Desert Life Update: Shower Progress, Greywater Plans & Desert Heat Challenges**
The desert heat has been relentless lately, and it’s definitely slowed down our momentum — but progress is still happening here at Plateau Hame de Colquhoun!
We recently installed the **on-demand water heater** in the outdoor shower. It was a quicker project than expected, thanks to Brent gaining back his strength. What would’ve taken Anne and me a full day was done in just about an hour with Brent handling the drilling and planning.
That said, we hit a small snag — we’re still missing the proper parts to connect the water hoses to the IBC tote. We’ve got plenty of fittings, but of course, the threads don’t match. So now we’re waiting on our next trip into town to grab the right ones.
### Next Step: Fixing the Shower Drain
Our next focus is the shower **drain system**. What we had originally planned — and even have all the parts for — isn’t working quite the way we hoped. The drain cap currently sticks up about half an inch above the floor. Not only will that cause drainage issues, but it’s also a perfect toe-stubber in the making.
So, the new plan is to use a **larger hole saw** to widen the existing drain hole. We’ll take apart the pre-assembled drain, and (fingers crossed) get it installed flush with the floor. Building something from scratch — especially when it’s not based on traditional blueprints — comes with a fair amount of trial and error. But we’re figuring it out as we go, and we *will* prevail.
### Looking Ahead: Greywater & Future Plans
Once the water is flowing and the on-demand heater is fully functional, we’ll move on to the **greywater system**. The plan is for the shower water to drain into a buried IBC tote, where we’ll **reuse it for plants** around the camp.
Eventually, I’d love to create a more advanced setup — routing the greywater through a **worm bed**, into a **hydro garden**, and finally into a **recycled water container** for later use. But we’re not quite ready for that yet. A system like that needs sun protection to keep the worms alive, and we’ve got other priorities first.
### What’s Next on the Build List:
* Construct **walls around the shower** to create a private dressing area
* Use **pallets and garden posts** to build the dressing area structure
* Create space nearby for a **washing machine hookup**
* Finish building out our **solar system** — we *hopefully* have everything we need for it, we just need a stretch of good weather, good health, and available time to get it done
Out here, building off-grid isn’t always easy — but it’s rewarding. The process may be slower than we’d like (especially under this sun), but each step gets us closer to a self-sustaining desert homestead.
Thanks for following along — more updates coming soon!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
—
#offgridliving, #desertlife, #sustainableliving, #diyprojects, #homesteadlife, #waterrecycling, #ecofriendlybuild, #solarsetup, #showerrenovation, #greywatersystem, #campgroundlife, #tinyhomeprogress, #resilientliving, #deserthomestead, #plateauhamedecolquhoun
Author: Ka-Hoon Campground
You MUST Book Before Coming! What’s Really Happening at This Desert Campground Will Surprise You!
**Safety First at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center – Reservations Required**
At Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center, we pride ourselves on being a place where everyone is welcome. Nestled in the heart of the New Mexico desert, we offer an off-grid escape for those seeking peace, connection, and adventure. Whether you’re looking for solitude under the stars or a creative, community-centered atmosphere, we’re here to provide a safe haven for all.
**However, for the safety and security of our campers, team, and community, we are not currently accepting drive-in visitors.**
All stays **must be reserved in advance** through one of the booking platforms listed on our [official website](http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com), or by contacting us directly. This helps us maintain a peaceful environment, ensure your safety, and continue offering the unique experience Ka-Hoon is known for.
We ask that all visitors honor the values we live by:
* **Respect yourself** and your personal space.
* **Respect others**, no matter where they come from.
* **Respect the land** and tread lightly on this beautiful desert terrain.
* **Respect local laws** – we have zero tolerance for illegal activity.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind, reset, or recharge far from the noise of everyday life, we’re here for you. All are welcome, as long as respect leads the way.
**Please be kind. Be safe. And plan ahead.**
We look forward to sharing the magic of Ka-Hoon with you.
