Happy Thanksgiving from Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center!
Greetings from the beautiful New Mexico desert! All of us here at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
As the holiday season begins, we reflect on the joys and challenges of living off-grid in this unique landscape. From hosting events like the Halloween Hootenanny to preparing for our upcoming HORRORDAZE Extravaganza on December 21st, it’s been a year filled with community, creativity, and hard work.
This Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our members, guests, and friends. Whether you’ve joined us for camping, events, or just stopped by to enjoy the desert views, your presence has made Ka-Hoon a truly special place.
Today, we’ll celebrate with a turkey dinner shared among neighbors, embracing the spirit of togetherness that defines our off-grid lifestyle. Even as we navigate the quirks of desert living—like setting up new solar systems or braving chilly nights—we’re reminded that the connections we forge with others make it all worthwhile.
From all of us at Ka-Hoon, we hope your Thanksgiving is filled with warmth, good food, and cherished moments with loved ones. If you’re planning your next adventure, don’t forget to check out our unique camping experiences and exciting events.
Happy Thanksgiving!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #KaHoonCampground, #OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #NewMexicoEvents, #SustainableLiving, #HolidaysInTheDesert, #HORRORDAZE2024, #CommunityCelebration, #ThanksgivingInTheDesert, #UniqueCampingExperience, #DesertCampingAdventures, #OffGridCommunity
Author: Ka-Hoon Campground
Living Off-Grid: Solar Challenges, Desert Life, and Prepping for HORRORDAZE with Advocatus Diaboli!
**Life Off-Grid: Balancing Busy Days, Solar Projects, and Event Prep**
Living off-grid in the New Mexico desert means constant adjustments, planning, and a bit of trial and error, especially when juggling daily responsibilities with larger projects.
### Busy Days on the Road
May days include a 90-minute trip to take Anne to work, navigating the desert terrain. Depending on whether we take the car or the pickup, the trip takes longer as we manage the dirt roads: the car averages 20-25 mph, while the pickup handles it slightly better at 30-35 mph. These drives are a reminder of how even the simplest routines are more time-consuming when living off-grid.
### Preparing for HORRORDAZE
Amid our daily tasks, we’re also getting Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band ready for their upcoming performance at the ** HORRORDAZE Extravaganza** on December 21 at Black Wall Arts & Productions . Rehearsals, equipment prep, and fine-tuning animatronics are all part of the process to ensure a memorable show.
### Tackling Solar System Challenges
One of our biggest ongoing projects is setting up a new solar system. Yesterday, Brent and I spent hours cleaning and reorganizing the Greenroom to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner with neighbors, but this effort also served as a reminder of the solar build we’ve been putting off.
We’ve debated several locations for the new system, each with its pros and cons:
– **Battery House Option:** Keeping the batteries in their current house avoids moving them (each over 100 lbs!) but makes it tricky to find a sunny spot for the panels without shading.
– **Anne’s Battery Setup Location:** This option means reorganizing the trailer and moving the heavy batteries again, a task we’ve already done more than once.
– **Behind the RV:** Placing the system behind the RV sacrifices some of our stunning views, which feels like a significant tradeoff.
– **Existing Panel Stand:** Adding the panels to the current stand may overload the structure and prevent us from adjusting them for optimal sunlight.
Another idea we’ve considered is creating a mobile solar system. Folding panels into a trailer would allow us to transport them as needed, but we’re cautious about adding unnecessary weight to our RV.
### The Balancing Act
Decisions like these take time, especially when weather, schedules, and other priorities like running Anne to work keep interfering. The key is committing to a solution and sticking with it, but with so many factors to consider, the decision hasn’t been easy.
For now, we’re focusing on small wins—like getting the Greenroom ready for Thanksgiving—and tackling one challenge at a time. Living off-grid may not always be simple, but the rewards of self-sufficiency and freedom make it all worthwhile.
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If you’re interested in off-grid living, solar power solutions, or unique challenges in the desert, stay tuned for more updates on our journey!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #SolarPower, #SustainableLife, #DesertLiving, #RenewableEnergy, #GreenEnergy, #SelfSufficiency, #TinyHomeLife, #SolarSetup, #EcoFriendly, #RVLife, #SustainableLiving, #SolarPanels, #MinimalistLifestyle, #Homesteading
Off-Grid Desert Living: The Unexpected Challenge of Midnight Trips to the Outdoor Toilet!
**Living Off-Grid in the New Mexico Desert: The Challenge of the Hut**
Life off-grid in the New Mexico desert comes with its unique set of challenges, and for me, one of the hardest has been *The Hut*—our outdoor composting toilet. While we use the indoor toilet for liquids now, that wasn’t always the case. The main issue? Navigating late-night trips to the Hut with a pack of eager dogs in tow.
