2019—NO SURRENDER TOUR

June 9-15, 2018

$100,000 raised for the ACS

2019 No Surrender Tour*

*At the writing of this trip report (September 5, 2019) several weeks months have passed, many beers have been drunk, and most of the re-telling of the trip’s details have been embellished. To quote Vonnegut: “All this happened, more or less.”

Thursday, June 6

• Launch party held at Tank Brewery (thank you Oscar Ortiz and SebastianStrong for organizing)

• Tank Brewery has been a loyal and enabling sponsor these past two years...more to come, I hope.

• Last few launch parties have been hosted by the Aguilera family at their home (thank you, Lou and Marissa)

• Not as intimate of a setting, but the beer flowed and the laughs were plenty and more supporters were able to join for the celebration.

• Oscar “Tank” began the night addressing the crowd and sharing the SebastianStrong mission

• Lou “El Toro” addressed the crowd, thanking them for the support and US Century Bank’s commitment to the cause

• The pièces de ré·sis·tance was OB “the Iron Manatee” addressing the eager and now drunken crowd.  He highlighted several topics: the Castaway mission, his personal story, and crusade for the cause among other things...sea hippies, Vaca Cut Fairy, and red icees.

• People drank and they laughed...a very successful start to a bitter-sweet trip

Friday, June 7

• Typically on pre-launch day, gear is checked and packed (if your OB your gear was meticulously lubricated, checked, re-checked, packed, and re-packed weeks prior), a trip is made down to Florida Bay Outfitters to pick up additional gear and more importantly the tandem, and a logistics meeting is held.

• This year was no different...except…

• Nils Linfors - Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard, husband, father, grandfather, and Castaway - passed June 2, 2019.  He was a great man.  A fact proven many times over when you spend any amount of time with his family: he left an impressive legacy. 

• Nils’s funeral mass was a celebration of the man’s life highlighted by many family pictures, but most impressively done through the words shared by his sons: Robert and Patrick.  Many left that day wishing they were tigers, and dreaming of Marathon.

• The Castaways paid their respects and began their mission with heavy hearts, but an abundance of love.

• Later in the day, OB and Lou drove down to FBO to pick up gear and the tandem.  FBO upgraded the Castaways’ fleet** literally by unwrapping the brand new kevlar tandem...a major upgrade over last year’s mix-mash of a boat (refer to commentary found in the 2018 Under the Bridge Tour Trip Report)

  **Many of the vessels aren’t seaworthy and that holds especially true at the time of this writing more so than at the launch of the No Surrender Tour

• 6 pm Lou and his family hosted the Castaway logistics meeting supplying us with cold beer, a variety of spirits, and delicious lechon, arroz y frijoles, and platano maduro...heavenly (Lou and Marissa are too kind. They’ve opened their homes to a bunch of feral sea hippies, and I’m fearful we might never leave!)

• Patrick had family matters to attend paving the way for a Pino-led mutiny meeting.  Pino did a phenomenal job leading the meeting addressing the following items:

• Mission and Logistics

• Eric made it a point to clarify the team’s mission and why we do what we do

• Eric made sure boats had a way to the beach and for boats stopping at the lighthouse how they were getting off the beach

• Eric reviewed the Opening Ceremony (Hopefully lessons are learned from this year’s ceremony...more on this later.)

• Eric reviewed full-time paddlers and part-time paddlers, specifically which days they were paddling

• Safety 

• Pete (Recon) went over the proper technique for performing a t-rescue as well as addressing the importance of hydration. (OB declared a Viceroy edict: “We will hydrate as a team every 15 minutes!” The edict was never adhered to during the duration of the trip.)

• OB took up about 20 minutes fumbling through his phone looking for the Coast Guard’s contact.  Once he located said contact and declared every Castaway save the phone, Omar (Ponyboy) gently pointed out OB had given us the wrong number.

• Radios and walkie-talkies were discussed (The walkie-talkies were an excellent piece of equipment with much potential...until the rain and crashing waves came.)

• Introduction of new members and returning members:

• Pino formally introduced Alex Mijares (No Castaway name at this point in time) to the team and welcomed Chris “Boomer” Tart aboard the No Surrender Tour

• With introductions in place, Pino reviewed the grouping of team members to better facilitate landing and launching during the mission especially places like Elliott Key

• Miscellaneous 

• Other items were most probably discussed some of the vital importance others of more dubious concerns, but those items and the details have been forgotten.

