Day 17. Day Off, Ft. Smith, AR. Arlene drove 6.5 hours, repeat 6.5 hours to see me in Ft. Smith. Yes, America, you are absolutely correct that I don't deserve this kind of love and attention, but I AM grateful for every bit of it! We slept late, and enjoyed a quiet breakfast in the Aspen Hotel lobby with a delightful rain falling outside. After breakfast, we headed to Scott's bike shop to get an update on my bike. Scott looked at my frame inside and out and declared it more than "fit for duty" for another 1000+ miles. While we were in the shop, about half our riders came by to pick up odds and ends to help them over the coming days to Savannah. We returned to the hotel and met my sister, Carole, and my two nephews, William and Christopher, who had driven to Ft. Smith from North Little Rock. While our first choice for lunch was not available, we were more than happy to have a delicious meal at Red Lobster. While William and Christopher dined on the finest chicken fingers and fries in Arkansas, the rest of us had various fresh fish and a little calamari to keep things interesting. Carole helped us catch up with all the King brothers and sisters, as well as a few updates on nieces and nephews. When it was all over, we waddled out of Red Lobster to the hotel and took some family photos before saying goodbye to Carole, William and Christopher. Our afternoon was really pretty busy with three activities: 1) Massages for the two of us at 3:15; 2) Wine and cheese hosted by our rider, Scott, in the hotel lobby and 3) Dinner at TGI Friday's with the local Rotary Club. This is the second massage on the trip and they are worth their weight in gold. I have zero aches or pains as of today and I think the massages were integral to my overall health. And since Arlene had been working 12+ hour shifts for the last week at irregular hours, and then driven 6.5 hours to see me, she too needed the benefits of a deep tissue massage. We are true believers! The wine and cheese was wine out of a box and frozen beer (Fosters and Dos Equis) mixed together after it had been frozen in Scott's room refrigerator. Humble yes, but we all had fun talking about the ride and the challenges ahead. The last event of the night was a chance to meet still more Ft. Smith citizenry. Scott, and his fellow riders, were invited to attend the local Rotary meeting after having received their support for his "Ride for Hunger" effort. We met some great Americans who were very interested in our ride and we shared some great conversation. At the end of the evening, I prepared my trusty steed for Wednesday's ride and another great adventure. Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. Stay healthy, Steve