**The Struggle of Midnight Bathroom Breaks**
Picture this: It’s a chilly desert night, and the inside of our tiny home is 10-20 degrees warmer than the freezing temperatures outside. I wake up, needing to use the bathroom, and as soon as I even glance toward the door, the dogs are ready to spring into action.
Now, I love my dogs, but their enthusiasm complicates things. By the time I’ve grabbed a jacket and shoes, they’re by the door, tails wagging, ready for an outdoor adventure. I, on the other hand, just want to quickly take care of business and crawl back into my warm bed.
**Dogs on Their Own Schedule**
Using the Hut isn’t a quick in-and-out experience, thanks to my four-legged companions. They won’t do their business while I’m in the Hut because they insist on guarding me from potential “dangers.” Once I’m done, the real waiting game begins as they sniff around, searching for the *perfect* spot to do their own business.
On a cold, sleepless night, this routine feels endless. Multiply this by five bathroom trips in one night, and you can see why it became exhausting.
**The Solution: A Shift Indoors**
Eventually, we decided to adapt. By using the indoor toilet for liquids, I can now make quick trips without alerting the dogs. As long as I don’t venture past the bathroom, they stay snuggled up in bed, and I can get back to my warm blankets much faster.
**The Takeaway**
Off-grid living is all about finding creative solutions to unique problems. While *The Hut* is a sustainable and practical choice, adapting to the realities of late-night desert life has been key to making it work. For now, the indoor bathroom is a small luxury that helps us balance convenience and comfort in our off-grid lifestyle.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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Behind the Scenes: JAFO Productions at a Burlesque Show – Wireless Mic Challenges & Solutions!
**Lessons Learned: JAFO Productions at the Oasis Event Center Burlesque Show**
**Saturday Night Spotlight**
On Saturday night, JAFO Productions had the pleasure of running sound for a local burlesque show at the Oasis Event Center in Albuquerque. While the event was a success overall, we faced some challenges with the wireless microphone setup due to last-minute planning and uncertainty about equipment needs.
**A Last-Minute Call to Action**
We were notified about the show just two days prior, leaving little time to coordinate details. The producer believed they had their own wireless microphones but wasn’t entirely sure. As a goodwill gesture, we agreed to handle sound for this unpaid gig, with the only request being to cover our truck’s fuel costs.
**Choosing Equipment with Care**
Given the lack of clarity, we opted to bring a basic, lower-end wireless microphone system instead of our high-end setup. The decision wasn’t made lightly: Albuquerque presents a higher risk of theft, and we didn’t want to leave expensive equipment in the trailer. The smaller, budget system could easily be stored in our cable box, reducing risk while still offering a solution.
**Challenges with Wireless Microphones**
Initially, our wireless system worked fine. However, there was confusion as someone else brought a wireless microphone, leading us to pack ours away. Shortly after, it became clear that our system was needed, so we set it up again. Unfortunately, the lower-end wireless mic we brought struggled with interference from the other wireless receiver, causing dropouts we couldn’t resolve. Ultimately, the team used the other wireless microphone to ensure the show ran smoothly.
**Hindsight and Lessons Learned**
Looking back, there are a few key takeaways:
1. **Clarifying Equipment Needs:** While we did ask about microphone requirements, the uncertainty led to equipment challenges. For unpaid or low-risk gigs, we’ll continue to exercise caution with what we bring, but we’ll push harder for clarity in the future.
2. **Preparedness for Mobility:** A wired microphone could have been a backup, but it wouldn’t have suited the MC’s audience engagement style.
3. **Balancing Generosity and Practicality:** We love supporting local productions and helping others, but we must balance goodwill with protecting our equipment investment. Without clear confirmation of what was needed, bringing our high-end wireless microphones still wouldn’t have been worth the risk.
**Looking Forward**
Despite the hiccups, the burlesque show was a fantastic experience with a friendly, cooperative team. Challenges like these are opportunities to grow, adapt, and refine how we handle last-minute gigs.
For your next event, rest assured that JAFO Productions is committed to providing exceptional sound solutions tailored to your needs — with the right equipment, every time.
http://www.jafoproductions.com
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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Transform Your Event with JAFO Productions: Pro Sound, Lighting & Stage Solutions for Any Occasion!
Amplify Your Event with JAFO Productions
At Plateau Hame De Colquhoun, we take pride in offering more than just a unique camping experience. One of our hidden gems is JAFO Productions, the professional PA, stage lighting, and trussing service.