Saturday, June 8th - Day 1

• 6:00 am the Castaways and their loved ones arrived at Key Biscayne to prepare for launch

• Boats were unloaded, gear was packed, and pictures - many pictures - were taken

• The Skipper (Patrick) welcomed and addressed the crowd providing updates of funds raised to that point as well as providing clarity to the Castaway mission

• Chief and the Machine read the sponsors (Pino promised a sheet of paper with sponsors listed for ease of reading. No such document existed leading to an interesting reading of said sponsors off the back of Marissa’s shirt. Not one of the finer moments in Castaway history.)

• El Toro addressed the crowd speaking to US Century’s commitment to the Castaways and the fight against cancer.

• Back on the mic, Patrick thanked Diana, Joe, Peggy, and the rest of the Road Crew (we can never repay them for all they do for us)

• Hemingway addressed the crowd speaking on behalf of Columbus and the school’s commitment to fighting cancer alongside the Castaways

• Mike Lawerence addressed the crowd and shared his mother’s support for the Castaways (Patty Lawerence was by far one of the biggest fans of the Castaways.  There aren’t enough words to describe nor explain her level of commitment and love for the Castaways.  She will always be in our hearts).

• Patrick addressed Jim and Pat Frigo thanking them for their endless support.  Patrick detailed the long-standing history the Frigo family has with both the Linfors family and the Castaways.  

• Patrick introduces Oscar to the crowd to discuss the great work SebastianStrong has done with the help of the Castaways.  Oscar highlights the importance of the foundation’s commitment to an underfunded area of oncology: pediatrics.

• Oscar and Lou call out the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation director to proclaim Hobe Beach at Key Biscayne as Castaways Beach.  OB is invited up to the mic to receive the official proclamation.  

• The family bond that makes the Castaways special is on full display after Patrick’s words about the Lawrences and Frigos.  Not to be outdone, the O’Brien’s are mentioned by name: Bob and Joyce O’Brien.  More importantly, Patrick discusses the historical significance of the location and the launch

• OB is introduced and the crowd goes wild!!!  OB gives an impassioned retelling of the Castaways’ history specifically providing the light in the darkness. (I’m almost certain they went wild, but it was 7:00 am so if they didn’t the desire was there)

• Kumer is brought back up to the mic to share a few words about a current Columbus student fighting his own battle against lymphoma. (Patrick Garcia is healthy and well as the writing of this trip report. His last chemo treatment was administered the week after the No Surrender Tour)

• Bob “The Dutchmen” gave the prayer which gave way to the honorary first stroke.  This year Nils Linfors (Bob and Patrick’s father) was given the honor.  His brother Gene Linfors stepped in with his nephews Bob and Patrick by his side.

• After the festivities, the Castaways hit the water starting their 160-mile voyage with the lighthouse their first stop. (Quite literally as 20 minutes into launch a guest paddler capsized. Besides a bruised ego no injuries were reported)

• At the lighthouse, the Castaways were greeted by the road crew providing ice-cold Gatorade and water.  Mercy once again provided delicious sandwiches and a banana with Castaway member-specific drawings and sayings.  Victor of Tank Brewery once again met us at the beach to supply the thirsty Castaways with Tank brews. (This year Victor located the Castaways much more accurately and didn’t have to run down the beach with his cooler on his shoulder)

• Before heading off to Soldier Key Patrick passed out walkie-talkies to Kumer and Pino

• The stretch to Soldier provided a glimpse into the Castaways’ future the next 36 hours or so...a strong head-wind that challenged each paddler to question the wisdom behind the tour’s name

• The break at Soldier Key was well deserved and after some snacks and fluids the Castaways faced a daunting task on their way to Sands’ Cut: the weather deteriorated, the winds intensified, and the waves grew

• The stretch to Sands’ Cut was herculean and with a storm moving overhead the Castaways made the call to skip the party and head to Elliott Key.  While the wind was our foe on the water, we looked forward to the strong winds while on Elliott.

• Upon arrival at Elliott, the winds have stopped. (The walkie-talkies were limited in their functionality throughout the day due to the rain and wind. While approaching Elliott, Kumer’s walkie-talkie was washed from his deck by a wave. Pino, Oscar, Jaime, and Kumer pulled off to the mangroves before Elliott to pump out water submarining was a real threat at this point of the trip.)

• Diana provided a variety of snacks for the evening: Publix sandwiches and chicken tenders.  

