I bet you thought I was writing about the election, didn't you? I think I'll skip that assignment. :-)

Today, I forced myself to power through my Election Day/Night lack of sleep and got out of bed. I headed about an hour north of Las Cruces to Elephant Butte Lake State Park. This park centers around the enormous Elephant Butte Lake Reservoir, which was created early in the 20th century along the Rio Grande River.

I ate my picnic lunch at Elephant Butte, did some hiking, and also a lot of driving around the enormous body of water. My final analysis is that it's probably a lot more fun with a boat, and during the summer. I'm glad I saw it, but I can't say it was the highlight of my travels so far.

After the lake, I drove a short distance to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Originally named Hot Springs, apparently the city changed its name to "Truth or Consequences" after a popular NBC Radio program. In March 1950, the host of the show announced he would air the program on its 10th anniversary from the first town that renamed itself after the program. Hot Springs won the honor, officially changing its name on March 31, 1950.

In T or C, I visited one of the popular hot bathing spas. Riverbend Hot Springs is located along the Rio Grande River, and features a fantastic view of Turtleback Mountain. It has several pools of varying temperatures. With only whispering and no children allowed, it was a great place to relax, reflect, and get away. An hour at the resort, with towel rental, ran me a whopping $13. It was worth every penny.

I've only turned on the television once since leaving New Albany. I think that leaving it off and minimizing my time online will help me continue to feel the relaxation. It's amazing how wrapped up we get in things that don't necessarily have a huge impact on our everyday lives - if we don't let them.

Peace out, America.