A Day at the Park

We arrived at Chewacla State Park and found the site we liked the best for our extended stay while waiting and recouperating from surgery.  Our site  is very spacious and nestled in the woods.  To the far left we have some chairs set around for when we want to have a fire in the fire pit. 

The weather, even though a bit warm, has been beautiful so we decided to walk a trail at Town Creek Park in Auburn.  It is a really nice park and the trails are easy to maneuver. Below is one of the entrances to the trails.
           

Once you round the last of the walkway entrance there is an open view of the pond and gazebo overlooking the pond.
     

We were enjoying our walk so much, we decided to cross the road and walk a part of the trail we had not been on yet.  This area is a Historic Tree Trail which the picture below will explain.  It really is awesome with a lot of incredible history about each tree.

There were trees from acorns or seedlings from all over the country...one was from the tree at the Jefferson Memorial. Another from George Washington's Mount Vernon and others like that.

For Auburn, there was a tree grown from an acorn from the oaks at Toomer's Corner.

We thoroughly enjoyed our walk and especially the history of the trees along the Historic Tree Trail.

It was a good day and a grand way to pass time waiting for Mike's surgery.

The Journey Begins

Sunset at the pier Mobile bay

So the journey begins!!  For the past 2 1/2 years Mike has been actively avoiding surgery on his cervical stenosis. Who wants surgery anyway?   The neurosurgeon in Columbus, Georgia told him 2 1/2 years ago that it would only get worse....and he was spot on.                 

On the way to Jessie's in Magnolia Springs

About 4 months ago the pain decided to take on a new high!!  The pain increased and now both arms are involved.  He has lost strength in both arms and is unable to look up.  But most of all the pain is constant.  He saw a neurosurgeon in Mobile, Alabama who examined him and had an updated MRI done.  Sure enough....it's gotten worse.               

Fountain at the pier in Fairhope

So tomorrow morning we will be traveling to Auburn and our "home" base of Chewacla State Park where we will be hunkering down for the surgery and recuperation.   Mike sees his neurosurgeon in Columbus, Thursday May 9th and we should have a date for surgery soon after that.                    

Boardwalk at the pier Fairhope

The surgery itself sounds horrible but doesn't all surgery??  The doctor assured us he "does this all the time!"   They will make the incision in the front (kinda like slitting your throat) and move the muscles and structures aside so he can get to the spinal cord where he will remove the bone spurs, disc and replace with a cadaver and plate with screws to hold it in place.  Mike will wear a soft collar and possibly a hard collar for several weeks following surgery.  He will be unable to lift, drive or do much for several weeks.  It varies with different people and different situations.  Our job will be to take care of the incision and do all the things to heal....such as eating healthy and walking walking walking!!!!   We can handle that!!               

The good news....when this is complete and Mike has healed we will be able to do more, go further and Mike will not be in pain. 
Those of you that wish...we would love to have your prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery!!  

Small marina at the pier

So Sunday morning we will say our "see ya laters" to the Gulf Shores area...specifically Escapees Rainbow Plantation!!  

Our cameras caught some sights on our last, for now, trip to the Fairhope Pier!  Hope you enjoy!!