2021—BLACKJACK TOUR

“Double Down On The Fight”

June 12-18, 2021

$290,117 was the total raised including the 1:1 match.

We funded an Early Detection Clinic & Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Project each for 2 years.

June 12 - Saturday, Day 1

Once again - for the 22nd time - the Castaways Against Cancer found their way to the beach to kick off the Blackjack Tour.  With the transition into a nonprofit, the Castaways have undergone many changes but the mission remains the same: fund cancer research and honors those who have fought the fight.

Unlike past years, this year’s Launch was “official” official as arrangements were made with the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department: they gave us a key to the gate!?!  

While the Castaways - paddlers, landlubbers, and supporters - arrived early, there still seemed to be frenetic energy in the early morning.  Boats were unloaded onto Castaway Beach and paddlers began arranging their gear all while the Vaca Cut Fairy Steve Frigo played the Castaway Spotify playlist.  With setup underway and the crowd slowly growing, a torrential downpour ensued.  Frigo kept the music blaring and the spirits never dampened.  

With setup complete, the opening ceremony began.  Captain Pina (aka Eric Pino) addressed the crowd of family, friends, colleagues, and supporters thanking them for their immense support not just during the record-setting year of 2021 (the Castaways raised an incredible $185,000!!!) but most importantly over the 22 years of the team’s existence.  

Pino invited a new element to the team: the cyclists.

Last year Javi Hermida embodied OB and experimented with an idea: cycle from Key Biscayne to Key West to fundraise for cancer research.  The experiment similar to OB’s 22 years earlier was successful minus mishaps and unforeseen obstacles - it’s a learning experience.

This year equipped with lessons learned and experienced riders, Hermida helped formalize the cycling element of the Castaways Against Cancer.  Leaving June 18th and cycling 170 miles, their story can be found here.

Representing the cyclists alongside Captain Pina was Billy Krauss who gave an impassioned retelling of his personal experiences with cancer and how the loss of his mother has inspired him like many within the Castaway family to “light a candle instead of cursing the darkness.”

Following Billy, Captain Pina introduced the crowd to Noah from the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center where Noah recommitted the university’s support for the Castaways (this recommitment has led to an agreement where the Castaways will raise $1 million over the next 5 years).  Other noteworthy dignitaries addressed the crowd ranging from a spokesperson from the mayor’s office, a representative from the parks department, the opening prayer by Alberto Rodriguez, and of course our very own Patrick Linfors.

For the first time in 22 years, the four original Castaways found themselves on Castaway Beach: Patrick Linfors (Tire Iron), Bob Linfors (the Flying Dutchman), OB (Viceroy), and Dave Isenberg.  The moment - unfortunately- was bitter-sweet.  What brought the four together this June morning was the devastating news Isenberg received a month earlier.  His current fight with cancer has been inspirational and awe-inspiring.  His courage to fight and live his life with joy, laughter, and love will be a constant reminder to his family, friends, and Castaway brethren why the Castaway mission matters.  We couldn’t have thought of a better person than Dave Isenberg for the ceremonial first stroke.

After final good-byes and a very large group picture, the Blackjack Tour officially came underway as the paddlers’ boats set their course for Bear Cut.  Despite the early rain shower, the weather for the remainder of day 1 was pleasant.  The winds were subtle and gave the paddlers a gentle push.  

The first stop of the day was near the Cape Florida Lighthouse where Peggy and Joe of the Happy Hour Road Crew provided the paddlers with cold beverages which accompanied the best sandwiches one will find in South Florida: thank you Mercy Sellek!

From the lighthouse, the paddlers crossed Biscayne Channel with their sights set on their next stop: Soldier Key.  

The crossing to Soldier was smooth as the winds were at the paddlers’ back, the water was flat, but the sun was bright.  With the temperatures rising, the stop at Soldier Key was a necessary reprieve where paddlers swapped snacks and laughs.  The paddlers couldn’t have asked for a better start to the tour.

From Soldier, the paddlers set for Sands Cut.  For the past three tours the paddlers haven’t had the luxury to enjoy the sights and sounds of Sands Cut, but luck was on the side of the paddlers with clear skies.  As the paddlers approached, they were welcomed with a cacophony of reggeaton and boat engines.  Despite the merriment and jovial environment, the paddlers faced some difficulties.  Scholer’s boat - the Blue-Bayou - began taking on water leaving the back half of his kayak dangerously close to submarining.  Roger provided assistance along with Rick to help empty Biscayne Bay from Scholer’s boat.

