Once we realized that Mike had broken his right foot, we had to cut our camping trip short and return to Austin. Now, back home, we have followed up with our doctor and learned that the foot will not be needing surgery or a cast. But Mike has been put in a walking brace to keep him from flexing his foot - and therefore the bone - until it has healed. We will be following up with the doctor every two weeks to monitor progress.

Meantime, Mike gets to do as little as possible: including no driving, no trips to the grocery store, and only brief outings. Always while wearing the brace (even in his sleep, 24 hours a day) and walking with a cane even for the short jaunts - like to the bathroom.

Nevertheless, we have a few photos to share from a visit to the Ozarks, the Mississippi, and our drive back home.


Driving Thru The Ozarks

 

 

Meeman-Shelby State Forest State Park, just north of Memphis, TN on the Mississippi River

 

The Harvest Moon setting at Sunrise at the Fairfield Lake State Park, Fairfield TX

We have been busy and out of wifi range for the past few days so we are past due to post an update on our current trip.

To begin, we are spending the night in a rest area on I-30 just west of Malvern, AR: Social Hill Rest Area. It's nice and new and easy off the highway and back on in the morning. Second, we are headed home early because Mike has broken a metatarsal on the outside of his right foot. IT does not appear to be a serious injury or likely to need surgery, but we need to get back home and let an Orthopedist care for it. It is painful and no fun, but he should be fine in a month or two. So our plans get to change once again. And Third:  

An Eastern Bluebird, at Hickory Creek Campground outside of Fayetteville, AR

 

 Sewer Drain Cover in downtown Fayetteville

 Mike pushing a bear on a swing - before we knew he had broken his foot and simply thought it was sprained.

Flowers - at the city square of Fayetteville 

 We had no idea what this was about. But it was on a balcony across from the square.

Concrete park bench on the square. 

 A cluster of Scissor Tailed Fly Catchers in the treetops at Hickory Creek Campground.

 Sunset at Hickory Creek

 Several photos of Throncown Chapel in Eureka Springs. It is a beautiful place in a beautiful setting of flagstone and hardwood trees in the Ozarks. It was designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright named E. Fay Jones and is one of the most lovely places Ever!

 And Dennis with one of his buddies.