We are back in Northern New Mexico in very familiar territory and one of the first places I always want to go is Ojo Caliente. It has been known to the American Indians for ages and I am so glad that it is now known to me.
This secluded oasis soothes my body, mind and spirit. I love every minute I spend there. It has a Lithia Pool that relieves depression and aids digestion. Luckily I have no issues there but it is still a nice pool to soak in. The iron pool has a legend that the giant rock in the Iron Pool guards the place where the ancient people of the mesa once received food and water during times of famine. Iron is considered to be beneficial to the blood and immune system. We can all use help there. I think our favorite soak is in the Soda Spring. It is enclosed and it makes it almost seem like a steam room. While all of Ojo Caliente is a "quiet zone" the Soda Spring is a silent spot so NO talking. The photo above is of the Arsenic Spring. Arsenic water is believed to be beneficial for relief from arthritis, stomach ulcers and to heal a variety of skin conditions. I enjoy sitting under the waterfall from the jug and letting it massage my shoulders.
The pools nestle under cliffs where the Tewa tribes built large pueblos and terraced gardens overlooking the springs. In 1868 the first bath house was built here and it has been in business ever since.
The absolute not to be missed experience is the Mud Pool. There you slather mud all over your body and bake in the sun until done! Toxins are released from the pores of your skin as the special blend of clay dries. I come away feeling cleansed and refreshed. Even Walt enjoys it now. This time I had two rounds of the Mud Pool. Ponce de Leon was way off when he was searching for the Fountain of Youth in Florida.......he should have come north and west because a day at Ojo Caliente can take the years away.
This quiet place is very therapeutic. Unlike many other hot springs that we have visited that also encourage quiet that doesn't happen.......quiet happens here. No children under 13 so no squealing and shouting and I don't think children would enjoy it anyway. Sitting and vegging is for years later in their lives.
After a full day of soaking, mudding, and relaxing it is always nice to head back to GypsyII in the glow of the desert sunset.
Always a highlight of our time in Northern New Mexico.
When in Northern New Mexico one of the places we usually stay is at Isleta Lakes. It is just south of Albuquerque and pretty close to I25 so we can easily get anywhere in the area.
This visit much of our time was spent enjoying delicious food and exciting games of Canasta with Joyce and Paul. We appreciate their hospitality and friendship.
Soon we were back on the road. Heading south on I25 to Elephant Butte, NM for an extended stay. Elephant Butte is a very small town just outside of Truth or Consequences. It is built just above the Elephant Butte Lake. When I went to high school in Hatch in the 60's the town of Elephant Butte didn't exist. It began as a small group of people that wanted to live close to the lake that finally grew enough to be incorporated as a city in 1998.
When we had been in the area previously friends had driven us through Cedar Cove RV Park in Elephant Butte. We liked its look and when we planned on being in the area we reserved time and we have really enjoyed it. Our site is very nice with lots of shade for the hot desert days. The club house has all the channels we need to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Boise State Broncos. Score!
It is so very quiet and at night the stars are big and bright. A perfect base for visiting with friends and exploring the area.
The RV Park isn't very far from Elephant Butte Lake and Dam so we go and take in the views frequently.
The city of Truth or Consequences is nearby so we have been spending quite a bit of time there. It is the most colorful little town.
Today it is best known for it's unusual name, its Hot Springs soaking spas, and Elephant Butte Lake. When I was in high school it was where the Fiesta dances were, where we could water ski all day on the lake and of course "the boys."
Originally named Hot Springs, the city changed its name to "Truth or Consequences", the title of a popular NBC Radio program. In March 1950, Ralph Edwards, the host of the radio quiz show Truth or Consequences, announced that he would air the program on its 10th anniversary from the first town that renamed itself after the show; Hot Springs officially changed its name on March 31, 1950. From then on the first weekend in May "Fiesta" was held. It had a beauty contest, a parade, a stage show and of course those dances. The "Fiesta" continues today but I understand it is very different.
The exploration will continue under these beautiful New Mexico skies. Lots of people and places to see and lots of memories to be set in motion.