• Carter Burrus made his yearly pilgrimage to Elliott and supplied the classic rock and Everglades’s finest moonshine

• During the eating and the drinking, work had to be done.  Recon and Kumer repaired a frayed rudder cable from Kumer’s kayak

• Oscar with a shower cap and pajama pants became the bedouin of Elliott Key 

• With views of Miami across the bay, the Castaways settled for the evening 

Sunday, June 9th - Day 2

• Everyone is up before 6:00 a.m. Gear is broken down. The goal is to be on the water at 6:30 a.m. Scholer organized a supply boat to pick up the camping gear and trash and drop off ice, breakfast sandwiches, and hot coffee.  THANK YOU Scholer, Ann, and Ryan.

• After eating and packing up the boats, the Castaways are in the water by 6:45 am and the headwind is back.  This day’s wind appears to feel stronger than the previous day’s...the day is long and the paddling is grueling.

• The first stop of the day isn’t glorious, but it’s enough to stretch our legs, and more importantly, it provides a reprieve from paddling into the wind.  A repair is needed on OB’s boat

• As the paddlers get back into their boats heading for Card Sound Point, the wind continues and with it comes some rain.  There’s a slight chill with the wind and rain...out comes the rain gear

• The stretch to Card Sound Point is a trudge

• Card Sound Point is a welcomed sight.  On their arrival, the paddlers see a familiar sight: the SebastianStrong flag and colors.  Lunch has been delivered...thank you Rose.  Publix sandwiches, fruit, and water while wading in the ocean provides the long-overdue break the paddlers were looking for before trekking across Barnes Sound

• With no slack in the wind, Omar and Recon discuss attack plans for Barnes Sound...the concern cutting across the middle is a result of the high winds and the sizable swells.  A waterway southeast of Card Sound Point was identified as the route to provide some protection from the strong winds.  The paddle was easy, but as the paddlers spilled into Barnes Sound the gauntlet was laid down. The “Picturesque bay offering calm waters for boating & fishing, plus areas for swimming & camping.” had turned into the North Atlantic in mid-December. (Google Earth paints a much different picture than the reality these paddlers faced on this 9th day of June, 2019.)

• The paddlers entered Jewfish Creek, which signaled the final stretch of the day.

• At the end of Jewfish Creek, the paddlers were welcomed with the delightful smells and sounds of Gilbert’s...the final stretch across Blackwater Sound and toward the Key Largo Marriott signaled the end of the day’s paddling.

• On land, the Castaways were welcomed by the Road Crew and plenty of fanfare...cold beers, cold cuts, and a variety of cheeses and dips were on display...Life in the Keys can’t be beat

• The Castaways were assigned rooms, showered, and gathered for dinner cooked by Mercy.  While dinner cooked, Oscar coordinated with volunteers to provide willing paddlers with suction cup treatment and massages. (Google Earth paints a much different picture than the reality these paddlers faced on this 9th day of June, 2019.)

• With full bellies, the paddlers make their way to their rooms for a well-deserved night’s rest.

Monday, June 10th - Day 3

• The paddlers gathered at Gus’ Griller for breakfast at 7:00 am.  White napkins and silverware have a way of civilizing a group of paddlers.  Thanks, Lou!

• With full bellies, the team heads to the boats to begin what will unfold as promising.

• Before launching, Oscar introduces the team to an incredible young lady: Samantha.  Oscar met her parents down in the keys on “Under the Bridge Tour” and struck up a relationship.  Samantha and her parents happened to be staying at the Marriott and decided to send us off.  Samantha’s fight and spirit provided the day’s motivation as well as providing additional inspiration along the trip.

• From the Marriott, the paddlers headed to FBO to meet Frank and Monica, and pick up the day’s guest paddler: Heather Utset from the ACS.

• While on land checking gear and stretching aching joints, the paddlers were forced to beach the boats as a severe weather situation moved into the area.  The paddlers waited patiently for the rain and lighting to dissipate, but it did not.  Not sure who made the executive decision, but an executive decision was made for shelter and refreshments to be had at the Caribbean Club. (Many may not know, but Key Largo was filmed here.)

• The Caribbean Club provided much-needed shelter from the storm, refreshments for the soul, and laughs for eternity.

• The rookie paddler and internationally renowned artist did not eat at Gus’s Grille and decided the Caribbean Club was the place to satiate his hunger pangs.  In the midst of making several bloody mary’s and rum drinks, Alex confidently asks the barmaid “do you have a food menu?”  “No honey, but we have a wide array of potato chips.”  Alex regrettably responded, “Oh, I could really use some mozzarella sticks.”  This error in judgment and failure to account for his surroundings will be his undoing.

