October 20, 2016

October 15, 2016

 While at Davis-Monthan we got a very spacious site in the new section of the park with excellent 50 amp power and great water pressure. The base has all the amenities of most large bases and of course we took advantage to get some shopping done at the exchange and commissary.

 We left the base this morning about 9:30, jumped on I-10 headed toward Deming, NM.  For a Saturday there was a lot of traffic out on the boulevard.

 A couple of weeks ago I bought a Cobra Drive HD dash cam and today we came very close to needing to use the video freeze feature.  Not going to go into a lot of detail but to say that some people need to go back to driving school and learn how to merge onto an interstate.

 We arrived at the Hi Low Ranch RV Park, a bare-bones Passport America facility.  Actually, this is the home park of the Loners On Wheels RV group but accept other travelers as well.  Not a bad deal at only $19 a night.

October 17, 2016

 After a restful night sleep we headed up Hwy 26 then onto I-25 to Truth or Consequences, NM.  Why go to T or C?  Well, we had never been there'd that is a good enough reason for us.

 We arrived at Elephant Butte State Park around 1PM where we are going to spend three days.  Even though the lake is really low this time of the year it is still beautiful, in a desert kind of way.

 After getting situated in our site we drove into town, first stopping at the visitor center where we picked up several brochures and travel guides.  Did you ever wonder how T or C got it name?  Well read on.

  Back in 1940 there was a radio program hosted by Ralph Edwards called Truth or Consequences.  During a T or C broadcast in late 1949, Edwards made an announcement:  the show’s produces wanted to hear from any town or city that would be willing to change its name to “Truth or Consequences”.  Edwards and his staff received letters of interest from several cities, the most interesting one coming from Hot Springs.  The show’s producer, Ed Baily, traveled to Hot Springs to check out the town.

 After a vote by the town residents on 31 March 1950, the resolution was passed.  The very next day on 1 April 1950, the first T or C Fiesta was staged which included Sheriff’s posses and other groups from all over the state and even a delegation from Chihuahua, Mexico.  That Fiesta is still celebrated each year.

 Now you know the rest of the story.  There was also a long running television program hosted by the same name.

 After getting back from town a couple pulled in next door.  Ron and Mary Koether are from Sweeny, TX, a small town south west of Houston who have been full-timing for just a year.  They are on their way back “home” from a volunteering gig at Capital Reef National Park in Utah.  After getting setup they came over for a visit.

 We had a nice time getting to know each other and talking about our hosting adventures.  Ron and Mary are also very knowledgeable of Texas State Parks and know Goliad very well.  We hope they can come up to the park to visit us.

October 20, 2016

 Monday Joyce and I drove the 94 miles up into the mountains to tour Silver City, NM, named for the silver deposits discovered in the area.  Founded in 1878 the city has a rich and colorful history.

 After walking around in the downtown area for a short time we made our way to the towns visitor center where we got a lot more information and a recommendation for a place to have lunch.

 The Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery is locally owned and operated and a place you need to visit if you are ever in the area.  I ordered the Pub Club that came on their home made
wheat buns that are made with the brewers grain.  Delicious!

 Joyce decided on The Toadstool, Portabella  mushrooms stuffed with herbs and cheeses deep fried in beer batter.  Both of us thought this dish was amazing and probably the best we have ever eaten.

 We will definitely return to Silver City.

 On Tuesday we went up to the little village of Chloride.  This once booming town now has only 11 permanent residents that are very proud of their community.

 Our first stop was at what used to be the town’s Pioneer Store that is now the museum. Linda, the curator is the daughter of the folks that bought the store in 1989 after it had been closed for 68 years.  Be sure to read the story of the store at the link above.  Each of the buildings and and the hanging tress are described in detail.

 Stopped here for a picnic lunch.

 Yesterday we made the easy 125 mile run down to the RV Park on Fort Bliss near El Paso, TX.  We plan to stay here for three days getting laundry done and stocking up on provisions at the commissary.

 Until next time.

Barry & Joyce