Terry Strickland, Editor
General Manager, Yankee Freedom II

Recently, Public Broadcasting Service television stations have been running episodes of prolific documentarian Ken Burns’ latest series, “National Parks - America’s Best Idea.” I hope that you have had or will soon have the opportunity to see this program in its entirety. Having been instilled with awe and respect for our country’s natural wonders by my father almost from infancy when we started our annual camping trips to many State and National Parks, I am in complete agreement with Mr. Burns’ subtitle: The Park System may be the best idea our national conscience has ever fostered. The Dry Tortugas only receive a passing mention and a few moments of screen time in the series but then none of the Parks can be fully appreciated or their importance to our national identity understood without visiting in person. What Mr. Burns is deftly able to do is bring to life the experiences of the individuals that saw those potential benefits and more importantly the looming dangers to our Park lands and fought the good fight so that we might enjoy their legacy. It’s easy to carry on that fight – just visit a National Park and take someone with you. Share the experience and spread the word. Honor the foresight and hard work of those pioneers simply by enjoying what they saved for us – and inviting others to enjoy it too.

Speaking of spreading the word, we host quite a few journalists from all over the world on the Yankee Freedom II. They are usually writing for a specific publication and as a result may have a particular editorial slant to what they publish. Recently a group of journalism students from the University of Miami made the trip as research for a writing assignment. One of the students, Nina Markowitz, shared her completed “homework” with us and the result, I think, is a fresh and objective review of the experience. Since it’s always nice to hear a new perspective we’ve included her article in this edition of the newsletter. And if any of you reading this are looking for new writing talent – I’d be happy to put you in touch with Ms. Markowitz.

Trying to figure out what to get that last person on your list? Know someone coming to Key West in the near future? What better present than the amazing full-day experience of the Dry Tortugas? Once again we are making it easy for you to share the experience with your loved ones by giving a gift certificate for passage on the Yankee Freedom II. And to make it a little easier in these trying economic times, we’re giving you a 20% discount off of the standard fares for any gift certificate purchased by December 24th. New this year, you may also purchase a gift certificate for a particular dollar amount that can be applied to any fare. For details and ordering information, please go to Yankee Freedom II Gift Certificates.

From all of us in the Yankee Freedom II organization, Happy Holidays and very bright and prosperous New Year!!