Miles from civilization, this Florida park is a stargazer's paradise

Dry Tortugas National Park feels worlds away: the article describes an island getaway 70 miles west of Key West where visitors rely on the Yankee Freedom ferry, private boats, or a seaplane—the only practical ways to reach the remote Gulf of Mexico park. Based on a trip timed for camping, the writer boarded the ferry just before 10:30 a.m. after driving to Key West months after securing a limited two-night camping spot. The journey took 2.5 hours, and the ship’s indoor air-conditioned areas and complimentary breakfast and coffee were available on the outbound trip. On arrival at Garden Key, visitors camp near Fort Jefferson, described as the largest masonry structure in the Americas, and enjoy activities like snorkeling in a four-hour window ashore.