Greetings and a short note from Old Key West. We board the "Playmate" this evening to join our bird tour of the Tortugas over the next three days. Then on Monday morning we will leave the boat to camp for three more days on Garden Key in the Tortugas. On Thursday, we will catch a ferry to return to Key West and then drive back to Key Vaca (Marathon). We look forward to seeing the fort and snorkling off the beach as well as birding this historic location. The Tortugas are the culmination of this spring's venture southward. We have now reached our southernmost point. Garden Key is 70 miles west of Key West, sort of between the Gulf of Mexico, the Straights of Florida, and the Carribean Sea. The Tortugas are at a crossroads. The fort reflects its strategic position. The wildlife take advantage of its remoteness. We will enjoy a full moon while on the boat and then starry nights while camping. We will also be able to watch the sun rise and set over the sea each day.