The larger town next to Elephant Butte New Mexico is called Truth Or Consequences. Yup, strange name. It used to be called Hot Springs but it changed it's name in 1950 after winning a radio contest!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth_or_Consequences,_New_Mexico
The town did not have a lot by way of stores or museums and each time we visited it all seemed closed! I think we are so used to stores being open every day and with such long hours that in a way it is refreshing to see towns that close for lunch, at 5pm each day and half day on Saturdays though I am not sure how they can stay in business. If you want to shop, time your visit carefully. Even the large independent drug store had these opening hours.
There was a good tourist office that was also home to an area devoted to Spaceport America which is also where the tours departed from.
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| Cinema |
While visiting Truth or Consequences we also drove to the southern end of the reservoir to see the dam and an island that looks like an elephant, hence the name.
How many dams have we seen since we started our rv journey? I should count them up!
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| A few weeks prior the floating marina seen in the middle of the lake was not floating as the water level was so low! |
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| The elephant! trunk and head at the left |
The town of Truth Or Consequences was built on hot springs and has some interesting history, take a minute to click and have a read about them.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth_or_Consequences_Hot_Springs
A 1940 geological study of thermal waters in the Hot Springs Artesian Basin of Truth or Consequences identified 35 artesian wells and springs.
Prior to World War II, there were approximately 40 hot springs spa establishments in Truth or Consequences. Of the current hot springs establishments five draw their water from wells, and La Paloma Hot Springs & Spa (formerly Marshall Hot Springs), Riverbend Hot Springs, Indian Springs Bath House, Artesian Bath house and Hay-Yo-Kay Hot Springs obtain their water from free-flowing hot springs.
We visited Riverbend Hot Springs on a late afternoon and had a great time though we did feel like boiled prawns as the water was a very toasty 106F. Your booking is an hour, arriving up to half an hour before as you must shower before entering the Spring. We booked a private spring and it was a beautiful space with a view over the Rio Grande. You must leave after fifty minutes so they can clean the area which while I appreciate the idea of cleaning meant our time went very fast. It was recommended to soak for ten to fifteen minutes and then get out to cool for a spell before soaking again. We were very tired and felt a bit strange afterwards. Maybe you have to visit a few times to begin feeling the benefits. This cost $35 but you can visit the communal springs in the town that cost as little as $5.
https://riverbendhotsprings.com/
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| There was big curtain you could close if you wanted privacy but with this amazing view we left it open. |
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| Enjoying my soak while watching the Rio Grande |
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| I'm sure I have already posted pictures of these mountains but I couldn't not show more. How amazing to be surrounded by them! Each day with the changing weather and light they took on a different life. |
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