🌵 **Book your stay or learn more at:**
[www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com](http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com)
—
#KaHoonCampground, #DesertCamping, #OffGridLife, #NewMexicoCamping, #CampgroundVibes, #RespectTheLand, #SafeCamping, #NoDriveIns, #RVLife, #NatureEscape, #CampingCommunity, #EcoFriendlyCamping, #CampResponsibly, #BookBeforeYouGo, #PlateauHameDeColquhoun
Almost Gave Up on This Off-Grid Shower Build… But We Pushed Through! 💪🛠️
🌦️ Rainy Desert Days & A Shower Build Full of Lessons
DIY Life at Plateau Hame de Colquhoun
It’s been a stretch of cloudy, rainy, and warm days here on the New Mexico desert — and despite the gloomy skies, we’ve been pushing forward with our off-grid shower build at Plateau Hame de Colquhoun.
The main structure is now complete! We still need to install the on-demand water heater, finish the drainage system, and run the water hoses — but we’re close. The only thing holding us back now is gathering a few more supplies.
This build hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing — not because it was technically complex, but because of our learning curve with tools and miscommunications during the process. With Brent still recovering from multiple strokes and carotid artery surgery, he’s limited to using only one good arm. That means our teamwork has been more important than ever — and sometimes, a bit chaotic.
While Anne and I were finishing up the door, I broke three drill bits and stripped out more screw heads than I care to admit. Frustrated, Brent stepped in to help. Despite only having the use of one arm, he drilled the holes and put in the screws like it was nothing. Honestly, it was inspiring to watch — he made it look effortless. But it came with a cost. His bad arm, hand, and shoulder swelled up afterward. Thankfully, the swelling had gone down by the next morning. It was a reminder of both how far he’s come in recovery and how important it is to pace ourselves.
Just a few weeks ago, he couldn’t even hold a drill. And now? He’s back to problem-solving and building — one-handed and determined. We’ll be wrapping up the final plumbing parts soon and will share the full off-grid shower reveal once everything’s running!
Thanks for following along with our journey — from stroke recovery and DIY struggles to homestead progress and desert storms.
Stay weird & wild,
\~The Ka-Hoon Crew
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
—
#OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #DIYShowerBuild, #StrokeRecovery, #OneHandedBuilder, #KaHoonLife, #HomesteadProjects, #LivingOffGrid, #SurvivorSpirit, #DesertRain, #RecoveryJourney, #AnimatronicLife, #BuildingWithLove, #InspirationInTheDesert, #TinyLivingBigHeart
2 Months After His Stroke—Brent Sings “Another Man’s Grave” & Proves Music Heals!
2-Month Stroke Recovery Update – Brent (aka Advocatus Diaboli)
It’s been two months since Brent, known to many as Advocatus Diaboli, experienced a life-altering series of strokes—three in total. After emergency surgery to repair the carotid artery in his neck and a long hospital stay, recovery has been slow but steady. We are filled with hope as each small milestone adds up to something powerful.
Brent can now grip objects with his hand again. He’s feeling more sensation and, along with it, more pain—especially in the shoulder. According to his doctor, that’s a normal part of healing. As the brain rewires and reconnects, it’s re-teaching the nerves what those signals mean. Unfortunately, because the strokes went undiagnosed for a period, his shoulder muscles atrophied. This caused it to start dislocating with certain movements. But with physical therapy (and soon occupational therapy), we expect pain to decrease and strength to return.
The road has been tough—physically and emotionally. Sleepless nights, trial-and-error exercises, and research-based movement routines have all become part of our daily rhythm. We discovered that lymphatic massages and simple exercises like thumb-to-finger touches helped Brent retrain his hand. Every small improvement is celebrated.
One thing that hasn’t changed? Brent’s passion for music.
Live performances have continued throughout his recovery—not just as art, but as therapy. They’re a source of connection, healing, and hope. Our shows are never about money—they’re about sharing joy, weirdness, and a love of community through music and storytelling.
Brent sang Amigo The Devil “Another Man’s Grave” two days after surgery—and again two months later. This emotional performance reflects not just his talent, but his resilience. You can watch that powerful moment below.
