TX to NM for Spring Break, Route, look it over:-)

Thanks for the info, RE_Todd, can you elaborate a little on two of your comments?
1. You suggested staying at Lake Brantley, was that a suggestion because the drive time to bottomless lake is far or it's just a nice place to stay for that night?

2. Our trip to Belen to catch the train, you mention a 5 hour drive, is it really 5 hours from Valley of Fires camp area to Belen?

Thanks for the suggestions!!