After building a crackling fire in the sand to keep me company and warm while I packed up in the morning, I headed for the historic Charles Hotel and Spa in Truth or Consequences, NM. An hour soak in the naturally hot mineral water was refreshing. Then it was north to Albuquerque for the night where I would pick up a new chain and set of sprockets the following morning. After having dinner at Lucy's Diner, which had been serving customers since the twenties, I spent the night at the Route 66 Hostel. Both were situated on the historic highway and in Albuquerque's downtown area .