The rest of the Castaways spent the break hydrating (individuals have different ways of accomplishing this task) and interacting with newly acquired fans.  This particular group of Castaway fans had never heard of the group prior to the encounter, but the oddity of seeing motorless boats out in the middle of the ocean drew the fans’ attention.  We enjoy all interactions with our fans and supporters no matter how bizarre.  The bizarre tales may never find their way in the trip report (at least not in their entirety), but they do have their permanency in the Castaway annuls locked away in Captain Pina’s heavily secured personal computer.

Unlike previous years, the stretch from Sands Cut to Elliott Key was enjoyable.  Gone were the days of green lightning, water spouts, and strong headwinds.  On this day, the paddlers approached Elliott with ease with Pino and Kumer stopping to make conversation with Joe de la Viesca: a Columbus alumnus, alumni parent, and Castaway supporter to boot!

Despite the great fortune of day 1, many paddlers felt apprehensive about approaching Elliott as experience has taught them to expect the worse.  While a gentle breeze persisted all day, the paddlers’ expected the wind to die leading to a sweltering night’s sleep with swarms of mosquitos and militarized raccoons standing guard.  Fortune favors the bold, and the night was pleasant - mostly.  

At Elliott, Dr. Carter Burrus and Carlos Luis met the paddlers with dinner provided by Ann.  Ann’s lasagna hit the spot after a long day on the water, especially for the new submarine unit of the fleet.  While the day’s paddle was smooth, Scholer’s boat kept taking on water barely making it to Elliott’s shore.  Once dinner finished, Burrus and Luis packed up some of the mess and said their goodbyes.  With the team agreeing that Scholer’s boat was not sea-worthy, Scholer and the Blue-Bayou ended up leaving the island with Burrus and Luis.

As the sunset, the Castaways spent the evening at the point of the island enjoying the Neapolitan sky.  Unfortunately, this would be the last respite for the weary paddlers.

With the evening setting, many of the Castaways made their way to their tents.  Pino, Kumer, and another paddler spent a few hours pontificating upon things one pontificates upon when he is reluctant to sleep, for Pino it meant postponing the inevitable - sharing a 1-man tent with Dabdab.  With the Castaways philosophizing about life, new residents to the island provide a melodious collection of hard-hitting reggaeton tracks to ensure the party never stopped: the party never stopped.  

Few of the Castaways were ever really able to settle in comfortably, and at about 1 am Dabdab took matters into his own hands.  Climbing over Captain Pina, Dabdab exited Pino’s tent and approached the party hub (a large tent near the marina).  Dabdab won’t confirm what he said or didn’t say.  More importantly, Dabdab won’t confirm nor deny what he say or didn’t see.  Clearly, whatever Dabdab experienced shook him to his core; he has yet to recover from the encounter.

June 13 - Sunday, Day 2

Deciding when Day 1 ended and where Day 2 begins is difficult; mainly, due to the two days blending into one another without a clear delineation of where one ends and the other begins.

The Castaways decided at Soldier Key to start early on Day 2: 5 am launch.  The plan was as Jaime said “steal miles before the sun comes up” and arrive at the Key Largo Marriott with plenty of time to spend in the pool.

At 4:30 am the Castaways’ phones chimed with their various alarms, but the alarms were unnecessary as the other residents of Elliott never stopped their party.  Bodies aching and eyes burning from a lack of sleep, the Castaways broke down camp and made their way to the boats.  They couldn’t get off the island fast enough.

Headlamps in place, the paddlers spent the first few hours in silent darkness before arriving at their first break of the day.  The first break of day 2 isn’t a specific set spot and is typically met with reticence and reluctance due to its unpleasant nature: the bottom is never solid and the water is usually above the waist.  On this particular day - as a result of nature’s call - Patrick guided the group to a spot near some mangroves which provided shade and a hard bottom. 

From this first stop, the team stayed on the east side of Biscayne Bay setting their sights on Pumpkin Key.  For the last two years, the team has made an effort to contact the owner of Pumpkin Key, and each correspondence had been ignored.  Today’s plan was to show up; what could go wrong?