Follow Brent’s recovery journey and live performances through:
🎵 advocatusdiaboliandgrimleaferband.com
📺 YouTube
📘 Facebook
🎶 TikTok
——
#BrentRecovery, #StrokeSurvivor, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #LiveMusicHealing, #MusicTherapy, #StrokeRecovery, #GrimLeaferBand, #AmigoTheDevilCover, #MusicianLife, #OffGridLiving, #DesertMusic, #RehabilitationJourney, #IndieArtist, #StrengthThroughMusic, #SupportLocalMusic
Flat Tire, Monsoon & Stroke Recovery – One Unexpected Day That Tested Everything!
### 🌧️ **When It Rains, It Pours—Literally (But We Keep Rolling)**
Yesterday was one of those classic desert days where everything goes a little sideways—and then the sky opens up just to top it off.
We were on our way to Brent’s physical therapy when something punctured the sidewall of our tire. With limited use of his left side since his strokes earlier this year, Brent couldn’t jump in to change it like he used to. That was hard for him—he’s always been the kind of guy who takes care of things. But he still guided me through every step, making sure everything was tightened and done right. It was teamwork in a different way, and I couldn’t have done it without him.
A few kind folks stopped to check on us, but after seeing Brent, they quietly left. I know it stung, even if they meant no harm. Recovery comes with a lot of physical challenges—but emotional ones, too. We’re learning and adjusting every day.
Once we got the donut on, we made it to PT and then headed to Discount Tire. Just as we pulled in, the skies opened up in a full-blown monsoon. We had to wait out the rain in the car before we could go inside—and yes, we got video proof of that desert downpour moment.
Thankfully, the tire was covered under warranty, and we left with a brand-new one and a little bit of peace of mind. Even when things don’t go as planned, we’re grateful for small wins and moments of progress.
Life off-grid in the New Mexico desert isn’t always easy. Between road adventures, recovery, and stormy surprises, we’ve learned to lean into the chaos and find strength in the calm between.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
—
#strokeawareness, #caregiverlife, #offgridliving, #desertlife, #tinyhomelife, #flatireadventure, #ptjourney, #recoveryroad, #strokecommunity, #monsoonseason, #healingtogether, #strongertogether, #discounttire, #desertstorms, #lifeunexpected
Stroke Recovery Off-Grid: What No One Tells You About the Pain, Uncertainty, and Healing Process
Recovery, Reflection, and Real Life at Ka-Hoon Campground
We want to start by saying **thank you** for your patience and support. We haven’t been posting as much lately because life has been full—with doctor appointments, ongoing recovery, and tending to the daily flow of campers coming and going here at **Ka-Hoon Campground** (Plateau Hame de Colquhoun). Despite everything, we’re still here, still growing, and grateful for each step forward.
We’re currently in **full recovery mode** after a medical event that changed everything—a stroke. We had read about stroke recovery, seen others go through it, even feared it quietly… but nothing truly prepares you for the reality. Not just for the person recovering, but also for those who love and care for them.
Stroke recovery is uncertain and incredibly personal. You don’t get clear answers from doctors. There’s no magic scan or test that can tell you when—or if—you’ll be able to hold a squishy ball again or push the power button on a water pump. It takes **time, physical therapy, occupational therapy**, a lot of **rest**, and even more **determination**.
One of the unexpected challenges has been circulation issues in the affected arm. Swelling and pain are common when mobility is limited. We’ve learned how to perform **lymphatic massage**, and it’s made a noticeable difference. It’s humbling how something as small as brushing your hair or lifting a spoon becomes a monumental task.
Every day is about celebrating the small wins. And even in the midst of all this, we’ve been able to keep Ka-Hoon Campground running—welcoming guests, maintaining our off-grid homestead, and finding moments of peace under the wide New Mexico sky.
If you’re going through something similar—whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or just someone who’s curious—we see you. This journey is tough, but not impossible.
Thank you for being part of our story. We hope to see you out here soon—whether for a night under the stars or just to breathe a little deeper and reconnect.
