Turtleback Mountain, Truth or Consequences

I've been having excessive amounts of fun in T or C, as always, but I evened that out by sprinkling in vast stretches of time doing nothing, or whatever I felt like. I like to stay balanced.

A friend took me hiking toward (not on) Turtleback. He called it an "easy" hike, so it's now pretty clear he can't be trusted. However, to start and to finish, we had to ford the Rio Grande, so it was worth it just to say "ford the Rio Grande."

  

You're looking down on T or C. Shame on you.

I've been house- and cat-sitting for about three weeks, living the life of Roxi. While enjoying the luxuries of house-dwelling, I've also been able to spend time with friends (especially my good friend, Sue). Truth or Consequences is always a good-time town.

Sonja, Devorador de plumas de paloma

My crush will be returning to the States in four weeks! I don't like to fling exclamation points onto a page irresponsibly, so you know this is big.

Truth or Consequences, New Mexico: HOT SPRINGS!

I treated myself to a weekend at La Paloma Hot Springs and Spa. Wow! I hated to leave, really hated it, but once the manager dragged me out of bed and threw my stuff in the road, it started feeling like I couldn't stay.

This place is pretty affordable for the relaxation you'll enjoy. I booked an economy room for $60/night (no in-room shower). There's no turn-down service, and you won't be tidied while you're out at the lake. Reuse your towels - it's good for the earth. Just relax in the 108° mineral water that flows up from the ground under you. Hang around the courtyard in your bathrobe. Seriously, it's encouraged! Watch the flaps.

You can get additional services, if you'd like; Annie funded my massage. You can get a facial or tarot readings, if that sounds like fun.

The town is just plain quirky. The people are weird and friendly. My friend Sue showed me around the joint, bought me coffee, and introduced me to her cool friends. I am very grateful, Sue, for everything.

I can see myself spending more time in TorC.

I took the scenic route home through the Gila Mountains and Silver City. Along the way, I picked up these folks:

Daniel, Abby, and Aloric

They had been on the Continental Divide Trail for six days, and were hoping for a ride to Silver City to rest up, drink beer, and sleep in a bed. Sissies.

I just don't pick up hitchhikers, but apparently hitchhikerhikers are my soft spot. Blame it on the woo-woo and the hot springs. We rode together for another hour, and I dropped them off at the McDonald's in Silver City.

Caballo Lake, New Mexico

Caballo Lake

 

Silver City is another place I'd like to explore. It's a college town, but I saw no trace of students. Is the semester already over?

Things may begin to look and feel different here on the blog. I know I will! I'll let you know what to notice; it'll be like pointing out the moving parts on the diorama.

~~~~~

THANK YOU for doing your Amazon shopping here!

Easy hiking in Tucson

I headed for Saguaro National Park (West) to do a little hiking. I stopped in at the office to flash my pass and to ask about the elusive crested (cristate) saguaro; did you know a perfect specimen died in September? I never even saw the obituary. Monsoon season made the ground very wet, then they had a 70 m.p.h. wind that caught that non-aerodynamic crest and...crestfallen.

I asked if I could hike to one. He gave me a discreet once-over and suggested it might be a long hike. He did point me to some easy hikes, though, so I waddled off toward Wild Dog Trail.*

*I intended to walk the shorter Valley View Trail, but I got lost. Let's not make a big deal over it.†
†I got to the road and flagged someone down for a map. It was embarrassing. Let's drop it.

The trail goes that way.  Saguaro, you are fired.

I met up with two guys hiking, and one asked Are you the New Yorker? We compared notes (his axle broke in Ithaca), and we laughed about how "unfriendly" New Yorkers are. After about ten minutes of chatting, it occurred to him that I wasn't hiking with anyone, and he got startled.

Are you alone? Be careful!
Will do! And you have fun!

Since I didn't want to risk two days in a row of reckless behavior like walking unassisted, Annie joined me today on a Robles Pass hike. We meant to do the easy, quick Creosote Loop Trail, but we missed the turn and took the charming Rocky 13 path. It's not a loop, and so we ended up someplace unexpected. There was no one to flag down for a map.

Tee hee! Nice "arm."

Pam from Oh, the Places They Go! told me where to find a nice crested saguaro, and so I shall. What can go wrong?

Saguaro National Park (West), Signal Hill, and Gates Pass, Tucson

We almost missed Brenda and Karin, who are five days away from leaving Tucson and their old life.

They're days away from starting their full-time RV life. What's not to smile about?

We met them at Blue Willow, where the vegans could order veg, and the paleos could get pale. They are so busy preparing that we were happy and honored that they could get away to meet up. Thanks, you two! We'll be looking for your adventures on Breaking Up With Normal.

Rosemary from Sonora Desert Museum commented on yesterday's post:

Those of us who work at the Desert Museum appreciate all your positive comments about the facility. Thank you! If you were not aware, the Desert Museum pioneered the creation of natural animal habitats that zoos worldwide now employ. We strive to provide habitats for the animals that are as close to natural as possible - and the majority of the animals are rescues that are rehabilitated and cannot be released into the wild. When animals are "retired" they are provided homes here behind the scenes to live out their lives in dignity.

I was not aware, Rosemary, and I'm happy that you commented. This dispels any lingering misgivings I may have had about the Museum. Misgivings? What misgivings? Thanks for taking the time to fill us in! This is what happens when you skip the orientation.



We had our first Trader Joe's experience today, but I'll just tell you that we liked it, and that I have sworn off dark chocolate cherries again.

So cute I could chuck their chins. Desert Discovery loop, Saguaro National Forest.

Gates Pass, twilight.

Gates Pass...latrine, probably. I skipped orientation. CCC construction.

Tee hee! Tiny cactus knob.

If there's anything more ridiculous than this, I want to stand under it.

It feels good to be back in the Sonoran desert. It may be dry, but it is not desolate. Anyone who lives here without life support is an adaptive superhero. They deserve this view all the time.

Even Annie couldn't upstage this saguaro.

Saguaro National Park, West

Signal Hill, Hohokam petroglyphs.

Mostly. Some exceptions apply.

We really appreciate the ideas for things to do and see. Thank you, and tell us some more.