With the sun up, the first half of the day couldn’t have been any better.  The water was flat and the wind provided a gentle push.  Once at Pumpkin Key, the paddlers decided the risk of incarceration for trespassing wasn’t worth the effort. They found themselves some shade on the southern edge of the island.  Despite the chop and the coral rock, the lunch spot for the day was satisfactory.

Spirits remained high leaving Pumpkin Key.  Many of the Castaways had done the calculations; the team should arrive at the Key Largo Marriott by 3:30 pm.  

Heading toward Steamboat Creek, the Castaways were met by Detective Ian Barnett (yes, the son of Holy Rosary’s Mrs. Barnett!) who would escort the team across Barnes Sound.  Though warm, the paddle through Steamboat Creek was easy, but this would change.

Entering Barnes Sound, the team realized a change in the winds.  What was a subtle wind at their back turned into a gusty headwind complemented by a heavy chop.  The good times were over as the team sludged across Barnes.  During the crossing, each paddler found themselves in the precarious position of paddling despite taking on water or stopping to pump the water out only to be turned around and pushed back by the strong wind.  The crossing was slow but steady as the group approached the mouth of Jewfish Creek.  Jewfish Creek is always a welcomed respite after the Barnes crossing, but this particular crossing presented some challenges and the team drifted too far east in its approach.  A redirection in heading was needed before the team could gather at the mouth of Jewfish Creek with Captain Pina and Dabdab bringing up the rear.

The Castaways exited their kayaks and stretched their legs, wrongly assuming the worst was behind them.  Unbeknownst to the Castaways, Blackwater Sound was uncommonly choppy and the strong headwind persisted on the other side of Jewfish Creek.

With many of the paddlers opting not to wear their spray skirts, several found themselves once again pumping water from their cockpits.  The final stretch - once again - proved to be slow, and while the Castaways wouldn’t make their landing at 3:30 as they had hoped but the day was coming to an end…somewhat.

Spry and energetic, Scholer rejoined the team in the middle of Blackwater Sound (he launched the White Rabbit from the Key Largo Marriott).  As the team crawled to the finish line, Scholer jovially zipped in and out of the formation.  After sitting on the sidelines most of the day, his energy brought a renewed vigor to the team which manifested itself with Kumer bailing his vessel and walking the 40 yards to the Marriott shore.  Somewhere within those 40 yards, his kayak was commissioned into the newly formed submarine division (now grown into a sizable fleet) and Kumer found time to kick the Castaway puppy!

With the day’s paddling over, the team enjoyed some local pizza and waded in the water reveling in knowing that day 3s are the best.

June 14 - Monday, Day 3

It goes without saying that Day 3 is where the trip begins because life/paddling in the Keys is always a better proposition than life/paddling not in the Keys.  More importantly, the Castaways’ life in the Keys wouldn’t be nearly as pleasant without the efforts and connections of the Mayor of Marathon on the team: Suzy Curry.

With a later start to the day (7:00 am), the Castaways were energized and ready for another day on the water.  But first, breakfast at Gus’s Grille.  There is something to be said for a proper cup of coffee and a warm breakfast.  It cannot be understated the morale boost Rainman provided with his joining the team this morning.  Anytime Rainman is able to make any sizeable leg of the trip is a good time: “hawt!”

The team gathered by the boats said a prayer and paddled north toward FBO and their second breakfast at Caribbean Club.  With Frank and Monica selling FBO, the visit to FBO isn’t the same.  But, the new owner Todd did graciously provide the team with a tandem.

From FBO, the paddlers aimed toward the Dusenberries under overcast skies: we could all hear OB’s voice “prepare your foul weather gear gentlemen!”

Not much rain this particular day, but the winds picked up providing an unexpected element of discomfort.  While the Dusenberries provided a barrier from the wind, the paddlers battled the strong gusts as they crossed Tarpon Basin and then Buttonwood Sound.  Before leaving Buttonwood Sound and heading toward the Salty Piece of Land, the paddlers gathered at Baker Cut to catch their breaths.  

From Baker Cut, the team paddled to the Salty Piece of Land for lunch.  The wind kept up but the strength of the gusts eased enough for the paddlers to enjoy a Gatorade (thanks Peggy and Joe) and lunch.

