Moab area

Morning on the Klondike was pleasant and intense. Rex woke early to the moon setting deep on the horizon while a few faint stars followed. The dawning sky was intense with rich blues and purples. I rested my eyes for a bit longer. It had been a warm slumber, but incredibly freeing to not bundle up in a sweatshirt and winter hat for bedtime.

The early part of the day was scheduled for errands. We packed up camp and made our way into downtown Moab for breakfast and business.

Around Day 2 or 3, we smacked our heads hard realizing one important item forgotten—business cards. In between working, packing, moving, unloading, packing again, we somehow someway forgot the cards. We had met some special folks on our journey, and it would’ve been convenient to offer a card.

Enter Canyonlands Copy Center to our rescue! We walked in without a file in hand but used their air-conditioned table space to whip up something that looked like a business card. I threw a design together with all the pertinent information (who, what, where, and when of our project and mission). While we were at it, I created a flyer for the next event—an educational event at the Rotary Park on August 24, 2017.

We would like to offer a big shout out to Canyonlands Copy Center. The staff was incredibly helpful, friendly, and curious about our project. If you’re in Moab and in need of printing services, Canyonlands Copy Center honors above and beyond customer care.

Business cards and fliers, check. Next up, laundry, water, gas, and light food shopping. Although we’ve eaten high on the hog, my body was asking for watermelon and broccoli.

Our first full day in the southern heat, my brain was unsure what to make of it, even though we spent half the day in and out of air-conditioned buildings. When we finally managed to set up for the first plein air of the day, along the Green River at the Gold Bar recreation spot, it was nearing 100-degree temperatures. We scurried our way to the covered picnic area.

But despite the cover, my brain felt like a cup of ice water sitting the sun with condensation dripping down my temples. My brain felt sluggish and foggy. I quickly realized how challenging is to plein air in the middle of August in southern Utah. However, I’m sure the Phoenicians would have balked at my whimper.