TorC, New Mexico : Visit to Spaceport America and Hot Springs

I took a break from work to go on a guided tour of Spaceport America.    This is home to Virgin Galactic’s WhiteKnightTwo, SpaceShipTwo and  to SpaceX’s Falcon 9R.   It also hosts other suborbital launches including  UP Aerospace.  It is located on 18,000 acres all within a no fly zone (White Sands Missile Range is located next to it) making it perfect for future launches.  The cost?  Think of it is a Kickstarter fundraiser on a epic scale.  For your "investment" of $250,000, you get one ride in zero gravity.  There are at least 700 investors so far.

You can't just show up to Spaceport  America...you need to go on this guided tour which was attractive to me because I liked the idea of sitting in an air conditioned bus and looking at the scenery.  You can drive there but you won't be allowed on the premises.  But really, you may notice from my images, there isn't a whole lot to see. 

Unfortunately, I visited a month too early because the tour is suppose to get more interesting starting in June.

 It was however, a nice diversion.  A new but temporary station for the tour will be located in downtown Truth or Consequences, perhaps bringing some much needed dollars into the area.  The other unusual place, located across the street from the temporary station is a high end spa and hotel  owned by Ted Turner. the Sierra Grande Lodge.  

in the middle of no where

metal sculpture at entrace

Did I mention that TorC is known for it's hot springs?  In fact, that was it's original name before the radio program contest.  So I did try the waters and a reflexology massage at the Sierra Grande Lodge.

Sierra Grande Lodge soaking tub

And, it was very nice.  I wanted to try the high end spa experience but then bought a pass for 6 soaks at La Paloma Hot Springs which was a great deal and a great soak.  It is one of two hot springs businesses that have the hot mineral waters come directly from the hot springs.  And interestingly, there is NO sulphur smell.

soak the feet while cooling off

spa cat keeping me company

After working in the studio all day, and after dinner, I would head to La Paloma around 9 pm for my soak.  It was a great way to end the day.