cabot trail PEI and Halifax.

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks for the assist! Enjoy your adventure!

[@crprovost]

We went to the Dry Tortuga’s a few years back and took the ferry. The samich was pretty good and had a snack on the way back. You missed out 😂

[@dennysisk1100]

We often. thought would definitely like to visit there.

[@charlesmorgan9664]

Phil I'm with you a midrats sammich may be a game changer.

[@karricompton]

I would love to visit Dry Tortugas! Will have to plan that.

[@sandibergstrom711]

Wow, this will be a great trip to watch!! We are spending the summer in Massachusetts working at a campground, and to hang out with my soon to be 99 year old father. If you are looking for places in central/western Mass, just ask! I grew up in Central Mass. We also have a home in SC, on the coast, so we have some ideas for that area also.

[@santiagoflores8950]

Love the pro tip

[@mrp18]

The sam-ich is always a good pro tip!

[@JodysJourney]

I love Phil’s pro tip! 🤣🤣🥪

[@danielberube7436]

Looking forward to your Canadian trip, I am from Halifax Nova Scotia. You will have a great trip, fantastic people. Have Fun

[@irenekonowal1846]

Thank you for an awesome video and looking forward to travel with you to Canada.

[@todayissomeday]

Our pleasure!

[@samiran881]

sandwich is really good protip. we need snacks before starting 4-5 hr tour

[@amyrhodes-gu5ux]

We just visited the park via ferry last week. Sea state was low and ride was smooth - perfect weather too. The ferry fare also included a Fort Jefferson tour - highly informative - and left time for some snorkeling as well. And … the sandwich/lunch was a hit! Also included bagels for breakfast and inexpensive drinks (think Margaritas) on the ride back to Key West. Visiting a must do! (We’re also following you up the East Coast from here - only as far as DC though this time)

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Cheese1848m]

Battleship New Jersey is a must see on your trip up the coast.

[@kayefink8293]

Hey food is always a pro tip, along with ice cream recommendations lol

[@todayissomeday]

Definitely!!

[@garydwater2112]

Thanks!

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks, Gary!

[@glenstierle6347]

Phil I like your pro tip. Food is key.

[@missyjean3588]

We like Phil’s pro tip 🤣

[@susananderson618]

Absolutely AWESOME video! We have been to Dry Tortugas National Park - we actually attended a wedding there what an amazing day it was. Definitely this is a bucket list for everyone, the build is amazing and if you love the water it is a definite do not miss. Safe travels!

[@jcnickerson3476]

We did this trip July 4th 2018 (my birthday weekend) and my brother in law jumped in to the "shot gun seat" in and out!!! And Phil..... a sam-ich!! No way, but a cocktail would do it!! LOL

[@stevemcbride2685]

Love the sammich

[@rickrichardson5329]

Thank you for the history lesson. I love the videos when yall have history too. That was a beautiful place thanks for sharing

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks for watching

[@oursenioradventures8513]

A little off topic, but my husband and myself are now at Alsatian RV Resort based on your recommendation. We love it! We’ll also be checking out your suggestions for San Antonio. Safe travels and hope to me you on the road soon.

[@todayissomeday]

That is awesome!

[@dennycappetta2035]

Looking forward to seeing your new adventures. Have fun!

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks so much!

[@The_New_Smokey]

We camped out for the night, that was an excellent experience to have.

[@rollinwiththedavises1938]

We visited Dry Tortugas a few years ago by ferry. (I wanted to fly but was voted down because of the cost). Yes, Phil we got a sammich. Only problem was there was rough seas that day. They were selling Dramamine on the way out and were giving it away on the way back. Hubs and I did ok without it, but that boat ride was really memorable. Unfortunately, the water was stirred up and murky at the fort and we also opted not to snorkel even though there would have been time. Really looking forward to this video series.

[@todayissomeday]

Sounds like quite an adventure!

[@drlow84]

Very well made documentary

[@MagaRickn]

Well, I'm with Phil. Traveling and sightseeing is way more fun if you are not hungry! ;)

[@MrAlbarry51]

Awesome episode! Love the Florida Keys. Looking forward to your travels to Canada.

[@todayissomeday]

More to come!

[@robinmoore5181]

Always enjoy watching 😊

[@grayfox9911]

Y'all be careful out there! Thanks for the video!🙃

[@waynecornwell2321]

Thanks for bringing us along!

[@TravelingonAdventures]

Damn! I'm on the boat for the sammich!!! 🙂

[@Lbeam82]

Love it!!!!! So thankful for your shared videos.

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks for watching!

[@heroman9900]

Any info on spending the night camping? Sounds like that would give you extra time.

[@relewis3]

Another pro tip is book as early as possible for either the ferry or sea plane. I tried to book 2 months in advance and still didn’t get a spot on either. I guess we will have to plan another trip to the keys!

[@cchambersglenn]

It reminds me a bit of the Citadel (fort in Old Quebec City)

[@testersbc1]

got agree with Phil ..gotta have a snack!!

[@janicepargh5155]

Enjoy you guys.

[@TwoCaptainsOneShip]

Looked awesome!! So happy you made the trip! ❤❤

[@wrzos07]

I'm not sure the condition now, as it was years ago when we visited. We chartered a sailboat and spent 10 days sailing out to the Tortugas from Key West. The advantage was of course 3 full days at the park, including time to visit Loggerhead Key. There used to be a coral reef formation on the back side of that key (the one with the lighthouse) called "Little Africa' for the shape of the coral when viewed by air. I've snorkeled all around the world including Australia, Belize, Malta, Costa Rica, etc. The snorkeling behind the lighthouse was the best I've seen. Of course this was almost 20 years ago now, and so some of that may be that it was in better shape than the coral I'm seeing now. But I'm glad you were able to visit, but skipping the snorkeling means you'll need to return.

[@robynkoppin5481]

Newfoundland is more the quick pronunciation, not the very clear one. My sister was born there when my dad was stationed at Harmon AFB. We've been following you for awhile now,especially as we're working on our own KZbin Channel - EscapingNormalRV. We love what you're doing! Do you have any problem filming at National Parks? Dave and Robyn

[@todayissomeday]

Depends on the park. You have to check their rules. Many of them require you to fill out a long form but usually do not charge a fee. Be sure to look way ahead because it can take a few weeks for the approval process.

[@toddramsay977]

Need to take a private plane t/air taxi/etc to Gateway to the Arctic N.P. You can do the Dalton Hwy. and hike 4 miles at its closest point to the park. It is the nations fewest travelled to park. July and August is the best time.

[@martykerr8478]

Love your pro tip!

[@terrybeverlywalker8261]

great pro tip Phil