Tropical Storm Ophelia interfered with our packing and travel plans for our Chicago trip, keeping us indoors instead of provisioning our camper and getting on the road. Better to stay home, stay safe and dry, we felt. So, we forfeited our overnight at Jordan Lake and left a day late, making our first stop at Wytheville, VA, after a long day of driving. From there, we stopped in Lexington at the Kentucky Horse Park, then Crawfordsville, IN, and arrived in Chicago on Wednesday 9/27. We had a busy and fun-filled family time.
After a fabulous lunch, we walked over to Sugar Bliss Bakery for a light dessert, then escorted Natalie back to her dorm. We had to get back on the highway and home in time to get Isaac to the band house at the football field for Friday night’s game.
On Saturday, Stu helped Doug load our truck with a few purchases from Ikea. Chris and I went to the Spa. On Saturday night, we were all around the firepit out front, with neighbors stopping by (a weekly event, weather permitting). On Sunday night, we went to Fat Rosie’s for dinner.
On Monday morning, we hooked up the camper and started our return trip to New Bern, stopping in Naperville to meet our long-time friend, Carol, for a late breakfast. On Monday night, we were back in Indiana; Tuesday Kentucky; and then we stopped for two nights at Roan Mountain State Park, one of our favorite campgrounds.
The last time we were here (4/21), we were only able to spend a few minutes on the Appalachian Trail because it was so cold and windy. On Thursday, we were able to change that with a two-mile hike from Carver’s Gap to Round Bald, with perfect weather.
It’s now Friday evening, and we’re in Fancy Gap, VA. Tonight’s low will be in the 40’s, but tomorrow’s temperatures are supposed to be in the 50’s with plenty of sunshine. We hope to go to New River State Park and take the easy hike from Foster Falls to Shot Tower (and back).
Marty & Doug's Travels 
On the road again! You guys are amazing! We might get down to Nc on the 19th but still haven’t finalized our doggie babysitting! We hope to at sometime get to see you two!
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Let’s keep in touch! 🙂 Thanks for so faithfully viewing our blog. XO
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Once again we missed a side trip to see you. Charlie fell at our campsite and broke his hip! So….after surgery and a week at Geneva Hospital (yikes), and a horrible two weeks or was it 3??? at the “living Center” nursing/rehab center attached to the hospital (a hellish experience) and 2 1/2 weeks living at Cindy Kukuvka’s house we flew to Largo. Our truck is packed to the gills (I packed). Our truck will be delivered by Cindy and her sister in law in November. Charile is doing well…Hip was never a problem..Pneumonia, Cellulitis , edema, blisters and Cellulitis (all un-necessary) are practically healed do to my excellent nursing!! And our camper is sold. !!! I envy your trip of course. The woods and parks were gorgeous. We will meet up when we are both reconditioned and waslking again.. Life is never dull:-)
Love to both of you.. K and C
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Dear Kathie, we are SO sorry to hear all of this misery befell the two of you! There’s no place like home, and we’re glad you made it there. Thank Heavens for all of the good help you are receiving. We’ll be in touch after we get home. Love to you both. M&D
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You packed a lot in on this trip. Special time with your kids, grandkids and friends. Loved all of the pics. Natalie and Isaac have certainly matured since the last pics I saw. The camping photos are always special and with documentation! Love it!
Glad you are safely home. Look forward to our next visit!
Take care dear friends!
Hugs,
Carol
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