2011—THE DIRTY DOZEN TOUR

June11-17, 2011

$42,000 raised for the ACS

Many exciting changes and events happened in 2011, marking the team's 12th Annual Adventure. The team launched June 11th, 2011 - a week later than departures from previous years. A notable change was seen in the team's launch site. Rather than launching from Virginia Key, the crew met at Kenneth M. Myers Park in Coconut Grove. This was done in order to gain some local exposure in the Coconut Grove Grapevine who featured us in two articles during the Spring before our trip. The team roster was set early in the year with Veterans Heath and Chad officially out. Sophomore Castaway, Eric came through in a big way by hosting the annual Kick-Off Party at his home in The Grove. Being down two paddlers the team took on two Rookies - enter: The Swamp Brothers! Before they were famous, the Keszey Brothers: Robbie (L) & Stephen (R), were just two guys that played with deadly reptiles, rodents, and insects for a living as co-owners of the Glades Herp Farm. Their wild dynamic is featured The Discovery Channel. Thus rounding out our Dirty Dozen, indeed. After a terrific crossing, the boys were treated to phenomenal Keys hospitality. As the team arrived in Key West, they were escorted by their brothers and sisters of the Conch Republic Navy, in none other than the Flagship itself, the CRN WOLF, with cannons firing! Many members were promoted, and newer Castaways were inducted into the CRN. Our Captain, Patrick, was deemed "Commander, Castaways Flotilla of the Northern Territories". In case you didn't know, the "Northern Territories" is all that land that lies just north of Key Largo and stretches up to Canada. Fanfare aside, the Castaways made a big splash with the American Cancer Society. The team's efforts pulled in over $42,000 for the ACS, thus ranking our team as #5 in the entire State of Florida