Today was a town day. We know you are thinking “it seems like every day is a town day for you two” so far. Fair. But today was the intentional type, rather than the opportunistic type. After five days in camp it was time for a shower and some laundry. Having been in the neighborhood a few times, we have this routine dialed.

But first, we rose at an unusually early seven something and had a leisurely breakfast in the calm morning sun after a truly monumental wind storm battered the tent all night. Eventually we hopped into the 4Runner, swung by the Visitor Center to do some recycling, and motored the 30ish miles on in to Moab. We found an ATM for actual money, and grabbed a few groceries at City Market to break a twenty. Last year we found the perfectly reasonable Up The Creek campground in the middle of town, where a perfectly functional shower can be had for $6 apiece. Enjoying personal cleanliness, we then headed for the laundromat, which is so conveniently located next to our favorite breakfast and lunch spot that you can put your load in, walk over and order, walk back and put them in the dryer, walk back and eat, and then go fold your clothes. Wildly efficient and filling.

City chores and personal hygiene handled ,we returned to camp for a leisurely afternoon of art and reading, capped by a short hike up Aztec Butte for some exercise and a view. We consumed more of Theresa’s delish dehydrated meals and hit the hay, anticipating a very early morning shift to the Needles District at the southern end of the park.