Loop Interrupted

We had very intention of completing our Loop this summer- from the top of the Chesapeake to the top of Lake Michigan. We were excited about the Hudson, Lake Champlain, and the Canadian waterways. But we will pursue that dream next summer. Mark injured his back on June 10 while we were at a family reunion in Washington D.C. We returned to Mara Beel in Georgetown, MD, and then moved to a hotel room in Chestertown. Mark was treated by a chiropractor 6 times, (even on a Sunday evening!) and was examined by an MD who prescribed pain relievers, steroids, muscle relaxants, and an X-ray. He did not improve, so he then had an MRI which showed protruding discs. Pain made it almost impossible for him to sleep or even stand upright or walk. Everyone we met in Chestertown treated us with concern and kindness- we will carry fond memories of this place. We flew back to Iowa on the 18th. It should have been a relatively easy trip with wheel chairs in the airports, but a 5-hour delay made it miserable indeed.

Yesterday Mark received an epidural steroid injection and another Rx. We will be seeing a spine surgeon soon to evaluate whether or not surgery is needed.

While we are disappointed about not completing the Loop this summer, we are happy to be home and near our kids and grandkids. This delay will give us a chance to get to know our Ranger Tug- we have not driven her or changed her registration numbers. Mara Beel II is still in Maryland and we are working on having her trailered to Iowa, where we have a place for her.

It's wonderful to be back on the Mississippi!