2017—JUST BREATHE TOUR

June 10th -16, 2017

$114,000 raised for the ACS

Day 1

June 10th was the culmination of the last year’s preparations.  All the time and effort put into the event was about to be unveiled.  After a fantastic party at Lou’s and a very detailed pre-launch meeting the night before, the Castaways hit the beach at 6:00 am on June 10th and began to prep their boats as quickly as they could so as to finish as much as possible before the crowd arrived…and what a crowd it was.  In record-breaking attendance, this year’s launch was, by far, the most celebrated.  Close to 300 families and friends came out to honor the cause.  Skipper, as usual, was the amazing MC he always is.  The Viceroy and Vino also gave very heart-felt words which led us to the prayer by Brother Ben.  Sebastian’s father was led to the water for this year’s ceremonial first stroke.  Amidst many cheers and tears, the Castaways and many day paddlers set off on their journey.  We were escorted by a fireboat up to the bridge where we were honored with a waterfall shot from the fireboat.  The weather was absolutely perfect upon launch but took a very ugly turn about an hour in.  We approached and went under what looked like the most ominous storm cloud bridge many of us had ever seen.  Much to the delight of a few day paddlers, we hit the beach a few hundred yards before the lighthouse where three-day paddlers ended their day.  The support team bestowed a hearty serving of snacks upon us.  From here, we set off on a very rough crossing to Soldier Key, averaging about 2 mph. Upon arrival, Sylvie’s husband Alex was waiting to pick her and OB’s boat up, as her day was now done, too.  Great and well-deserved break at Soldier, filled with many laughs and a few drinks. We set off for Sands Cut and were greeted by two groups of supports upon arrival.  Doc Burrus showed up with his crew and rookie Castaway Rick’s mother-in-law and father-in-law, Georgina, and Jose, showed up with water, Gatorade, and beer for the crew. After a very well-deserved break, we pushed on towards Elliot Key.  We were greeted by SWARMS of bloodthirsty mosquitos.  Viceroy exclaimed the next day that this was by far the worst he had experienced in the last 20 years.  Doc Burrus and the support team provided dinner… Doc provided some refreshments of his own.  Day paddler Jason Odio was picked up by boat from Elliot that night as he escaped the hellish night that awaited the rest of the crew.  Most of the team was in their tents before 9 that night as they tried to escape the mosquitos but to no avail.  Some set up camp on the point while some tried to seek refuge upstairs on the deck of the ranger station. 

Day 2

Wake up was set for 5 AM, but almost everyone was up before that.  The consensus was that everyone averaged about 2-3 hours total sleep that night.  Then… the mad dash to the boats to get them loaded and in the water.  After finally getting all the boats in the water, we paddled far enough from Zika Key and had our prayer out on the water.  We had a short stop at the mangroves on our way to Card Sound Point.  After that short stop, we headed towards CSP for a few hours in some decent weather.  While taking a break at CSP, a raccoon tried to hijack Hemingway's boat.  Everyone was in great spirits, telling stories and having some refreshments in the little pool that forms right off the mangroves.  From here, we headed to Alabama Jacks where we met up with family and friends.  Upon arrival, Skipper let Rookie Rick know that since he got there first, he had to buy the first round for the team.  Skipper’s favorite, Corona Lite, it was.  After a great lunch with family and friends, we unloaded some belongings with the road crew.  We loaded up on provisions and headed out to cross the ever-dreaded Barnes Sound.  Just before this, Danny dropped out due to an illness he’d been fighting the last few days.  We had decent weather crossing Barnes and a nice pass through Jewfish. About a mile out from the day 2 landing, Mendo’s rudder broke and he had to be towed in by Skipper and Recon.  We had a great dinner set up for us that night and we were treated to complimentary massages.  Nelly Ramos-Ayala from Touch of F8th hooked us up with much-needed massages. 

Day 3

Traditional breakfast was at Gus’. Kari Linfors joined us for day 3 and handed out shirts honoring her friend who had passed from brain cancer.  Berger was forced to drop out and join Danny on the sidelines.  We headed over to FBO to say hi to Frank and Monica and took our yearly picture with them.  Pablo and Bonilla from Century joined us for day 3.  Mendo was able to get his rudder fixed at FBO and the White Rabbit was back in business.  We headed to Dusenbury Creek.  It started to rain as we entered which provided a phenomenal ambiance for the crossing.  A manatee greeted us as we entered.  Had a nice paddle through Little Buttonwood Sound as we headed to the Salty Piece of Land.  A baby blacktip shark swam alongside Rick as he approached Salty.  Everyone had a nice lunch break.  We took some pictures there, as well.  We crossed Black Water Sound and headed to Toilet Seat Pass.  A nice current pushed us along the way as we spotted a few dolphins during the crossing.  We finally arrived at Toilet Seat Pass. Usual shenanigans ensued upon arrival as Das Horn filled with Angel’s Envy was passed around.  This led to the initiation of the two new Castaways.  The ceremony was excellently run, as usual, by the Skipper.  The crew will never know how dear to Rick his nickname is: Chief.  Mendo was dubbed a crowd favorite, Alice.  We had a great push as we headed for Postcard Inn down Snake Creek.  Jaime’s wife was waiting for us with the road crew, as she was waiting for her husband and her anniversary celebration.  No T rescue this time.  It was a pleasure having Jaime for 3 days this year-maybe the full ride next year? Snacks and refreshments, like clockwork, awaited us upon arrival.  Great dinner at Ciao Hound that night. 