• While the paddlers enjoyed their three hour rain delay, Pino was off searching for a replacement phone...only Pino could water-log his phone and walk out of a store with a brand new phone for FREE (thanks Captain Richard Lane)

• The weather cleared and the paddlers hit the water.  They paddle across Blackwater Sound heading for Dusenberry Creek then to Little Button Sound and off to the Salty Piece of Land for lunch.

• At the Salty Piece of Land, a cadre of Columbus students anchor their boat to share gifts with the Castaways and provide some companionship.

• From the Salty Piece of Land, the Castaways head toward Toilet Seat Pass.  The sun sat over the Castaways - baking was an improvement from the previous two days.  The yearly visit from the local dolphins was made with Pino and Mendo capturing the dolphins’ display by iPhone.

• The Castaways arrive at Toilet Seat Pass with much business to attend.  In no particular order, the day proceeded:(I’ve taken so long to finalize the 2019 trip report that we really are lucky this form of a trip report exists.)

1. We deviated from the Zacapa and shared in a ceremonial Jacksonville Jaguar-themed Bud Light to pay tribute and our respects to Nils Linfors.  I won’t attempt to paraphrase Patrick’s words, because I won’t do it any justice

2. Das Horn!

3. Julie organized a promising new tradition: the Viking helmet.  Since the Captain’s meeting, Julie had been conspiring to make this a reality.  Many phone calls and Amazon Prime updates were needed to finalize the logistics that made it possible for the helmet to find its way from middle America to the middle Keys.

4. Alex Mijares was relieved of his name and bestowed a much worthier title: THE CHEESE!!!  The name is fitting; one he should embrace and honor.

5. Heather Utset - a longtime friend of the Castaways and handler through the ACS - joined the ranks: Shark Bait!

6. The time capsule was opened and read aloud.

• Before heading out, the wooden pirate - spotted the year prior - was inducted into the cult of the Castaways.  This initiation included*** the Chief grunting and removing a metal rod from the wooden pirate’s backside.  Once relieved of such discomfort, the wooden pirate was loaded and strapped to Hemingway’s boat and given a proper name: Peg Leg Pete.

  ***This initiation is a one time only event exclusively for Peg Leg Pete

• The Castaways left Toilet Seat Pass and headed to Postcard Inn.  The paddle to the day’s home is an easy paddle, but there are pirates present.  Chief, Machine, and Alice begin to ravage fellow Castaways’ kayaks seeking libations.  As the trio heads toward shore, their cockpits and decks are littered with empty cans.

• Once on shore, the Castaways catch their breath and quickly coordinate rooms and rendezvous points for quick pick-ups for dinner at the Whale Harbor Inn.  In the midst of the planning, Chief and the Machine dive into the seaweed filled lagoon, climb atop a massive inflatable turtle (Thomas the Turtle; put some respect on the name), and frolic - probably not frolic, but we will stick with frolic - atop this unnecessarily large child’s inflatable toy.

• Rides are procured to the Whale Harbor Inn.  An all-you-can-eat dinner fits the bill for what the Castaways crave, but not everyone is satiated.  Over dinner, OB regails Lou with philosophical sustenance from the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the stoics...this will be the first of many stoic conversations on this trip

Tuesday, June 11th - Day 4

• As the team gathers in the morning, they review their gear and pick up some extra Gatorade and waters before loading their boats.

• The day’s paddle starts easy enough - a sign of a great day ahead - and only improves with the stop at Robbie’s. (More importantly, Day 4 will kick off a nice stretch of great weather and smooth waters.)

• From Robbie’s the paddlers are off to Anne’s Beach...well, just off the shores of Anne’s Beach.

• This particular stop at Anne’s Beach leads to an interesting conversation regarding the intricacies of mid-paddle ablutions as well as salty water ablutions: some paddlers are supporters of such actions while others...well, just aren’t

• Leaving Anne’s Beach means we have to go under channel 2, which typically means a tough paddle against a fast-moving current.  Despite the difficulties of the first few days, Day 4 has blessed us with favorable winds and currents.  Channel 2’s current was non-existent leading to an enjoyable paddle toward Fiesta Key.

• From Fiesta Key we push toward Pete’s Paradise.  This particular stretch runs parallel with the Long Key Viaduct and is the second-longest stretch of the trip.(The longest stretch of the trip covers Elliott Key to Card Sound Point. This might change with the new route for Day 1 of the 2020 tour.)  

