Tag: desert life

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Percolator Coffee Hits Different 🌄 | Morning Off-Grid Life with Dogs, Crafts & Peaceful Desert Vibes

Ka-Hoon Campground

Morning Coffee, Quiet Moments, and a Craft I Don’t Even Like**

Mornings are my time. Whoever wakes up first—usually me—gets to enjoy the quiet calm of the desert before the day begins. With a cup of coffee in hand and the dogs lounging nearby, I get a few moments of peace to myself before the campground starts to stir.

This is when I do a bit of everything—update the website, edit a video, jot down a blog post, or chip away at whatever project I’ve got going. Right now, it’s a diamond painting someone gave me. Honestly, it’s not really my style, but I promised myself I’d finish it before moving on to one I actually like. Sometimes, finishing something you’re not in love with feels like a little win—especially with a hot cup of coffee and some tail-wagging company at your feet.

These little rituals keep things grounded, even when everything else is chaos.

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#PercolatorCoffee, #MorningRoutine, #OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #TinyLiving

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BEWARE of ‘Free’ Off-Grid Living Offers 😳 What They’re NOT Telling You!

Ka-Hoon Campground

Free or Low-Cost Stays Are on the Rise—But Are They Safe or Sustainable?**

In recent months, there’s been a noticeable rise in communities and landowners offering **free or low-cost places to live**—from RV spots and tent camping, to off-grid setups, tiny home villages, and communal land projects. This trend is gaining momentum, especially as the national conversation around homelessness has shifted dramatically. With recent legislation signed into law making aspects of **homelessness illegal** in certain jurisdictions (such as Trump’s support of bills that criminalize encampments in public spaces), more people are seeking alternatives before they’re pushed into crisis.

But with this wave of new options, comes a critical reminder: **not all opportunities are created with your best interest in mind.**

### Free Isn’t Always Free

Some of these places offer stays in tents, vehicles, or campers for little to no cost. Others promise a safe, off-grid lifestyle in exchange for a bit of labor or financial contribution. But here’s the truth: **just because it’s free or cheap doesn’t mean it’s the right fit—or even safe.** In some cases, people arrive with high hopes only to find poor living conditions, unclear rules, or outright scams.

### Research Is Your Best Friend

Before committing to any place offering low-cost or free accommodations, **do your homework**:

* **Google them.** Look up the name of the place and add “reviews” or “scam” to see what comes up.
* **Check social media.** Most reputable places have a public presence. See how active and transparent they are.
* **Visit if possible.** If they offer short stays on platforms like **Airbnb, Hipcamp, or The Dyrt**, consider trying a night or weekend before committing long-term.
* **Ask questions.** Email or call. You should never have to pay or “subscribe” just to get basic information.
* **Make a list.** Ask about water access, power, rules, communication, transportation, visitors, pets, and exit plans.

### Know What You’re Signing Up For

It’s important to know if you’ll be expected to work in exchange for your stay, and what that means. Some people are okay with trading a few hours of work for a space to park their RV—others may feel uncomfortable if the workload isn’t clearly defined or becomes excessive.

For example, **at our own location**, we offer **limited long-term stays through a membership program**. Members must be **fully self-contained**, meaning they need to bring their own water, have their own vehicle, and manage their own waste systems. We don’t offer work exchange, but we’re upfront about the expectations—because transparency matters.

### Final Thoughts

These types of communities can be beautiful, healing places—but **you have to make sure they align with your needs and values**. What might feel like freedom at first glance can become frustrating if the structure, expectations, or environment don’t suit your lifestyle.

**Free or cheap isn’t always better.** Ask questions, get details, and make sure the space is one where you can truly thrive—not just survive.

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#OffGridLiving, #VanlifeCommunity, #AlternativeLiving, #FreeCampingTips, #NomadAdvice

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Off-Grid Desert Living for–Could THIS Be the Best Long-Term Camp Spot in New Mexico?

Ka-Hoon Campground

🌵 Ka-Hoon Campground Membership Program 🌵**
📍Deep in the New Mexico Desert | 🏕️ Respect. Freedom. Community.

At the end of last year, we quietly launched our **Ka-Hoon Campground Membership Program**—a long-term stay option requested by some of our amazing campers. Since then, we’ve welcomed a few dedicated members who stayed for nearly six months before heading off to chase their dreams in California.

