A change of Plans--Back to Ohio!

     Our last day in Calgary and Pete's left arm weakness, pain and numbness is getting worse despite the medication he is taking.  We decided to head back to Great Falls, Montana rather than continue on to the Alaska outback where medical care might not be available.  We hated to leave.  The caravan trip was just wonderful and we would love to go again sometime.  The ER doctor advised us to get a neck MRI and since there was only one in Great Falls and it was booked up, we decided to return to Cincinnati.

Last year's champions make aerial arrival

Opening ceremony Calgary Stampede

     We stayed overnight at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.  It was right on the way home and just great.  We got the last site in the campground.  Dinner was on a high bluff at the "Pitchfork Steak Fondue".  Thick steaks were speared on a pitch fork and cooked in a huge vat of hot oil--it was delicious and quite fun to watch.  The view was fantastic!

Note the steaks on the pitchfork

     The Medora Musical was right next to our dining site.  It was so well done.  Lots of high energy young people singing and dancing on a stage that was snuggled into the hill.  The staging included natural hills behind the stage with dramatic lighting.  The show featured the "Flight Crew Jump Rope Team"---couldn't believe the creative acrobatics with jump ropes.  The whole evening was a real treat.
   

Flight Crew Jump Rope Team

Flight Crew

We drove the 36 mile scenic loop through the park--buffalo right next to the road and prairie dog villages along the way.  Beautiful drive.

     The next two days were 12 and 13 hour driving days but we made it home, opened our garage door and the electricity went out for 10 hours due to a huge thunderstorm!  However, we were greeted by fresh flowers, food and and   all kinds of signs the little girls had made so all is well in our world. 

How nice to come home to all this love!  Pete saw the Dr and is getting a MRI so hopefully he will get treated and we'll be good to go again!

     We had 4 wonderful weeks of travel and adventure and hopefully Alaska will be a future trip for us!  Thanks for reading our blog!