I've been on a much-needed vacation. I'm still in Moab, Utah- currently sitting in the Red Rock Bakery eating breakfast, drinking an americano, and checking up on the store. The coffee in Moab leaves something to be desired, but it's not terrible. There is a roaster here, and they don't tend to destroy the coffee when they roast it. But there is something amiss when it comes to their espresso. It's either over-roasted, stale, or missing a couple important elements in the blend. I'm thinking it's a combination of the three. Runs out of the portafilter like water. Not so good.
The other place in town that I generally go is Mondo Cafe. The real reason I go there is because it's so old-school Moab. But it has changed a lot over the years and alas, I almost put sugar in my americano last time I was there.
I've been having a great time here. I've bathed in the Colorado River for a week, made camp coffee with Flores Bajawa, a presspot, and my new hand grinder (note: the GSI JavaGrind with ceramic burrs works great). I haven't driven my car in a week, and am not looking forward to getting back into it now. But I guess a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. I've really enjoyed meeting a lot of the locals, as usual. I seem to slip in right under the tourist radar and mix it up a little with the real people of Moab. I like that.
Yesterday was Independence Day. I rode Slickrock Trail, which is the most incredible amount of fun I can have in 2hours. Then I had a beer and a burger at the Moab Brewery (Dead Horse Ale!). Then I went to the park and watched fireworks with tourists and ancestors of uranium miners. Strange.
I'll be headed back soon, so don't you worry. I've been a little tied up lately trying to get away (and being away), but I'll get back into the swing of things soon... while trying to maintain this vacation relaxation. Maybe I'll start bathing in the Arkansas River.