The Roots of JAFO Productions
JAFO Productions grew from a partnership between Brent and Rhythm Priest Productions. Together, they provided high-quality sound and lighting for bands and venues across the region, including acclaimed acts like Tuatha Dea, Nathaniel Johnston, Wendy Rule . When Rhythm Priest Productions decided to retire their sound production operations, Brent acquired their top-tier equipment, expanding JAFO into a full-service production powerhouse.
Power, Precision, and Performance
With over 40,000 watts of PA power, cutting-edge stage lighting, and professional-grade trussing, JAFO Productions is equipped to handle events of any size. Whether it’s a small venue performance or a large-scale outdoor festival, we have the tools and expertise to make your event unforgettable.
Upcoming Events
Tonight, Saturday, November 23rd, JAFO Productions is proud to partner with Serpent Queen Productions for a Burlesque Show at the Oasis Event Center in Albuquerque. Expect impeccable sound and lighting that bring every moment of the performance to life.
Book JAFO Productions for Your Next Event
Whether you’re a band in need of a powerful PA system or planning a full-scale production, JAFO Productions has you covered. Visit our website to learn more about our services, equipment, and availability.
Let us help you make your event a true production masterpiece!
http://www.jafoproductions.com
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#EventProduction, #JAFOProductions, #StageLighting, #PASystem, #EventPlanning, #LiveMusic, #ConcertSetup, #SoundEngineering, #ProfessionalAudio, #StageTrussing, #LightingDesign, #EventSolutions, #WendyRule, #LiveEventSupport, #ProductionServices
Can You Handle the Challenges of Off-Grid Living? Solitude, Freedom, and Electricity as a Luxury
Is It Time to Call Off-Grid Living Quits?
Living off-grid is not for the faint of heart. It’s a lifestyle filled with challenges that often push people to their limits. Over the past four years, we’ve watched many try—and fail—to make it work.
Success in this lifestyle requires a willingness to simplify. It means learning to conserve water by skipping daily showers or reusing clothes to limit laundry. It’s about embracing solitude, silence, and the raw sounds of nature, like the wind howling or coyotes calling in the distance.
Electricity is a luxury. Unless you have a massive solar setup or rely heavily on generators, you’ll find modern conveniences like air fryers, electric heaters, and AC units impractical. Personally, I prefer the quiet over the constant hum of a generator, even if it means giving up certain comforts.
Having grown up on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota, I’m no stranger to isolation. Our nearest neighbor was a mile away, and the closest town with more than the basics was 45 miles from home. Surprisingly, moving to the New Mexico desert feels like I’ve moved closer to civilization. At least now, we can gather supplies without an hours-long journey.
Off-grid living isn’t easy, and there are moments when quitting feels tempting. But for those who treasure independence, self-reliance, and a deep connection to the land, the rewards far outweigh the hardships.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving #SustainableLife #SimpleLiving #SelfReliance #RuralLife #EcoFriendly #Minimalism #NatureLife #DesertLiving #FreedomLifestyle #SolarPower #Homesteading #OffGridCommunity #IndependentLiving #ReconnectWithNature
Experience Ka-Hoon Campground: Off-Grid Desert Living, Starry Skies & Unique Membership Perks
**Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center Membership Program: Your Desert Oasis**
At **Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center**, we’re more than just a campground—we’re a community. Our newly launched membership program was created after hearing requests for long-term stays. It’s designed to provide a space where individuals can live freely without the commitment of purchasing land, while still enjoying the beauty of the New Mexico desert.
### **What Makes Membership Unique?**
By becoming a member, you gain:
– **A Voice in the Community**: Help shape the rules, regulations, and events at Ka-Hoon.
– **Event Perks**: Enjoy Ka-Hoon-hosted events free or for a minimal charge, depending on the event.
– **Your Own Space**: Designate a small area for your camp, garden, and personal projects.
– **Freedom to Be You**: Live your lifestyle authentically and legally in a welcoming, judgment-free zone.
### **Our Simple Guidelines**
We aim to keep rules minimal while maintaining safety and harmony for everyone:
– No illegal drugs or underage drinking.
– **420-friendly** for adults of legal age.
– If it’s legal, you’re welcome to do it.
This program allows you to experience the freedom of the desert while fostering a supportive and respectful community. Together, we work to protect the land, respect one another, and create a safe haven for all.
### **Why Join?**
Life at Ka-Hoon is about embracing individuality and connecting with others. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a place to garden, or a community to call home, we offer a unique opportunity to live authentically in the stunning New Mexico desert.
**Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center**: A safe place to call home, even if only for a little while.
*Join us and discover what it means to live free.
https://plateauhamedecolquhoun.com/membership/
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Desert Life Updates: Solar Challenges, Studio Progress & Campground Membership Launch
Desert Life: Short Days, Chilly Nights, and New Beginnings
Life in the desert this time of year moves at a slower pace, but it’s anything but dull. The days are short, the nights chilly, and the winds relentless. Yesterday brought a little rain and overcast skies, which meant our solar setup didn’t hold out through the night. Fortunately, this hardly impacts us—we just wait for the solar to recharge before diving back into work at the studio.