Stay kind, stay strong, and always take time to rest.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
—
#KaHoonCampground, #DesertHealing, #StrokeRecoveryJourney, #OffGridLife, #CampNewMexico, #MindfulCamping, #RecoveryTakesTime, #NatureTherapy, #SupportAndHealing, #RVLife, #QuietTheMind, #AlternativeLiving, #HealingInNature, #OccupationalTherapy, #LifeAtKaHoon
Title: Play BINGO Under the Stars in the New Mexico Desert – June 21 at Ka-Hoon Campground!
Looking for a unique and fun-filled way to kick off your summer? Join us on June 21 at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center for a one-of-a-kind BINGO night in the New Mexico desert! Whether you’re a seasoned camper, a BINGO enthusiast, or just looking for a lighthearted night with good people and laughter, this is the event for you.
🎉 What Makes This BINGO Night Special?
This isn’t your typical BINGO game. At our off-grid desert campground, we do things a little differently. The only thing you need to play BINGO is to bring five wrapped white elephant gifts!
❓What’s a White Elephant Gift?
A white elephant gift is a quirky, humorous, or secondhand item you no longer need, but that might spark fun and laughter for someone else. These can be silly trinkets, gently used items, or something unexpectedly useful. The idea is to keep it light-hearted and fun — you never know what you’ll unwrap! The randomness is half the fun.
🎁 Examples of great white elephant gifts:
- A book you’ve read and loved
- A funky coffee mug
- A puzzle or board game
- An odd kitchen gadget
- A gag gift from last Christmas
- Something homemade or offbeat
Everyone goes home a winner, and part of the fun is seeing what treasures others bring!
⛺ Camping Details
Camping is just $12 per site for up to 5 people. Come early, set up camp, enjoy the peaceful desert landscape, and get ready for a night full of laughs, connection, and good times.
Our campground is off-grid, powered by solar and generators, with a focus on community and self-expression. Nestled in the beautiful New Mexico desert just 45 miles south of Albuquerque, Ka-Hoon Campground is a peaceful escape from the ordinary.
🌵 Why Join Us?
- Unique off-grid BINGO experience
- Memorable gifts and tons of laughter
- Affordable camping under the stars
- Great people and welcoming vibes
- Hosted by a place that values unity, creativity, and fun
Bring your wrapped gifts, your friends, and your sense of humor. Whether you’re here to camp, play, or just soak in the desert atmosphere, everyone leaves a winner.
📍 Event Location:
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center
Near Belen, NM – 45 miles south of Albuquerque
Visit: www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
Mark your calendar for June 21, and get ready for an unforgettable night of BINGO, desert skies, and community fun. We can’t wait to see you there!
Off-Grid Open Mic Under the Stars | Music, Community, and Memorial Day Reflections in the Desert
Finding Connection Off the Grid – A Memorial Day Reflection
As we pause this Memorial Day to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country, we also want to take a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to our growing off-grid community. From our remote corner of the New Mexico desert, we send you all peace, love, and strength.
Last night’s **Open Microphone Night** was one for the books. Under the stars and surrounded by the raw beauty of the land, we gathered—singers, storytellers, musicians, and listeners alike—to share not just talent, but pieces of our hearts. We laughed, we sang, we reflected, and most importantly, we connected.
One of the most powerful parts of living off-grid isn’t just the freedom—it’s the **community**. It’s in the late-night conversations around the fire, the shared meals, and the support from others walking the same path. Whether you’re homesteading, boondocking, or just finding your own rhythm outside the noise of the mainstream, you are part of something real.
We know this lifestyle isn’t always easy. But moments like last night remind us why we do it: for **authenticity**, for **connection**, for **freedom**.
So from our camp to yours—**Happy Memorial Day**. May we honor those who came before us by living with purpose, courage, and heart.
🌄 **Stay wild. Stay grounded. Stay you.**
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
—
#OffGridLife #MemorialDay2025 #OpenMicNight #CommunityConnection #DesertLiving #HomesteadVibes #UnpluggedLiving #ColquhounEntertainment #KaHoonCampground #AdvocatusDiaboli #PlateauHameDeColquhoun
You Won’t Believe What Happened at Ka-Hoon Campground This Morning… Desert Drama with Two Bulls!
