No Plans
Up until our last week of house and pet sitting in San Diego, Mark and I had no concrete idea of what was next. Because the unpredictable condition of my mother-in-law in New England earlier this year, we had not booked another sit, in case we’d have to fly back. Flexibility has been an important part of our lifestyle. Luckily, the situation back east was stable, mid-February, so we could remain “out west”. Since we had no house sit to get to, and we own this amazing little camper van, our plan was to bridge the seven-week gap between sits in the desert, being warm. Baja California in Mexico was dismissed, after we discovered our favorite beach spot there has no cell service, so we mentally aimed for four different boondocking areas in Arizona to split our time and work from the van. It would be tricky.
Free camping in the Sonoran Desert
A New Plan
Then, a three-month house and dog sit popped up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Not being able to commit to the whole duration, because of our next confirmed assignment in Santa Fe, NM, the end of March, I suggested that Mark and I take care of the owners’ home and two Labradors for the first six weeks of their absence. Perfect! And, we had five days to cover the distance between San Diego, CA and Albuquerque, NM.
Saguaro NP
Which route to take? We scanned the map and noticed a peculiar town in New Mexico called Truth or Consequences. Who would not want to check that out? Despite Google’s recommendation to take the shortest route, via Phoenix, AZ, we set out on the southern road via Tucson, AZ, to also include Saguaro National Park. The plan was to enjoy the toasty climate for a few days, before heading to 5000+ feet for the next three and a half months, and combine sights with work.
A Short Road Trip
There was not much going on along the southern route through California. At times we could see the “border wall” with Mexico: fences all along the desert landscape. Our friend Amy had told us about a cute, raised church in the area we were headed to. Just before we turned off to our first free campsite, we spotted it. A work call in the morning for which we needed reliable cell service in town, prevented us from investigating further. Yes, this was the campsite where our flip flops were devoured…
Rain in the Desert: Saguaro National Park
A quick stop in Yuma revealed the interesting site of the Yuma Territorial Prison.
The Sonoran Desert followed and we arrived in an environment which, while dry and prickly, appealed to us. Never mind the signs about border criminality.
Unfortunately, the sky turned overcast and the temperatures were ten degrees lower than usual. By the time we arrived at our second most important destination, in the hope of doing a few hikes, the rain started. Rain in the desert? It does happen!
Truth or Consequences: Soaking it up
If you grew up in the US in the forties, the name Truth or Consequences might sound familiar to you (it didn’t to us), because of a radio show with the same name. To celebrate the show’s ten-year anniversary, the broadcaster, Ralph Edwards, looked for a town in the US to change its name to Truth or Consequences. The applications arrived and the town Hot Springs, New Mexico, was selected to take the honors of the name change and of being the location for the special 10th anniversary broadcast.
And, speaking of hot springs, the Riverbend Hot Springs was the perfect venue to finally warm up. For $12 a person, we soaked a full hour in baths of different degrees of hotness. The view over the Rio Grande wasn’t bad and the rain did not bother us at all. The facilities were modern, well-taken care of and quiet. Mark and I basically had the place to ourselves. Perfect to wind down from time on the road and to take in what Truth or Consequences has to offer.
Six-week Sit with Gunner and Beckwourth
A couple of days later, we arrived in Albuquerque. Our current house rests on the mesa, overlooking the city, and borders Petroglyph National Monument. We have the company of two big and goofy dogs, it is quiet and… liquid sunshine is extremely rare.
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March 21, 2018 at 14:17
What a nice road trip and photos, Liesbet! Sounds wonderful to have the hot springs baths to yourselves.
March 23, 2018 at 14:34
Hi Natalie! Thanks. We don’t spoil ourselves often, but that hour-long soak in these hot springs were definitely worth it! Especially, since nothing else could be done in the rain. 🙂
March 21, 2018 at 14:17
Hi, Liesbet – I love towns with ultra-cool and unusual names. I would love to visit ‘Truth or Consequences’…as well as ‘Fear Not’ (Pennsylvania), ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ (Scotland), ‘Whynot’ (North Carolina) and ‘Punkeydoodles Corners’ (Ontario, Canada).
BTW – Beckwourth and Gunner are absolutely adorable. I can’t wait to read more about them!
