Old Mesilla, Truth or Consequences & Elephant Butte

Saturday, March 16, 2013…More exploration and even some kayaking!

We’ve had a busy few days … and today we decided to just get some domestic chores done around the RV. Laundry etc and update the blog.

After chores we did venture out to the Farmers’ Market downtown which was HUGE!! Lots of local crafts, foods, jewellery etc. We bought a plaque for Rosy, our RV, from a lovely 80-yr old artist. What a character.

Artist selling paintings of saints in Las Cruces street market

We’ve walked around Old Mesilla on Thursday … historic part of Las Cruces … lots of history and beautiful original architecture.

Old Mesilla

On Friday we drove up to Truth or Consequences (the “truth” is … there’s nothing much there! We saw brochures about the hot springs but wonder if you need to be checked into one of the resorts there – which we didn’t see!).

From there it was on to Elephant Butte. We took the kayaks as there’s a dam there with a large lake. Well, there IS a lake … but the water is very VERY low this time of year. Plus they say they’re in a major drought so that’s not helping. ( I’d say there’s a drought … the Rio Grande was dust when we drove past!!) We did put the boats in and paddled for an hour or so but not much to look at … lots of rocks and more rocks. We did see a large number of Western Grebes and even saw a turtle out sunning on a rock in the lake!

Elephant Butte Lake

Turtle on Elephant Butte Lake

It appears it’s a very popular motor boating destination and in the summer it must be overrun with them. The boat ramp has 6 lanes!!! After a picnic lunch we drove back via Hatch, NM which bills itself as the “Chili Capital of the World”! As it’s not in the growing season all there was available was dried chilies and sauces, salsas etc. Still a neat place. You’d think it was 1960 there tho … as seen in this cafe … representing each of the major fast food franchises!

Well, we came to Las Cruces for 2 days and spent a week. So many things to see and do. We are definitely taking off on Monday morning and heading to Carlsbad. I’ll write more then!

This last photo is me in my dress I bought for $4 in Old Mesilla! Not bad! The cafe, located in a residential district, had wonderful food, no booze though!

La Nueva Casita Cafe

Note: Temps in the mid 80’s … humidity in the single digits! Luckily the temp is getting a bit cooler in the next few days although today in Carlsbad it’s in the 90’s. Glad we decided to stay here a few more days!