This program was never about packing people in—it’s about building an intentional, respectful desert community. Let’s be honest: as much as we’d love to offer free stays, we do have expenses. And while this isn’t a get-rich venture for us, it is our home *and* our livelihood. Like anyone else, we just want to live simply and comfortably while protecting the land.

**What’s included in the membership?**
✅ Long-term stay opportunities
✅ Come and go as you please
✅ Set up your space your way
✅ No work exchange required
✅ Just one rule: **Respect**—for the land, yourself, and others
✅ No illegal substances, no chaos—just desert calm

We keep our numbers small on purpose, hoping to attract folks who share our values. If you’re someone looking for a safe, peaceful place to be yourself, you just might find your spot here on the mesa.

**Interested in joining or learning more? Message us today.**

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#KaHoonCampground #OffGridCommunity #LongTermCamping #NewMexicoDesert #IntentionalLiving

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We Finally Solved the Off-Grid Shower Problem… But It Wasn’t Easy!

Ka-Hoon Campground

New Camper Shower Coming Soon at Ka-Hoon Campground**

We’re getting closer to having a working shower available for campers here at Ka-Hoon Campground! Like most off-grid projects, it’s taken some trial and error to figure out what works best.

One of our biggest challenges has been the **water pump**. We initially tried using a **small well pump** designed to run an entire household, but it turned out to be *too powerful* for our setup. It required priming every time, didn’t work well with flexible hoses, and created pressure issues. While we still plan to use it in future builds, it’s not the right fit for a simple shower system.

After some research, we chose a **diaphragm pump**, which is much more efficient and easier to operate. It’ll allow us to provide on-demand water for showers without the hassle of setting up and tearing down each time. Campers can just flip a switch and enjoy a hot rinse (once we finish setting up the privacy area — that’s coming soon!).

### Why There Will Be a Shower Fee

The shower won’t be included in the nightly camping fee because not everyone will need it. Instead, we’ll charge **\$10 for a 15-minute shower**, which helps cover:

* **Water hauling costs** – including fuel for the truck **and the cost of the water itself**
* **Propane** for heating water
* **System upkeep** and maintenance

Currently, it costs us about **\$30 to haul 150 gallons** of water, and to avoid excessive wear on the trailer and truck, we limit loads to that amount.

Like everything else out here, we’re building it slowly and sustainably. We appreciate everyone’s patience and support as we keep improving the off-grid experience at Ka-Hoon!

Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com

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#offgridliving, #desertlife, #kahooncampground, #offgridshower, #diaphragmpump, #waterhaul, #tinyhome, #offgridcamping, #newmexicodesert, #camplife, #propaneheat, #offgridcommunity, #diyshower, #offgridwater, #rvlife

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Rain Creeps Across Rio Grande Valley—Heading Straight for Us on the Mesa!

Ka-Hoon Campground

On our way home, we paused to film a peaceful but beautiful rainstorm moving across the Rio Grande Valley toward our mesa. Moments like this are why we love off-grid desert life.

🌐 Learn more at: [www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com](http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com)

\#KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter #RioGrandeValley #OffGridLife #DesertRain #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #NatureMoments

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Almost Gave Up on This Off-Grid Shower Build… But We Pushed Through! 💪🛠️

Ka-Hoon Campground

🌦️ 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

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#OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #DIYShowerBuild, #StrokeRecovery, #OneHandedBuilder, #KaHoonLife, #HomesteadProjects, #LivingOffGrid, #SurvivorSpirit, #DesertRain, #RecoveryJourney, #AnimatronicLife, #BuildingWithLove, #InspirationInTheDesert, #TinyLivingBigHeart

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Fighting Wind & Weak WiFi: Off-Grid Musicians Battle the Desert to Go Live with Original Music!

Ka-Hoon Campground

**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.

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**Follow us on TikTok:**

* @PlateauHameDeColquhoun
* @Advocatus.Diaboli0

http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com

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#OffGridLife, #DesertMusic, #TikTokLive, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #KaHoonCampground, #Shamshini, #SolarPowered, #WindLife, #NewMexicoMusic, #LiveFromTheDesert, #IndieMusician, #SupportLocalMusic, #MusicianLife, #MusicCommunity, #ColquhounEntertainment


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Campground Shower Build Progress: Teamwork, Challenges, and Big Plans for Off-Grid Living!

