Unfortunately, Jodie and Grant both battled seasickness, but the Yankee Freedom crew was very attentive taking their used seasick bags and providing them with fresh ones along with ginger ale. They were starting to feel better by the time we arrived at Fort Jefferson. 
We started our visit with an informational tour of the fort by Yankee Freedom interpreters. They provided great information about the fort, including a mechanism on the cannon doors that opened because of the air pressure from the cannons. Then they closed as soon as the projectile passed, making the time that the door was open only a fraction of a second. We also learned about Dr. Mudd’s time in the prison. Some say that Mudd was not a Confederate conspirator but nearly a physician fulfilling his Hypocratic Oath by treating the injured man’s broken leg. Unlike many involved in the Lincoln Assassination, Mudd was given a life sentence rather than hanging. Mudd is reported to have redeemed himself by saving many lives of prisoners and guards for the yellow fever epidemic. 
Because so many people at Fort Jefferson were dying of yellow fever the army built facilities on a nearby key that came to be called hospital island. Medical thought at the time was that yellow fever was transmitted directly from person to person; the mosquito was not known as a vector at that time. Moving soldiers, prisoners and medical staff to hospital island did not slow the death rate due to the epidemic. When the medical staff had died, Dr. Mudd offered to assist in providing treatment to those infected. He kept meticulous notes and came to see a pattern that soldiers who were quartered on the upper levels of the fort were infected at a far lower rate than those sleeping on the parade grounds surrounded by the fort. When we suggested that everyone be moved to the highest elevation of the fort, the yellow fever abated saving many lives of prisoners and the guards subjecting him to hard labor at the fort. Even though he didn’t know it was mosquitoes causing the disease, he found a workable solution. Because of his dedication, the soldiers at the fort sought and won a pardon for Dr. Mudd after four years of his sentence. 
After the hour-long fort tour, we returned to the Yankee Freedom for lunch that was included in the fee. We had turkey subs from Jersey Mike’s as well as two coconut cookies. Cindy got some Dramamine chewable tablets for Jodie and Grant. After lunch, Mary, Cindy and Jodie took a walk around attached Bush Key to the overlook at a rookery for the Magnificent Frigate Bird, which has the largest wing area per pound of weight. 
Grant’s leg was hurting so he stayed near the dock with the bags while Steve and I snorkeled in the shallow water around the key. We met up around 2:30 to board the Yankee Freedom ferry for the return trip to Key West. Mary, Cindy, Grant and Jodie got the same seats for the 2 ½ return trip. 
Thankfully, neither of them became seasick on the trip. Mark, Steve and I stood at the front of the bow where the wind and cool spray felt good. We stayed there until the ship entered an area of rain with about 30 minutes remaining in the trip. We arrived at the Key West ferry dock a little before 5:30 and made our way to the cars to drive to dinner.
Thankfully, neither of them became seasick on the trip. Mark, Steve and I stood at the front of the bow where the wind and cool spray felt good. We stayed there until the ship entered an area of rain with about 30 minutes remaining in the trip. We arrived at the Key West ferry dock a little before 5:30 and made our way to the cars to drive to dinner.
We decided to return to Mangrove Mama’s since it is so close to our rental house. Our meal there earlier in the week was good, so our choice was easy. The restaurant was short on kitchen staff and waiters so we had a short wait for a table. We wanted to sit inside since there was live music at the outdoor dining area and we wanted a quieter place to talk. We were seated close to the band where it was very loud. They were actually pretty good, especially considering that they were not actually a band at all but musicians who had just met and were playing a lot of classic rock. Musicians came and went throughout the evening, and it was actually enjoyable although we would have appreciated a lower volume. Because we were outside, several diners were smoking which was unpleasant for us but we dealt with it. Everyone enjoyed their meal, mostly of local seafood. I had the blackened grouper sandwich with onion rings which was very good.
After dinner we returned to the house where Steve and Mark looked through photos of Mark and Cindy’s trip to South Africa last fall while Mary, Cindy and Jodie played Skip-Bo. We turned in a little after 10.
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