The last few days have been productive, though. We’ve been in the studio preparing some fresh holiday songs for *Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band*. While we currently don’t have gigs lined up, that’s okay. It’s given us time to focus on perfecting new material and launching our new membership program for the campground.
The response to the membership program has been incredible! We’ve received lots of interest and are actively fine-tuning the system to make it seamless. With a few long-term campers here, we’re hopeful they’ll take the leap and join as members once they’ve settled in.
The desert may seem quiet on the surface, but beneath its stillness lies a hum of activity, growth, and preparation for the adventures to come. Life here isn’t just about adapting to the environment—it’s about thriving within its challenges.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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Life Off-Grid: Challenges and Beauty at Plateau Hame de Colquhoun | Desert Living Insights
**Living Off-Grid: Finding Strength in Life’s Challenges**
Life in the New Mexico desert is a blend of peace and resilience. Surrounded by tranquil beauty and endless skies, it’s easy to find moments of calm. Yet, even in this serene landscape, challenges persist—reminders that living off-grid is not for the faint of heart.
Many people romanticize off-grid living, envisioning it as a carefree escape from modern life. The reality is far more complex. Life here can be harsh and unforgiving, testing our determination and ingenuity daily. However, it’s also profoundly rewarding, offering a connection to nature and a lifestyle of self-reliance that few ever experience.
We’re currently navigating one of those trying times that reminds us why so few have settled this rugged land. From what we’ve learned, not even indigenous peoples made their homes on this part of the mesa—though if you know more about its history, we’d love to hear your insights!
Right now, our RV’s propane fridge has stopped working, likely due to a faulty igniter coil or module. Replacement parts are scarce, and modern alternatives don’t seem to match the original setup. While the fridge runs fine on electricity, the shorter days make it difficult for our solar system to keep up at night. A small backup fridge in the Greenroom helps, but the frustration of troubleshooting and tight finances adds to the weight of the situation.
To add to our challenges, the heater in our pickup has failed, leaving us wondering if the heater core needs replacing. And perhaps the hardest trial of all: our beloved 14-year-old companion Willow isn’t doing well, and we fear a difficult decision may be on the horizon.
Life out here is as demanding as it is rewarding. But it’s during these tough times that we find clarity and purpose. Whether we’re problem-solving through equipment issues or leaning on each other during emotional moments, the beauty of this lifestyle is in its simplicity and resilience.
Even with the hardships, the desert offers a unique gift: a chance to pause, reflect, and remember why we chose this path. Challenges may come and go, but the sunsets, starry skies, and peaceful solitude keep us grounded.
If you’re considering off-grid living, know that it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. The trials will test you, but the rewards will inspire you to keep going.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #MesaLiving, #StarryNights, #SustainableLiving, #RVLife, #OffGridCommunity, #SelfSufficiency, #DesertCamping, #SolarPower, #NatureEscape, #QuietMoments, #ChallengingButBeautiful
Living on a New Mexico Mesa: Off-Grid Life, Nature, and Freedom in the Desert
**Embracing Life on the Mesa: A Journey Back in Time**
Living on top of the mesa, where time seems to have forgotten, brings a certain magic to everyday life. Imagine sitting by the window with a warm cup of coffee, gazing out over the vast desert landscape. It’s easy to envision scenes from an old Western—perhaps a cowboy gathering cattle in the distance or a native hunter silently moving through the brush. Out here, imagination feels closer to reality, and the echoes of the past blend seamlessly into the present.
Some people might think our way of life is unusual; others might commend us for following our vision. But ultimately, this way of life is deeply personal and meaningful for us.
When we first settled on our land, we felt a profound need to honor the land’s history and those who came before us. So, we sought the ancestors’ approval, asking them to protect and guide us as we embarked on this journey. Our promise to them—and to ourselves—was to care for the land, respecting its natural beauty and spirit.
In creating our off-grid campground and event center, we wanted to offer more than a simple place to stay. We envisioned a haven where people could truly be themselves, free from the judgments and confines of conventional life. A place where like-minded individuals could gather, form connections, and build a small, supportive community.
Life on the mesa isn’t without its challenges. But every gust of wind and every grain of sand carries with it a story, a reminder that we’re part of something larger. Our goal is to share that experience with others, offering a place of belonging and freedom, rooted in respect for the land and each other.
So, whether you’re a traveler seeking solitude or a soul in search of community, we invite you to come and experience the mesa—a place where history, nature, and freedom unite.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 