Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

December 15-16, 2008
The eclectic art community of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico is nestled in the mountains at 4200 ft. just off Interstate 25. Formerly called Hot Springs for its mineral rich hot springs, the town was renamed Truth or Consequences in 1950 after the popular 1940s radio show that was later broadcast on TV. (If you're too young to remember this, you can get the scoop here: http://www.truthorconsequencesnm.net/area_TorC_ralph_edwards.htm) The town's hot mineral springs have been used for centuries for rest, relaxation, rejuvenation and healing—both physical and spiritual.

Our friends, Woody and Genie Thomas, have been here for about a month, workkamping at the Riverbend Hot Springs Budget Resort & Spa. It is advertised as a relaxing retreat, a romantic getaway, and a unique adverture for the whole family. One of their perks is getting to “soak” as they call it, in the hot mineral pools.

Woody and Genie met us at the I-25 junction and led us to Cielo Vista RV Park. After checking in and having lunch, they gave us a tour of Riverbend Resort and the unique town of Truth or Consequences.

Sunday morning the Thomas’ took us to Elephant Butte, a few miles north of T or C, for a tour of Turtle Back Mountain. But first, we had breakfast at the Big Food Express. It took us a few minutes to absorb the décor—purple walls with with travel posters from all over the world; Oriental umbrellas hovered over small tables, and a small stage with a beaded backdrop. Contrary to its name, it is not a fast-food restaurant, although the owner (a one-man kitchen staff) quickly prepared our breakfast orders (Huevos Ranchero, Egss Benedict and steak and eggs), served them all at the same time, and they were hot and delicious. (We tried singing for our breakfast, but that didn't work.)

Back in town, we stopped at Dukatti’s Tie Dye shop and visited with the proprietor. He snapped our photo in front of his psychedelic rainbow wall, then invited us to browse in his spacious shop packed with tie-dye clothing. We felt we had passed through a time warp back to the 70s. There was rack after rack of tie-dyed clothing--canvas shoes, shirts, jackets, dresses, and even men’s Jockey shorts. It was hard to believe the amount of tie-dyed merchadise he told us he ships to numerous outlets.

In the evenings, as the temperature began its descent into the twenties, the four of us enjoyed a relaxing “soak” in one of Riverside’s hot pools overlooking the famous Rio Grande River. What a life! It was an enjoyable two days and we really hated to leave, but reservations elsewhere were calling.