Parker - Berger

After Kanas City, the Smitanic then charted a course to visit a college friend Bob Ehrenberger who lived in the middle of MO on a farm.  He recently moved a new house onto his property. His son, Daniel and wife and 3 boys lived in the upstairs and Bob was finishing the basement for he and his wife Jan.



The Smitanic was all set for Boondocking in front of the new house, where Bob had just layed some fresh gravel.  The entry required a 3 point turn of the 45ft vehicle encroaching on Bob's yard and parking spaces, but after several maneuvers the damage (hopefully) was minimal to the yard as well as the drive. The weight of the Smitanic packed down the drive more that any implement Bob had in his sheds.  

It had been close to 20 years since the Smit’s had seen Burger (one half of the college Parker-Burger duo).  All were a bit more gray and less agile, but all doing well. Bob gave a tour of his farm which included a shed for his metal work as well as wood working projects and a large pond where he fishes almost daily.



The first night Theresa made some beef stew and then Kevin challenged Bobs 3 grandsons to a game of pass the pigs followed by Left Center Right.  The boys soaked up the challenge and were a delight to play with! Kevin awarded the boys with the games they had been playing. Their eyes lit up in anticipation of many more opportunities to play the games togher in the future.  



The next day Kevin and Theresa were on paint duty in the the ongoing preparation for occupation of the basement abode. With 2 more hands to put to task, 2 rooms and 3 closets were checked off the to do list! A reward of a bonfire for all in the evening was enjoyed after dinner.

In the AM as the Smitanic left it was able to sink more gravel further down leaving its mark for a reminder ... the Smit's were here!

What a great visit with an old forever friend and his awesome family.

Next it was on south to see the Parker half of the parkerberger college duo in Neosho, Mo. But first, there would be a brief pause in central Mo. to ride a portion of the Katy trail.  

The Cozy RV park was reserved for 2 nights.  As the Smitanic was within 15 mile range of it’s destination the GPS went rogue and sent the Smitanic off in a direction not consistent with iPhone maps.  The captain had to actually follow road signs directing him to the campground! Who would think! 

The next day the bikes were taken to the end of the Katy trail mm 265 and 15 miles of the rails to trails route was traversed.


The winds and rain made the ride even more challenging to the out of shape riders.  Theresa’s back was in severe pain at the end but nothing a few days of Aleve would not remedy.   Kevin’s faulty tire thankfully held out for the challenge as he opted not to change it out until it failed.



The next day it was a short drive south on hwy 54 which was a nice 2 lane windy road through lush farmland dotted with cows and hay bales.
The Stage Stop campground was just outside of Neosho (home to Dave & Barb Parker).   As the destination was near both the RV gps and the Magellan instructed the incorrect exit and incorrect turn guiding the behemoth vehicle down a narrow and hilly country road! Oncoming cars pulled over to let the misguided travelers pass without taking the ditch.  Theresa called the camp manager who quickly provided directions back to the interstate and to the correct exit. Interestingly enough the iPad map did have the right direction, but normally the two gps devices are the more reliable as they have the height, weight and length of the RV as travel parameters.  



The campground was very small only 16 sites, but nice with new bathhouse facilities.  Dave and Barb met us at the campsite and then all went to a nice dinner in Joplin. It was a great to visit and catch up but way too brief.