• With the end of the Long Key Viaduct comes the inevitable discussion of where exactly Pete’s Paradise is located.  Once the location is settled, we find ourselves at one of the most luxurious natural pools one will find.  The current is ripping out to sea requiring boats to be tied and anchored.  Scholer breaks out his mask and dives for lobster and crab.  Suzy’s Richard provides laughs and some rum; Suzy also pulls out at this spot and will meet us tomorrow.

• The last leg of Day 4 brings us home for the night at the Gulfview Inn at Grassy Key with the Horvat Family

•  Peggy and Joe with the rest of the Road Crew meet us as we land.  The coolers are full, and the fish dip is delicious.

• A dip in the Gulfview Inn’s pool with rum drinks provides the perfect setting to end Day 4 and continue conversations on stoicism.

Wednesday, June 12th - Day 5

• The new day begins with coffee, juice, and bagels under the tiki hut at the Gulfview Inn thanks to Clouds in my Coffee.

• As we set off for today’s paddle the skies are overcast with a gentle breeze providing a nice coverage for the early part of the paddle.

• From Gulfview it's an open paddle en route to Vaca Cut.  Vaca Cut always provides a challenge as the current rips through the area forcing an extra gear to be used to make it safely to the other side.

• For the last two years (if you include 2019), we have been blessed with an ethereal figure from above: the Vaca Cut Fairy - Steve Frigo (along with his nephew Ryan and Robbie Infante).  Last year the Vaca Cut Fairy bestowed upon us icee pops - a much-needed treat.  This year the V.C. Fairy delivered with the icee pops homemade cookies (by Steve’s sister) and the “square grouper” (with over $1,00 cash).  The treats were handed out with each paddler enjoying the icee goodness along with the sugary sweet delight.

• After the encounter with the Vaca Cut Fairy - whose presence will only continue to grow in the subsequent calendar year - we were off to Sombrero Beach where lunch was provided by the Stuffed Pig. (Frigo’s emerging presence and role has been valuable and will continue to be appreciated by CAC.)

• From Sombrero Beach, we were off to Molasses Key which meant the 7-Mile Bridge crossing.  This year’s crossing provided the same challenges as in years passed - the channels provided some bumps along the way.

• Without incident, we all make it safely to Molasses where the revelry ensues.  Music blares and cold drinks are shared.

• After the break, we head to Bahia Honda.  This year marked two consecutive years where our landing spot was not typical.  The park ranger at Bahia Honda was gracious enough to allow us to land and store our kayaks in his backyard.  We repaid him in kind with a cold drink and an afternoon dip in the water.

• From Bahia Honda Road Crew picked us up and shuttled us north to the Faro Blanco at Marathon.

• After showers and settling down, some of us gather around the bar at the Lighthouse Grill before enjoying an incredible meal of prime rib and roast potatoes.  

Thursday, June 13th - Day 6

• The day begins with breakfast at Faro Blanco: coffee, eggs, bacon, fruit...the works.

• With bellies full, we pile back into the trucks and are delivered to our kayaks at Bahia Honda.  Well-fed and well-rested we are moving a little slower than usual.

• As we shove off, we paddle past the Bahia Honda Bridge.

• The paddle is easy and smooth leading to another conversation about stoicism.  This time the conversation is apropos to the events surrounding the week.  We move beyond books and basic understanding of the philosophy, and begin to delve deep into the application of the philosophy: each obstacle provides an opportunity.  These words ring true when we afford ourselves to take a step back and reflect on the origin and 20-year history of the Castaways.

• Our first break of the day required a wet exit.  We took this time to check gear, reapply sunscreen, and hydrate.  The paddle has been smooth so far as the weather has been fair.(Unlike Cheese at the Salty Piece of Land on Day 3, no one owes anyone a round at the bar.)

• Once back in our boats, we head to our next stop.  Little Palm Island still under construction so we stop at the Boys Scout camp at Munson Island.(As of this writing - in the midst of Covid-19 - Little Palm Island may be able to reopen, but that depends on bureaucrats reaching an agreement. As any Miami Dolphins fan has grown accustomed to saying: there’s always next year!) (Last year we were met with an enthusiastic Boy Scout leader named Benji. His energy and enthusiasm were palpable.)

• Lunch was provided by Leigh Ann’s Catering (Thank you, Suzy).  

