Coffee started the day as Kevin and Theresa consumed bandwith on the Muller network. Will left in the wee hours of the AM, but final hugs were given as Lisa and Taylor each exited for their daily grind. At the predetermined time of 9AM the Smitanic was relegated to the cul-de-sac for the dreaded Toad connection ritual.
To the amazement and delight of Kevin and Theresa the illusive 'Ready' message on the break buddy was presented on the first try! Kevin immediately shouted “dont touch it!”. Theresa had no intent to do anything but turn off the Toad engine placing the key in the off #1 position and release the parking break so it was ready to roll!
Most of the days route would be on I-35 north into Iowa and around Des Moines to the final destination of Bonderant. Seemed like every 10 miles there was another work zones were the 4 lane divided interstate was narrowed into 1 lane each direction with aged concrete and barricades lining the edges.
Most of the days route would be on I-35 north into Iowa and around Des Moines to the final destination of Bonderant. Seemed like every 10 miles there was another work zones were the 4 lane divided interstate was narrowed into 1 lane each direction with aged concrete and barricades lining the edges.
As the the route would round West Des Moines the plans where to meet Theresa's IBM work buddy Becky and her husband Craig at a new gi-normous mall where the RV could be parked without obstructing traffic so the 4 could meet for lunch. Zin was left in the RV with the AC running while the Peppers and Smits updated each other on their latest challenges, adventures and off spring. To the amazement of the returning Smit's the entire Westside of Des Moines had expanded beyond recognition, after all it had been almost 35 years since the Smits claimed this area as home.
By 2pm the entry to the Robinson lakeside retreat was entered. The toad was unhooked on level ground near the lake. Theresa then drove the Toad into the cul de sac and parked in Connie and Joe's drive... Joe stepped out to greet Theresa and questioned “Where's the Smitanic?”. Just then it rounded the bend and consumed every inch of the circular destination. The docking point had been arranged with a neighbor, Vic, who had also graciously accommodated the beast in 2011 for RAGBRAI. Neighbors like that are very rare and so very appreciated!
As the team discussed the proper dockage for the Smitanic Kevin recalled a challenge with the RV entry steps hitting the drive on the previous stay so he opted to depoly the jacks manually to reduce the risk of that being an issue this time. The awnings were deployed to reduce the sun's affect on the interior temp, the camp chairs were set, out and beverages where prepared as the old friends sat in the summer shade, and caught up on things as they waited for Connie to get home.
Connie first meat Theresa when they both worked at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. They both were on a Hospital softball team and quickly became friends and started doing activities together. Connie and Joe introduced Kevin and Theresa to bicycling, and intern the Smit's introduced Connie and Joe to skiing. There were many years of RAGBRAI and skiing adventures as well as countless BBQs and get togethers. Kevin and Joe trained together and competed in the first mainland Ironman competition back in 1980. Kevin even taught Connie some swimming stroke techniques for her first Hawaiian Ironman!
Connie first meat Theresa when they both worked at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. They both were on a Hospital softball team and quickly became friends and started doing activities together. Connie and Joe introduced Kevin and Theresa to bicycling, and intern the Smit's introduced Connie and Joe to skiing. There were many years of RAGBRAI and skiing adventures as well as countless BBQs and get togethers. Kevin and Joe trained together and competed in the first mainland Ironman competition back in 1980. Kevin even taught Connie some swimming stroke techniques for her first Hawaiian Ironman!
After a nice dinner at Chillies there was a short visit with each of Connie and Joe's sons at their prospective houses. Mike and Donnie lived nearby with their wives and families and it was very special to see the success and share the family values that they have carried forward.
It was going on 10pm when good night wishes were said, and the plans for tomorrow were reviewed. Kevin had made connections to meet with some of the Urbandale swim team members that he coached, and MaryJean (Theresa's sister) would join the adventure, and then there was a planned cook out with the Robinson's. More drone flyovers form Kevin:
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