Elephant Butte State Park in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Tuesday, Oct 29th found us on the road bright and early at 8am Pacific Standard Time. We kept the same time as we were going into New Mexico next and only wanted a one hour time change instead of a 2 hour one for only 1 week. lol

Ray and I prepared the coach for travel mostly the night before. All services disconnected other than power as we knew it was going to be even colder overnight and we did not want to deal with a frozen hose in the morning. Once it was light we were off. Enough of the cold and snow. lol We planned for a longer drive today just to get further south but with a couple of stops to stretch and eat. We had a little bit of road work shortly out of Monument Valley and Ray was able to take a great picture of Agathla Peak. Pretty cool looking.

After that, our first stop was Window Rock, Arizona. Ray always wanted to see the big arch with the Navajo Code Talker memorial. Conveniently turning off Hwy 160  east of Kayenta to State Route 59,  just happened to take us right to Window Rock.  What a nice side road. It joined up with Highway 191 at Many Farms. What gorgeous scenery on the way. I used Ray's camera to take a few pictures.

After arriving at the small town of Window Rock, we ate lunch at Denny's first, after walking Freya. On the 10 minute drive to the Arch we stopped for diesel as they had really good prices at $2.89 per gallon. Then to the Window Arch. We parked the MH and then walked around the monument. It really is a huge arch, much bigger than the pictures we had looked at. The biggest thing we noticed in this part of AZ was all of the stray dogs. Felt sorry for them with the cold weather. We must have seen 6 dogs just around the gas station and monument, all young under a year old.

Window Arch is 200' tall.

2000# Bronze Statue honouring the Navajo Code Talkers 

After our walk and stretch, back into the coach for another two hours. Our destination tonight is the Dancing Eagle Casino RV Park. With the temps below freezing again tonight, I wanted to plug in so Ray did not have to set up the Big Buddy Heater and propane tank etc. after having a longer day of driving. It was a deal at $17 for full hookup plus we had a good meal at their All American Diner. A very windy, cold night. Neither of us got a good sleep with the slide toppers flapping and being sore from driving so long today. Here's a pic from google ... not much to write home about. lol



Wednesday morning we were up early. Not too much to stow as we only hooked up the power cable and had not unhitched the car. As soon as it was light we were off again. Fortunately today's drive is only 3 hours with a 15 minute rest stop included for Freya and us to stretch our legs. We arrived at Elephant Butte SP. A great non-eventful drive. Managed to find a wonderful campsite with 50 amp power and water, all for $14/night. They also have a great sani-dump to use on the way out. We were all set up before noon AZ time. Setup did not take too long and I spent the afternoon making food for Freya, dishes etc and messaging my great friend Dianne. Ray, after outside setup, and walking Freya. had a bit of a "toes up" in bed to ease his back. Afterwards he managed to find a spot out of the wind and relax in the sunshine. We both slept well with the "quiet" and no wind.

Flying our Halloween Flag

Elephant Butte Lake SP is near the small town of Truth or Consequences. They have a few amenities there including a Walmart. Pretty small town though. It looks rather run down and it's claim to fame is its hot springs and bath houses.

The change of name from Hot Spring to Truth or Consequences is credited to Ralph Edwards who hosted a radio quiz program on NBC Radio named “Truth or Consequences.” ... The name was effectively changed on March 31, 1950, and the show was aired from the town the next evening on April 1, 1950.

Thursday morning woke up to 25F again. Good thing we unhooked the hose before bed.This should be the last morning below freezing. Another beautiful sunny morning. I took a run into Walmart to pick up Freya's meds that I had pre-ordered. They were not in. Oh well we are here for a few days. After picking up some groceries I headed to get the car washed and then headed home. As soon as I exited the car wash the Adaptive Steering Control icon came on with an error. Next I noticed that the steering wheel was crooked ... not straight. WTF??? I got out and made sure my wheels were straight and they were. Back on the I-25 to camp the car performed ok, it was just weird with the steering wheel off kilter. I noticed that on slight corners the car did not want to turn and there was a little resistance like in "crash alert" situations. Once I was back I showed Ray the crooked steering wheel. He started making calls to find the closest Ford Dealer.  Not many people reside in southwest New Mexico.  The Ford dealer at Deming is now out of business, the dealer in Silver City only has one mechanic and the waiting list is weeks.  Other than going backwards to Albuquerque, the closest one is in Lordsburg. That will be our destination Monday morning.

I decided to cook our dinner using charcoal I stowed in the basement of the MH and a fire. Baked a potato and some yellow beets over the fire and then cooked our steak over the charcoal. Dinner turned out fabulous. After we ate dinner, we went back outside and had a fire to watch the stars. A stellar relaxing day.

Friday morning, sunny and a little warmer out. although our water still froze. It was supposed to stay at 36F overnight but obviously it was colder ... our temp gauge said 29F. Oh well, we will just put the hose in the sunshine and put another hose on.  It should thaw quickly as it should be up to 65F today.

I spent the morning making a fresh apple pie and then did chicken strips from scratch for lunch. It was 12:30 pm before I could relax and sit outside. I do love days I can just putter and put a big smile on Ray's face. Dinner tonight is leftovers from last night so my day of work is done. lol

Recipe from Anna Olson with caramelized sugar and cinnamon on top.

Ray headed out for some sunset shots before dinner.

We went for a little walk with Freya and the rest of the afternoon was spent outside enjoying the day. Around 4pm, as it was Friday, the weekend people from Albuquerque started rolling in. Glad we already had our spot.

Saturday morning, another gorgeous day. Certainly not hard to take. lol Today we will pop in to town and pick up Freya's meds as I have confirmed that they are in. Ray wants to check out the parks along the river for some picture opportunities.

NOTE: When Ray started the car up everything had reset to normal???

I opted to stay home and do a little cleaning with Freya outside and Ray gone. lol I also prepped for dinner so I can just throw the meatloaf  into the oven when it's time. To go with the meatloaf, I prepped a batch of spanish rice. Again, so I can just throw it into the pot to cook with all the ingredients pre chopped and measured out.

Here's Ray's picture of the "Mighty Rio Grande River" said with tongue in cheek!

Grand sum total of the Rio Grande flow!!

Once Ray returned, we assumed our positions outside enjoying the sun until the wind came up and it was too cool as the clouds also came in.

Sunday morning, our last day here. 35C this morning so no worries about frozen water taps. lol We had an early lunch/late breakfast and then I tackled my mound of dishes. That's the only problem with staying in one place too long, I get my nesting bug and start cooking, not that Ray complains. However this also means I make tons of dishes and without a dishwasher (Ray is unable to do the dishes with his back) this takes up the rest of my morning. lol No time to be  bored. :)

After dishes we decided to take a drive on a road we have not been on to see if we could access the river. Ray noticed some great fall colour on the trees. After driving for 20 minutes we got as far as the road would let us in our car ... 4x4's would be required to go any further. Ray manages to get a few pics though. On the way he barely missed a 3 foot snake on the road!!! I guess with the warm afternoons the critters are out and about again.

We sat outside for several hours before coming in for dinner. Freya sure enjoys this place as she wants to stay outside all day and does not come in until dinner time usually. Tomorrow off to Lordsburg, NM.