The long stretch from the Salty Piece to Toilet Seat Cut was slow and steady.  The clouds were overcast, and the conversation was non-existent.  Day 3 did not live up to Day 3 standards, but the unexpected struggles of the trip as well as the expected struggles serve as a reminder to the team of its mission.

Toilet Seat Cut provided a much-needed morale boost for the team.  While the sacrament was shared and enjoyed, another family’s vacation was ruined by the insolence of the Castaways’ levity.  Good times were had by all sans a boater or two in the channel.

With the day winding down, the paddlers made their way to Postcard Inn without incident.  All phones and other personal belongings made their way to shore.

June 15 - Tuesday, Day 4

Day 4 began swimmingly with clear skies and a gentle breeze at the back of the paddlers.  Peggy and Joe provided morning snacks, drinks, and ice.  Richard Curry - the man - helped Kumer secure his boat with some Gorilla tape.  The team spent the rest of the early morning packing coolers, taping hands, and stretching achy joints and muscles.

After a quick prayer, the Castaways hit the water heading south toward breakfast: Robbie’s.  The stretch from Postcard Inn to Robbie’s was an easy paddle across glass-like water.

Once at Robbie’s, the team feasted on lobster frittatas and trailer trash bloody mary’s.  Just what the team needed to fuel the rest of the day, especially with the temperature rising and the Long Key Viaduct looming in the afternoon.

From Robbie’s, the team headed toward Anne’s Beach for their next stop.  The skies were clear and the water was flat.  Hot doesn’t accurately describe the surface temperature of this particular Tuesday.  The Castaways did their best to cover skin and hydrate as they paddled the 4 miles to their next stop.

At Anne’s Beach, the paddlers took time to re-apply sunscreen, drink Gatorade and cool off in the Atlantic’s water.  Once again, tourists found themselves face-to-face with the motley crew of sea hippies resulting in a mother’s gasp and a family fleeing from the boardwalk: the native Ohioans may never return to the Florida Keys.

After Anne’s Beach, the Castaways ducked under Channel #2 Bridge, which always presents an interesting obstacle with its strong current, and started their 9-mile paddle to Rainman’s Rendezvous.  The long stretch to Rainman’s Rendezvous provides ample time for sharing stories and tossing the occasional tennis ball.  Once at Rainman’s Rendezvous, the team grabs a snack and cools off in a natural forming pool in the flats of the Long Key Viaduct.  Richard meets the paddlers and provides ice.  Before he and Suzy head off to Marathon in his boat, the couple poses for a picture.

Back in their kayaks, the Castaways make their way to Gulfview Inn.  The final 5-mile stretch brings to life the Castaway saying “the 4 o’clock blues.”  Once at Grassy Key, the boats are stripped and the paddlers make their way to the pool (some paddlers stayed by their boats to make repairs…the Blackjack Tour was mired by snapped rudder cables - 4 separate cables had to be repaired).  Peggy and Joe provide poolside rum cocktails and later in the evening a delicious fish dinner.  The days are long, but moments like dinner at Gulfview make the days tolerable.

June 16 - Wednesday, Day 5

Day 5 began early with clouds forming with the potential for rain.  The team was moving slowly as they ate the breakfast provided by Leighann Card from Clouds in my Coffee.  As the kayakers launched their boats for the day, the rain came.  Paddling through the rain kept the morning quiet, but the pace steady.  

The Castaways made a brief stop a third of a mile into the day’s paddle for a photoshoot setup by the Mayor of Marathon Suzy Curry.

***The media coverage leading up to the trip, during the trip, and after the trip was phenomenal big thanks go out to Jackie Suarez for legitimizing the Castaways’ messaging and communications…the same goes to Javi Trujillo and his efforts on the social media front.  Without these efforts, and the many other efforts of newly initiated volunteers the Castaways would not have the longevity and success.  Those who paddle and peddle receive much recognition, but those in the background and behind the scenes deserve just as much recognition and praise.  We all play a part in this ongoing fight against cancer***

From the photoshoot stop, the Castaways set for Vaca Cut and everything that comes with it: the Vaca Cut Fairy (another invaluable person apart of the Castaway organization - Steve Frigo)!!!  At Vaca Cut, the VC Fairy delivered the goods: icee pops, homemade cookies, and the Square Grouper.