Day 4

Road crew provided Starbucks as Hebrew watched us launch from Post Card Inn as we headed for Robbie’s.  We had a great brunch of frittatas like Robbie’s.  Skipper and Chief were able to get up close and personal with a manatee.  Hebrew surprises us all as he’s waiting for us with his boat in the water.  We welcome him back with a T rescue a few miles out of Robbie’s.  We had a nice break at Anne’s Beach where we spotted a 5 ft nurse shark on the way out.  Fantastic paddle to Pete’s Paradise with the wind at our backs the entire trip.  Amazing stay at Pete’s where Hemingway hands Alice a lobster he caught.  Usual banter fills the air. We had a long haul to the Gulf View Waterfront Resort where, along the way, Hemingway and Chief spot a 7ft bull shark just a few feet from their yaks. Stephanie, Mike, and their two boys greet us at the dock.  Traditional rum and cokes are had in the pool where Kangaroo court was in session… Alice stays Alice.  A fantastic dinner of lobster and smoked pork was provided by the Happy Hour Road Crew.  The lobster was provided by Richard Curry. 

Day 5

Leigh Ann’s Coffee House provided breakfast.  The launch was at 7:15 and Recon’s skeg breaks a few miles from launch.  The crew paddles on to avoid Chiquita’s nightmare of the tide coming in.  Recon and Chief stay back to fix the skeg.  Everyone joins up at Vaca Cut with Steve Frigo present on the bridge.  He’s on the bridge, microphone in hand, lowering popsicles in a bucket.  We head to Sombrero Beach, barely avoiding a storm.  Chief attempts to save a dying iguana on the beach… no good… he had been mauled by a dog a little too bad. Stuffed Pig provides lunch… We get back to our boats and see there is a yard sale in progress.  Mad dash time.  After we recover everything, we head to the meet-up point before the crossing of the 7 Mile Bridge.  Recon gives instructions and we’re off.  Favorable conditions lead to a smooth crossing.  Richard follows in his boat while the Viceroy, El Toro, and the SS AARP stay with Chiquita during the crossing.  A bunch of large, beautiful rays are spotted as we get to Molasses Key.  Typical behavior follows.  More boats are at Frank’s Place than usual.  Richard provides the rum and Jerry, a boater, recognizes us from last year.  Vino is seasick.  Viceroy jumps in the Sebi boat upon departure and flips it.  Vino motors the tandem.  As we head to Bahia Honda, we paddle in the hottest weather we’ve had up to date.   We get to Bahia Honda and take the yaks to the parking lot where they stay overnight.  Vino is still sick… We jump in the cars and bed of the pickup and head to the hotel.  Three Castaways catch a ride with a man from Michigan eagerly offering his assistance.  We check into the Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club where we have another amazing meal secured by Chiquita at the Lighthouse Grill. 

 Day 6

Breakfast is at 6:30 and we jump back in the cars and head back over the bridge to Bahia park.  Kayaks on the water by 8 am.  Two beachgoers from Minnesota join us for prayer.  Soupy crossing and a quick stop at Big Pine Key follows.  Hemingway grabs a neon green beached buoy for the Viceroy’s collection.  We continue on, headed for Little Palm Island.  As we arrive at paradise, the thought of the upcoming lunch fills our minds.  We have an amazing lunch with two key deer keeping us company.  The menu has changed a bit are there are a few complaints from some of the crew, but it was still amazing.  Vino runs into an old friend at Little Palm.  We head to Looe Key break and hang out for a bit.  Nice current slightly in our favor push us to Tarpon Creek.  Again, usual shenanigans follow.  Hemingway catches another lobster.  A VERY hot crossing awaits us as we head to Sugar Loaf.  We are greeted by the road crew and Caren.  Rumrunners are on deck.  Mercy provides food by the pool.  Carlos Luis and Sylvie Galvez-Cuesta show up for that night for their day paddle on day 7.  Drinks that night at the Tiki to close out the night.  Alice gets “sugarloafed.”  Recon and Chief tie the boats to the dock just as the storm hits. 

Day 7

Pastellitos and coffee provided by the road crew from breakfast.  After prayer, we jump into our boats for day 7.  Chief jumps in the tandem with El Toro as the Viceroy jumps in Emma’s Chief (Chief’s boat) for a ride to Castaways Bar. A bunch of baby bonnethead sharks are spotted along Cow Cut Key.  Very smooth crossing as we head to the bar.  We make great time and spend a little over an hour and a half at Castaways Bar.  Carrie Helliesen, our long-time friend and supporter from the Lower Keys chapter of the  American Cancer Society and cancer survivor joins us at the bar to paddle to Smathers with the team. Carrie was co-pilot in a “sit-on-top tandem” kayak; her teammate was a gentleman that was a former US Navy SEAL. (Name?) was heard to retort upon  completing the day’s paddle “ Wow...this is a lot tougher than it looks!” Chief jumps back in his boat and the Viceroy is back with his tag team partner in the SS AARP. Landing at Smathers is well received and very emotional.