March 22, 2018 at 01:56
We drove over the Rest and Be Thankful at the weekend! It’s a road rather than a town – I hesitate to call it a “mountain” pass as our mountains aren’t very big – and often gets blocked by landslides in the winter. There is a village called Lost in Scotland, and also one called Dull, twinned with Boring which I think is somewhere in the US.
March 23, 2018 at 15:50
What a coincidence you were just there, Anabel. And, I love those other funky names as well. Somebody should visit them all and write a blog post about them. 🙂
March 23, 2018 at 14:36
Those other examples you give here sound intriguing, Donna! I’ve never heard of them. But, I had never heard of T&C either. So, whenever I see your favorites near or along one of our routes, I’ll be sure to check them out. And, inquire why they are called that way. 🙂 As for Beckwourth and Gunner… they are quite something!
March 21, 2018 at 14:26
Your short road trip was certainly not short on fun. Love the new name for the Hot Springs town…Truth or Consequences…love it 🙂
March 23, 2018 at 14:37
We love road trips, Gilda, and were happy and fortunate that this one allowed us some time to stop, relax and work.
March 21, 2018 at 15:31
Oh, I’m so envious that you are back in New Mexico, Liesbet. I love that place. There’s something so peaceful and creative and artistic about every corner of it.
March 23, 2018 at 14:56
It is a pretty amazing state, Karen. But, it seems like winter/spring is not the idea season to be here. The winds are atrocious (dust storms every few days) and it is still freezing at night. The Albuquerque climate is not too bad right now, but next week we go higher still for two months and we will be back in the 40s and 50s (less than 10C) during the day and freezing at night… 🙁
March 21, 2018 at 15:56
What an interesting trip! I didn’t grow up in the forties, but I have heard of Truth or Consequences… maybe it was turned into a TV show later on. Good thing they changed their name, I wonder how many people would think to visit Hot Spring, NM? Oh, and the Yuma Territorial Prison: our family actually took a trip there when I was little (I know that sounds weird, but it was really interesting). Your temporary dogs look adorably goofy, I bet you are having fun with them.
March 23, 2018 at 15:38
Apparently, based on the hot springs employee, there are a lot of towns called “Hot Springs” spread around the country, so changing their name really made them stand out. I think the prison is a great place to visit as an educational trip, whether school-related or family-related. 🙂 We are having fun with the dogs, although the weather and Gunner’s age make it a bit tricky.
March 21, 2018 at 16:11
Looks like you enjoyed your route to Albuquerque and have found a good house sit. Even though we’ve been to T or C and familiar with the show, I did not know the history behind the town getting the name. Interesting tidbit!
March 23, 2018 at 15:40
Hi Ingrid! You guys are so much better about picking destinations that sound or are interesting. Our house sits restrict us to where we go right now, but we couldn’t pass up Truth or Consequences. Loving the combination camper van – house sits at the moment. 🙂
March 21, 2018 at 16:16
You get to see such interesting places! There’s a hot spring not far from my hometown, but it stinks of sulphur. Was that the case with the ones you visited? I loved the heat, but not the smell.
How nice to have it all to yourself.
March 23, 2018 at 15:42
These hot springs did not smell at all, JH. But, I have visited similar places in New Zealand and the smell of sulfur first attracted me to get to the source and then, kept me far away from them, after a first glance. It was a pretty cool spot and I”m glad we allowed ourselves the splurge.
March 21, 2018 at 18:30
We couldn’t resist stopping in Truth or Consequences on our way across the country a few years back. Loved Riverbend as well. Looks like they have even made some substantial improvements. Did you stop at the Pie Shop? Fun little town with interesting folks for sure.
March 23, 2018 at 15:46
The hot springs do look attractive now. I have seen others elsewhere, and this one is clean and inviting. 🙂 We didn’t stop at the Pie Shop. I have never heard of it, and we rarely ever buy pastries or “food out”. Sounds yummy, though!
March 22, 2018 at 00:12
Ah Liesbet, I am a huge fan of hot springs. The little pools you got to soak in seem to be perfectly located with that river view. My favorite hot springs were in the mountains in Ecuador. Seeing your photos brought those memories back. Love the cacti, especially that huge very tall tall one! Amazing.