Ka-Hoon Campground

Today was a huge milestone for our off-grid shower project at Ka-Hoon Plateau Hame De Colquhoun ! We tackled the hardest part—getting the 350-gallon IBC tote lifted, aligned, and secured on top of the first one to build our campground shower system. It was definitely more than Anne and I could handle alone, but with Brent’s help (and some neighborly support), we made it happen!



Once we figured out how to lift, turn, and line up the tote, a neighbor arrived just in time to help us cut the door and anchor everything down securely. We’re so grateful for the community support—this project wouldn’t have been possible without it!



Next steps include adjusting the plastic liners, installing an additional liner piece to lock everything into place, building a door, and plumbing the water heater and shower head. We’re also planning to add a small changing area outside the shower space, with hopes of someday installing a washing machine to make off-grid life even more comfortable for our campers and ourselves.



Every step we take brings us closer to improving the campground experience here in the New Mexico desert. This off-grid DIY shower will be available for campers to use for a small fee to help cover water and propane costs.



Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building forward—one project, and one day, at a time!

http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com

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#offgridliving, #DIYcampground, #campgroundupgrade, #desertlife, #offgridprojects, #newmexicocamping, #campgroundlife, #showertankbuild, #IBCtoteproject, #communitysupport, #campgroundshowers, #offgridwater, #plateauhamedecolquhoun, #DIYshowerbuild, #campgroundimprovements

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Brent’s Healing, Music Magic & DIY Shower Build—Off-Grid Life Update!

Ka-Hoon Campground

We’re slowly finding our rhythm again. Brent starts physical therapy this week and is getting stronger every day! He can move his fingers a bit and tends to have the most control in the mornings. Singing has actually helped him gain a lot—music is magic like that. We truly believe he’ll be back to full strength soon. 

This weekend, Anne and I are starting the long-awaited shower build here at the campground. While Brent *says* he’s fine using the Planet Fitness showers alone, I’m just not ready for that risk while he’s still recovering. We’ve got most of what we need and water delivery lined up. Once it’s done, it’ll be available for us and campers (with a small fee to cover propane and water). 

Big thanks to everyone sending love and encouragement. We’re getting there—one day at a time. 

http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
Www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com

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#kaHoonCampground #desertlife #offgridliving #campgroundlife #animatronicband #musictherapyworks #BrentsJourney #recoveryupdate #buildingforward #DIYcampground #offgridcamping #soulwork #desertvibes #supportlocalmusic #healingwithmusic #campgroundupgrade 

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Caught on Cam: Cows Invade Off-Grid Campground, Lick Cameras & Cause Chaos in the Desert!

Ka-Hoon Campground

The Real Moochers of the Desert: Life Off-Grid with Free-Range Cattle at Ka-Hoon Campground

Living off-grid in the deep New Mexico desert has its perks—stunning sunsets, wide-open skies, and the sweet sound of silence… until the mooing starts.

Here at **Ka-Hoon Campground**, we’re tucked away just far enough to enjoy peaceful desert life, yet still close enough to civilization to grab tacos when the craving hits. But even in this semi-remote slice of paradise, we get **invaders**—and not the alien kind. We’re talking about the **free-range cattle** who apparently think *our grass is greener*.

Last night, these rogue bovines made a stealthy entrance, clearly plotting an elaborate heist. Step one? **Take out the security system**. We caught them red-tongued—licking and blocking the cameras like seasoned pros. Step two? **Steal the grass**, leave a little *”thank you”* manure, knock over our solar lights for good measure, and give the poles a good rub while they’re at it.

It’s not your typical crime spree, but welcome to **off-grid living in New Mexico**.

Despite their sneaky antics, it’s all part of the charm out here. Life is raw, real, and sometimes full of surprises—some smelly, some solar-powered.

So if you’re dreaming of going off-grid, come prepared. You might escape the hustle of the city… but you won’t escape the cows.

**Ka-Hoon Campground**—where even the cattle want in.

http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com, http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com

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#OffGridLife, #KaHoonCampground, #CaughtOnCamera, #FreeRangeFails, #CowCriminals, #DesertLife, #CowCam, #MooMischief, #RanchLife, #OffGridLiving, #SecurityFootage, #FunnyAnimals, #CattleCaught, #FarmFails, #DesertHumor