**You Won’t Believe What Happened at Ka-Hoon Campground This Morning… Desert Drama with Two Bulls!**
Living off-grid in the New Mexico desert definitely has its perks—peace, open skies, and plenty of space—but it also comes with its share of *wild* surprises. One of those surprises? **Free-range cattle.** Yep, real-life, unsupervised cows just roaming the land like they own the place.
Here at **Ka-Hoon Campground**, we’ve come to a sort of “understanding” with these four-legged locals: they stay out of our main event and camping area, and we let them graze in peace. Unfortunately, **this morning, that agreement was broken. Again.**
While heading out to encourage them back where they belong, **two bulls decided it was the perfect time for a desert showdown.** With no phone on me (of course!), I had to move cautiously between two full-grown bulls *going head-to-head*—right where our guests usually enjoy their morning coffee.
After a tense few moments, they moved out of our main zone and continued their standoff across the way… for over an hour! Once I made it back to the RV, I captured some of their ongoing match from a safe distance.
**It’s not every day you witness a bull brawl in your backyard,** but out here in the wild west of New Mexico, it’s just another morning.
Want to experience the beauty (and wild drama) of the desert for yourself? **Come camp with us at Ka-Hoon Campground**—where nature doesn’t just surround you, it *includes* you.
—
**Follow us for more real-life desert adventures:**
TikTok: @ColquhounEntertainment)
Facebook: Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center
Website: http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
Music by: Rage Against Machine
—
#BullFight, #KaHoonCampground, #DesertLife, #NewMexicoWildlife, #FreeRangeCattle, #CampgroundDrama, #RuralLiving, #BullsInTheDesert, #MorningMayhem, #CaughtOnCamera, #RVLife, #WildWest, #BullBrawl, #CampgroundLife, #UnexpectedVisitors
Fighting Wind & Weak WiFi: Off-Grid Musicians Battle the Desert to Go Live with Original Music!
**Dust, Wind & Desert Vibes: Why Our Live Music Schedule is a Bit Wild**
If you’ve followed us for any amount of time, you probably know we regularly host **live music sessions on TikTok**—featuring **Advocatus Diaboli**, **Shamshini**, and our moderator **Melodious**. But this year… the **wind** just won’t quit.
Living off-grid in the New Mexico desert means we’re at the mercy of Mother Nature and solar power. While we *can* use generators, we prefer to avoid burning gas unless absolutely necessary. That means no sun = limited power. And on top of that, the **wind** has made things especially tricky this season.
You might be wondering—**why does the wind matter for live music?** Here’s the thing: our wireless internet comes from a local provider and runs through a central hub on the property. From there, it’s repeated out to different zones. Our **music studio is made of metal**, and the repeater inside doesn’t work well with the doors closed. But when the wind kicks up, we **have to shut everything tight**—because desert sand doesn’t just blow by, it *invades*. Seriously, ever tasted sand? If not, visit during high winds and you’ll know exactly what we mean.
So when the doors are shut tight and the internet signal drops, we can’t stream. No signal = **no TikTok live**.
But we’re still here, still playing, and still connecting when we can. Make sure to **follow us on TikTok (@PlateauHameDeColquhoun and
@Advocatus.Diaboli0)** so you get notified whenever we go live. Whether you want to **listen to Shamshini and Advocatus Diaboli**, chat with us, request a song, or even join the live to share your own music or stories—we welcome you.
No pressure. No gifts required. Just come hang out and enjoy the music and weird desert energy.
And if you’re wondering what kind of music we play—**Advocatus Diaboli doesn’t stick to radio hits**. Expect parodies, originals, deep cuts, and songs that tell a story.
—
**Follow us on TikTok:**
* @PlateauHameDeColquhoun
* @Advocatus.Diaboli0
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
——
#OffGridLife, #DesertMusic, #TikTokLive, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #KaHoonCampground, #Shamshini, #SolarPowered, #WindLife, #NewMexicoMusic, #LiveFromTheDesert, #IndieMusician, #SupportLocalMusic, #MusicianLife, #MusicCommunity, #ColquhounEntertainment
