This was such a memorable race! We decided to make a weekend of it and camp right there in the heart of Mantua at the Little Valley Campground. Mom and Dad were at the neighboring site with their Tab. Turns out we were at the hub of the city days festivities! From our camp spot, we could walk right up to the reservoir to kayak and swim. The race course went right past there too, so the kids and Dad cheered for us mid-race from there, and at the finish line tat the park too. Saturday night there was a live band playing rock n roll classics that we sang along and danced to. Then up the hill again to watch the fireworks over the water.
The race around the dam is lovely. It feels extra long when you're on the other side, though! The green hills are a beautiful backdrop, and the whole course is quiet and refreshing.
The kids were an energetic and faithful cheering squad for all of us runners. Dad and Van, too. All five kids ran in the last stretch with their Great Grandma Julie. I know she absolutely loved that, and I hope the kids never forget it.
Back at camp, Jonny cooked us some eggs and sausage, Evy cut stems off strawberries, and blueberry muffins completed our breakfast. The overcast day had us all hopping in the car to head to Crystal Hot Springs, per Papa's suggestion. The silky, steaming water felt so good on our muscles, and the buddies were crazy about the water slides. Our next spontaneous stop was Promontory Point! When I saw the roadsign pointing the way, I knew we just had to get our there during this year that marks the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike. Off we went! Then Mom and Dad treated us to early dinner at Maddox (the rolls!), and we were back at camp to kayak, watercolor, throw the frisbee, and relax. Julia, Gabe, Mom, and Dad went out to visit Clark and Brenda. Then we all enjoyed a late night of live music and fireworks. See, memorable, right!? We might just do it again next year...
Note on my time: Of course I can't possibly remember what it was, even just a few weeks later! But Jonny knows his time from his watch, and we did some detective work with the time stamp on photos taken by Julia. It looks to be closer to 38 minutes than 39.