Isn’t it great when things work out easily and somehow just fall into place the way they are meant to. Sounds like some fun house sits coming up…that’s such a beautiful region.
Peta
March 23, 2018 at 15:49
I think you can pretty much replicate the feeling of being in hot springs in your bath tub, in your jungle yard, Peta! The ones in Ecuador sound mighty attractive. If we ever make it there, on the mainland, I’ll have to ask you where they are located!
Yes, we are happy that this sit fell into place. Now, if only other parts of our life could follow suit and the “bad luck” spell could be lifted, that would be awesome!!!
March 22, 2018 at 01:58
Great pictures – I always think you must be very resolute to make yourselves work in such beautiful surroundings.
March 23, 2018 at 15:53
You are right, Anabel. We have to constantly remind ourselves that this is our path right now and that, one day, we will be able to fully enjoy the places we drive by and stop at. Not always easy, but, unfortunately, we are not retired (yet). 🙂 And, it is a feeling I’m all too familiar with for a decade. When we were on our sailboat, we made a lot of “sacrifices”, because we had to work. Despite “popular belief”.
March 22, 2018 at 06:30
I had to put my VPN on to visit your blog, I am so over the restrictions of this country we are in at present!! Moan over, now onto your really interesting post. Oh I love how you have captured the essence of the desert. I have not been to one apart from the Outback of Australia! Brilliant photos. Funny old name for a place Truth or Consequences, make a good boardgame 🙂
March 23, 2018 at 15:54
Wow, Suz. I had no idea that Turkey was such a strict country. The Outback is something special! The closest I have ever come to that in the States, is in Utah. The red dirt, the dry and funky vegetation, the rocky outcrops. Haven’t found another Uluru yet, though. 🙂
March 22, 2018 at 11:13
What an amazing road trip Liesbet, I love the dry and prickly scenery and those hot springs are very inviting! Enjoy the rest of your time here and please give Beckwourth and Gunner a big pat from us too :o) xxx
March 23, 2018 at 15:56
Doggy love has been exchanged! I hope you are enjoying the first signs of spring, Xenia. Here, I have seen exactly 4 blossoms appear on one tree. 🙂 But, we are heading to higher elevations next week, so I think I’ll have to continue my patience.
March 22, 2018 at 14:32
Your van has given you much more freedom especially with the uncertain condition of your MIL…I’m so jealous you can roam around in the southwest. I’ve only driven through there on the way to Texas a few times, but soon I want to visit other points of interest a little further north. Your pics are beautiful and the sunshine looks warm! Cute dogs, have fun at your new sit!
March 23, 2018 at 15:58
Hi Terri! I’m curious about your upcoming travel plans. As for us, we are looking forward to the summer and, hopefully, visiting more areas in the West. We love our van and are starting to make modifications for longer term trips.
March 22, 2018 at 14:46
I always say I’m not a big fan of deserts but I generally find an austere beauty in them once there. What a shame that Saguaro NP was so blah when you were there; that one has been beautiful when I have hiked through it several times. Hope the current house and dogs are entertaining you well and that you get lots of good editing time! 🙂
March 23, 2018 at 16:01
As you so well know from recent experiences, Lexie, you can’t change the weather. I’m trying to adjust to Mother Nature’s moods, and, while a tad ironic we had rain in the desert, I guess I can now mark that up as a very unique experience. 🙂 I agree with your “austere beauty” comment, when it comes to deserts. There is something special about them! A few things getting in the way of my editing time again, unfortunately. Some are making money and others heightened frustration.
March 23, 2018 at 19:56
Oh, I’m sorry to hear that last part … hope things settle down and smooth out soon.
March 24, 2018 at 10:07
Thanks, Lexie. Unfortunately, some inconveniences, frustrations and incapabilities last “forever”.
March 22, 2018 at 17:00
Someday, you are going to bring that cute Zesty van to Idaho, come stay with my Roxy girl, and then you can discover the many natural hot springs we have in Idaho…just a thought! ~ Lynn
March 23, 2018 at 16:03
And, what a thought this is, Lynn! I have heard a lot of nice things about Idaho, but have actually never been there. We need to change that. What is the best season to meet Roxy and soak in hot springs in your neck of the woods?
