4 Questions With The October 2016 #DryTortugas Photo Contest Winner

Meet Yacira Maldonado Torres, our October 2016 #DryTortugas Photo Contest winner. We had the chance to ask her a few questions about her experience at the Dry Tortugas National Park. Read on to learn how she captured her amazing photo!

1. When did you visit the Dry Tortugas National Park? Did you arrive by seaplane, the Yankee Freedom ferry or another way?

We visited the Dry Tortugas in September 2016, and we arrived at the park aboard the Yankee Freedom ferry.

2. If you arrived by the Yankee Freedom, how was your ferry trip?

The trip was wonderful! We had nice weather and the captain was very skillful driving the boat. We experienced a really smooth ride, and the food was good. We were happy we got to see seabirds, sea turtles, and flying fish.

3. How did you capture your winning photo? What inspired you to take it? Did you use any cool camera gear?

It happened in just a quick moment. I saw the beautiful frigate bird flying over us and I took the photo using my iPhone 6S. My husband is a seafarer and he once told me that in maritime folklore, frigate birds were birds of a good omen as their presence meant that land was near.

4. What made your trip to the Dry Tortugas memorable?

It was nice to see a part of our country that’s so beautiful and full of history. You really learn to appreciate nature at the Dry Tortugas.