After enjoying the snacks from the VC Fairy, the Castaways made their way to Sombrero Beach for lunch provided by the Stuffed Pig.  The day’s paddling was smooth and provided the team a needed respite in preparation for the day’s main challenge: the Seven Mile Bridge.

With full bellies and hydrated, the team gathered their boats and set their heading for Molasses Key.  Richard Curry with Gene Linfors in tow provided a watchful eye in his boat as the team crossed the Seven Mile Bridge.  The winds and chop picked up a bit; luckily, the winds were in the Castaways’ favor.  Making steady progress, things were looking up until Pino decided he needed to take a “pit stop” just before crossing Moser Channel.  Things worked out for all involved and the team found its way to Molasses Key.

What Frank and Monica have done to their island just off the Seven Mile Bridge would make the Swiss Family Robinson blush.  The Castaways always enjoy Frank and Monica’s hospitality, and this June 16th was no different.  Though the couple weren’t on the island, they were there in spirit.  

After a few beers and rum, the boats were loaded and the team made its way to Bahia Honda and to meet with Ranger Mark Duncan.  The sun came out and the wind subdued to a breeze providing a pleasant paddle for the final stretch.  Once on land, another rudder cable needed to be repaired before the team could make their way to the Ranchhouse Inn to shower and make their dinner reservations at Leighann Card’s The Table.

As always, Leighann out did herself.  What she has done at the Table is beyond whatever feeble description I can provide here.  These clumsy words don’t do the ambiance, the service, nor the delectable food justice.  If you find yourself in Marathon, the Castaways recommend making your way to Leighann’s spot for dinner.

June 17 - Thursday, Day 6

Seemingly, day 6 brings a feeling of bitter-sweetness for the team as the reality of the trip’s end within the next 48 hours comes into view.  

Leaving the ranger station at Bahia Honda, the team expected to be on the water for a couple of hours before their first break of the day.  However, an unexpected stop just south of the Bahia Honda Bridge was in order to once again fix rudder cables.  This time two rudder cables needed to be repaired.

From Horseshoe Beach, the Castaways made their way south and for the 4th consecutive year Little Palm was off limits.  However, with deli wraps in hand from Coco’s Marina the Castaways made their way past Little Palm to Picnic Island for lunch.

Picnic Island was a new stop for the Castaways, and definitely a stop that will remain on the itinerary for the foreseeable future.  The island may best be encapsulated as Jimmy Buffet meets southern Alabama.  

The weather and the currents favored the Castaways, and for the second consecutive year the team made its way to Tarpon Creek at a dangerously favorable time: 2 pm.  While wading in the waters of the S-Bend, the Castaways were greeted by several boaters, fishermen, and locals who said “your those guys kayaking from Miami!  We heard it on the radio.”  Again, the communication and social media teams have made an important impact on the mission.

Day 6 always winds down at Sugarloaf Lodge, but for the second consecutive year the Sugarloaf bar was closed.  The team took a dip in the pool and spent the evening drinking beers by the docks reminiscing of past tours.  They laughed and drank enjoying the moment.

June 18 - Friday, Day 7

With the rising sun came the realization that after a quick 18-mile paddle the tour would come to an end.  From Sugarloaf, the team paddled the waters of Turkey Basin, Waltz Key Basin and Jewfish Basin on their way toward Cow Key Channel.  At the end of Cow Key Channel, the team took their final break of the trip at Castaway Bar where the last bag of tuna and the final avocado of the trip would be consumed.

The final push from Castaway Bar led the Castaways to Smathers Beach and into the welcoming arms of OB, friends, family, and loved ones.  After the champagne was popped and the pictures were taken, the boats were stripped and strapped to vehicles.  The team made their way to the Barbary Beach House Hotel to rinse off and prepare for the arrival of the Castaway cyclists.

The cyclists were greeted with bells, noise makers, and a shower of lukewarm beer: a Castaway welcome if there ever was one.  Paddlers and peddlers exchanged salutations and hugs.  Scholer swapped his tour shirt with a cyclist’s kit and a new tradition may have been started.

With Covid restrictions lifted, the Castaways of all walks of life found themselves together on Smathers Beach again.  As the sunset this particular evening, the Blackjack Tour came to a close but with Saturday’s new sun the Carry On Tour began…onto a new day, a new way!

To see what the cyclist did on their 1 day, 170-mile adventure, click here for their Trip Report.