• From Munson Island, we were off to the Pineapple Coast and Tarpon Creek.  Patrick shares the story behind how the Pineapple Coast earned its name.

• At Tarpon Creek, many laughs were shared.

• Onward to Sugar Loaf Lodge, more stories were shared, and the realization of the trip’s end began to emerge in the collective consciousness.

• Landing at Sugar Loaf Lodge is always an enjoyable experience.  We are welcomed by the Road Crew and the local bar flies. (These two entities are not mutually inclusive. Two separate entities entirely, but by the end of the night one in the same.)  The boats are brought up onto the floating dock with the news of an incoming severe storm.  The storm came sooner than expected.

• Sitting around sharing laughs and enjoying a few drinks, we find ourselves suddenly in darkness: with the storm came a lightning storm strong enough to knock out the power.  

• The dark did not bother most of us, but Oscar and Mijares did use the lack of power as a reason to head south and sleep in their hotel in Key West.

• As the night winds down, each of the remaining Castaways find their way to their resting spot for the night.

• It is late this night that OB and Patrick pull Pino aside and ask him to take on the Captainship of the Castaways for the foreseeable future--he is honored and agrees!

Friday, June 14th - Day 7

• 7 am and the team gathers for coffee and bagels.  Many need to spend extra time removing the rainwater that collected in their cockpits.

• Before shoving off for the final leg of the trip, OB leads the team in prayer in a manner only OB can execute.

• Leaving Sugar Loaf, we paddle south on the gulf side.

• 3-hours in we take our first break.  A nice break to snack on what’s left of our food and drinks.  The weather is overcast providing a reprieve from the sun.

• The next stretch sets us toward Cow Key Channel Bridge and straight on toward Castaways’ Beach.

• Unlike last year, the stop at Castaways’ Beach isn’t prolonged by news of a traffic accident.

• Patrick announces to the public that Eric Pino will be the new captain moving forward.

• We load into our kayaks and head toward Smathers Beach for the last leg of the trip.

• At Smathers, we are welcomed by a bevy of supporters, family, friends...and champagne as we celebrated the 20-year tour.

• Just under $100,000 was raised with this tour for the ACS.

• Pictures are taken.  Kayaks are stripped.  Gear and boats are loaded just before a torrential downpour.  

• Once the rain faded, most of the team gathered that evening at the Green Parrot, where Oscar hosted a reception. Throughout the evening, various members met for pre-drinks, post-drinks, and other sorts of drinks at the bar at the Saint Hotel.

Saturday, June 15th 

• With the team scattered throughout the island pursuing various interests, one such path leads to an important contact: Phyllis May.  Ms. May was Kumer’s Uber driver this morning to Blue Heaven.  Ms. May is a “fiery” retiree who has friends and contacts throughout the island particularly local publications such as The Key West Citizen as well as radio outlets.  She was instrumental in providing coverage at the start of the following week (Captain Pino gave a radio interview)...for 2020 she will provide invaluable opportunities to provide coverage in the Castaways’ mission.

• The team gathered back up at 5:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree for our closing party and dinner. The ACS hosted and does a great job, sharing results on the mission and saluting the team. Each Castaway – paddler, road crew, and boat crew – is introduced and thanked. 

• At the party, members of the team were indoctrinated into the Conch Navy while other members were given promotions: OB is now a Commodore...we shall salute him as such!

• Patrick announces he will follow tradition set forth - unofficially - by OB, and will step down as skipper after serving in that role for 10 years.  With the position vacated, Patrick announces Pino has agreed to take on the role as skipper: Pino will commence his duties as skipper with the 2020 tour.

• Following the dinner, we gathered at Smathers Beach.  A storm moved quickly creating a less than desirable closing ceremony with many paddlers and supporters unable to attend due to the driving rain and close lightning strikes.  Prayers were said, flowers were placed at sea, and while some shoes were ruined and shirts drenched the ceremony was completed...in a less than ideal situation.

Sunday, June 15th - Father’s Day

• With the new day came new rains...and some strong winds. (A dangerous combination)

• The team leaves the island at different times and by different means; however, two team members continued their - now 20 year - tradition of meeting for bagels and coffee at Baby’s Coffee.  OB and Patrick have seen the team and the trip evolve over these 20 years, but many of the pertinent traditions have remained: Baby’s Coffee is one of these.

• With the Keys cleared of the Castaways, the islands will need the next 365 days to recover and prepare to welcome us back for the 2020 Perfect Vision Tour.

Phyllis May - Key West Media Contact