March 22, 2018 at 20:54
Hi Liesbet
I remember Truth or Consequences from when I was a kid, both the show and the town name. I didn’t know how it got its name though.
The Southwest is so beautiful.
Have a wonderful sit,
Laura
March 23, 2018 at 16:04
Thanks, Laura. Because I am so behind with my blogs, this current Albuquerque sit is almost over. Next week, we head to Santa Fe and leave these two pups behind. And, yes, the Southwest is incredible. We might have to stay here another year…
March 23, 2018 at 06:58
Reading about your van and seeing the pictures really makes me want to go on a round trip. It’s so nice that it gives you flexibility in between house sits. Cute puppies 🙂
March 23, 2018 at 16:06
Having the van brings us security and ease between sits. And, some adventure. 🙂 I’m sure you must miss your camper explorations, Ellen. But, like you, I have to focus on other things right now. Just not being as successful at it as others. 🙂
March 24, 2018 at 09:34
One adventure ends and another begins, Liesbet, but there always seems to be adversity to overcome, doesn’t there? Supposedly makes us stronger. 🙂 🙂 And it has been wierd weather the world over. Neighbours at our breakfast table in Jerez said it had taken the pilot 3 goes to land due to fierce winds. Glad we were driving!
March 24, 2018 at 10:09
I guess it is called “life”, Jo. 🙂 But, when bad luck and frustrations caused by others keep lasting, it sure is maddening and debilitating. About that landing, that is pretty scary. I’m glad you guys drove! The weather is indeed messed up everywhere. I’m sure us, humans, have something to do with that…
March 27, 2018 at 06:33
It strikes me how flexible you have to be with your “roaming about” lifestyle. It seems sometimes internet connection is one constant you have to consider. I remember seeing Saguaro cactii in the desert when I traveled all over the USA with a girlfriend after college.
You are attracting many followers here, a good thing, Liesbet! 🙂
March 27, 2018 at 10:40
Those Saguaro cacti are quite something else, right? You must have seen a lot of things on that trip with your friend, Marian. BTW: internet connectivity is something we ALWAYS have and had to consider ever since we started our business (on our sailboat) in 2009. It does take the fun out of many things, and doesn’t allow any vacation time, but, we need to make money, like everyone else. Luckily, there is something called “the weekend”. 🙂
March 27, 2018 at 16:02
I love hot springs! Actually, I love any kind of hot water 🙂
March 28, 2018 at 14:25
I’m with you, Lucy. Our last house sit in Albuquerque had a fantastic, fancy and modern hot tub (a jacuzzi, actually, but I don’t like all the movement and noise, so I leave the jets off), but the temperature was set relatively low, so I called it my “warm tub” and needed to wear a winter hat while sitting in it. 🙂
March 27, 2018 at 20:45
Truth or Consequences. That name made me remember the board game with that name. As children we also played a version of the game called Truth or Dare, which didn’t actually have a game board. I seem to recall doing a lot of silly and dangerous things playing that game.
Sorry to hear that you are having difficult issues to deal with right now, Liesbet. Those kinds of frustrations often seem to come together in clusters: 3’s or 7’s or 13’s. Or so I would say if I was superstitious!
Jude
March 28, 2018 at 14:31
I had no idea there was a board game with that name, Jude. I have heard about the game “Truth or Dare”. I must have seen it on American TV. Sounds like my kind of game. 🙂
Are there any higher clusters for series of issues? Just kidding. Problem is that it’s such a downward spiral. When your mind is all negative, it attracts more negativity and it becomes a vicious circle. We will get through it all, eventually. I’m not superstitious. As a matter of fact 13 is my favorite number; it used to be my jersey number when I played volleyball.
April 2, 2018 at 13:48
I love the idea that towns were eager to send in applications for the possibility to have their name changed to “Truth or Consequences.” Your post got me wondering if this would happen today for American television game shows…”Price is Right,” “Jeopardy,” “Wheel of Fortune?”
April 4, 2018 at 10:03
I think “back in the day”, shows could stand out with these kinds of “commercial stunts”. Now, with so many shows and such an overdose of impulses everywhere, I don’t think the idea would take off. That being said, it would be funny to drive through towns named “Price is Right,” “Jeopardy,” or “Wheel of Fortune.”