In 2008, Kurt and Robin first sailed together on Der Baron, a 41 foot racing boat.  This sailboat required a large amount of crew, but the crew mix was continously changing as family dropped in and out of Shadyside while visiting the Wagner's waterfront home. 

That same year, Kurt discovered that Robin had horses and since he liked to ride, he sent an email requesting a chance to take a trail ride. As most of the crew had sandy hair and a tan, wore a red polo shirt, sunglasses, and docksiders, Robin really didn't know which one was Kurt. She requested her best friend Susie act as chaperone, just in case he was a serial killer.  Kurt proved to be an experienced rider and everyone survived.

From 2008 to 2010, between sailing seasons, Kurt kept in contact with the Der Baron Crew.  He would send out funny cartoons, holiday greetings, or pictures from sunny Florida.  Robin would counter his beautiful beach scenes with her best West River sunrises, cute pictures of her pets, and of course the many selfies she used to document her activities.

One picture in 2010 showed a mere glimpse of crutches behind Robin and immediately Kurt showed up in Maryland, volunteering to help Robin on on her next marina-to-marina sales trip.  First, he was compelled to wash and vacuum her car before they could go anywhere.  Next, when Robin stopped suddenly (braking gently with a cast isn't easy) and made a U-turn in the middle of the road so that she could rescue a turtle, Kurt insisted on driving for the rest of the 3-day trip. 

In 2012 Kurt and Robin had their first date. By this time Robin knew Kurt expected a neat car, so she spent half a day cleaning it to impress him. When Kurt arrived at Bayfields, he took a cursory glance inside Robin's car and quickly said, "It'll take at least 4 hours to get it looking good."  It was decided that Kurt would drive Robin's car and the two headed south for dinner in Solomons Island.  As they explored the town a bit, Robin was embarassed to discover that her dress was on backwards!  During dinner, they got a call telling them that a branch had fallen on Kurt's car and it sounded bad.  Kurt began to look physically sick as texted photos proved that his beautifuly maintained, 15-year-old-but-near-mint-condition Subaru was totalled.  The old oak tree crushed Kurt's car on their first date, insuring that he'd be around for a little while, and so he stayed.