**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
Tag: desert life
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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#OffGridLiving, #MesaLife, #DesertCampground, #NewMexicoLife, #DesertLiving, #NatureCommunity, #HistoricMesa, #LiveFree, #OutdoorLife, #UniqueGetaway, #SoulOfTheSouthwest, #MesaSunset, #BackToNature, #FreedomLifestyle, #Unplugged
Experience Off-Grid Freedom at Ka-Hoon Campground & Event Center Membership Program!
Discover the Benefits of the Membership Program at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center
Whether you’re a nomad, off-grid homesteader, snowbird, or simply looking for a getaway, our Membership Program at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the commitments of land ownership.
### Why Join Our Membership Program?
**1. Flexible Camping Options**
If you’re looking for a temporary location to set up camp, Ka-Hoon allows you to disperse camp, bring your solar setup, and create your own little homestead. Membership gives you the flexibility to stay for a night, a week, or even longer.
**2. Affordable Alternative to Land Ownership**
Don’t have the money to purchase land or want to avoid the responsibilities of land ownership? Our campground provides an affordable solution for those seeking a seasonal spot without the high costs of lot rent. It’s a great trail run for off-grid living without the long-term commitment.
**3. Community & Learning Opportunities**
As a member, you gain access to a supportive community where you can learn from others and share your experiences. You’ll also have voting rights and can participate in community events, selling goods, and connecting with like-minded individuals.
### Membership Guidelines
Our program fosters a safe and respectful environment. We only have a few rules to ensure everyone enjoys their experience:
– **Respect Yourself, Others, Nature, and Local Laws:** We ask that all members maintain cleanliness and organization in their spaces. Remember to respect the environment and follow local regulations.
– **No Illegal Drugs or Underage Usage:** We are committed to creating a safe space for all members.
Join us at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center, where you can explore off-grid living while enjoying the beauty of nature and the support of a welcoming community. Your adventure awaits!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#KaHoonCampground, #OffGridLiving, #NomadLife, #Homesteading, #Snowbirds, #CampingCommunity, #NatureLovers, #SustainableLiving, #OutdoorAdventure, #CleanCamping, #SupportLocal, #TemporaryCamping, #LearnFromOthers, #TrailRun, #DesertLife
Dreugan’s Journey: From Rescue Pup to Loyal Protector | Life at Ka-Hoon Campground & Plateau Hame
**Dreugan’s Story: Our Lovable Protector with a Gentle Heart**
Dreugan may look intimidating, but beneath that tough exterior lies a sensitive soul who’s deeply connected to our emotions. He’s fiercely loyal and protective of our family, especially me, yet he’s surprisingly gentle and perceptive. Whenever another dog misbehaves, he’ll climb on top of me, as if trying to communicate what happened. This has been especially helpful as Weillow, our older dog, has started showing signs of doggy dementia, sometimes having accidents indoors. Dreugan has become our gentle alarm, alerting us to these moments with compassion.
We found Dreugan when he was just four weeks old. Someone posted a litter of puppies for sale, and though we hadn’t planned on adopting, we felt drawn to these little pups. When we arrived, only two puppies remained. One approached us eagerly, but the other hid, clearly frightened. While the first seemed friendly and easygoing, the one hiding—Dreugan—was anxious and unsure. He nipped at people, clearly in distress, and I knew in that moment he needed us.
Raising Dreugan hasn’t been easy. He’s a 3/4 Husky and 1/4 Rottweiler, a mix that brings out his strength and independence. He’s broken my finger, given me rope burns, and had his share of stressful moments, especially around other dogs he doesn’t know. But with patience, reassurance, and a lot of love, he’s grown into a wonderful companion. Although he doesn’t show affection in typical ways and sometimes acts indifferent, he also sneaks in moments of softness—like cuddling with our new puppy, Vibria, when he thinks no one’s watching.
We may have unknowingly supported backyard breeding by adopting him, but we’re thankful he came into our lives. Dreugan is proof that even the toughest-looking dogs can be big-hearted protectors, bringing out the best in all of us.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#KaHoonCampground, #PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #RescueDog, #HuskyMix, #ProtectiveDog, #DogAdoption, #DoggyDementia, #DesertLife, #OffGridCommunity, #LoyalCompanion, #HomesteadLife, #NewMexicoLiving, #CampgroundLife, #DogStories, #DesertHomestead
Unforgettable Weekend: Advocatus Diaboli Live & Rangoli Celebration at Ka-Hoon Campground!
**Embracing Community and Celebrations at Plateau Hame de Colquhoun (Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center)**
It’s been a whirlwind weekend here at Ka-hoon Campground and Event Center! Last Friday, Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band rocked Albuquerque, keeping us out until the early hours of the morning. We returned home around 3:30 a.m., knowing we had just a few hours of sleep before getting everything ready for our much-anticipated Rangoli celebration.
Despite the exhaustion, we managed to unload the trailer, prep the firepit, and kick off another memorable Rangoli. This event, where we gather to draw our intentions around the fire, dance, walk, and stomp them into the ground, always brings our community together in a meaningful way. Though we thought our tiredness would cut the evening short, the energy of the Rangoli kept us going until midnight, longer than we’d expected!
Are you interested in joining a like-minded community in the New Mexico desert, with endless skies and stunning views? At Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center, we’re more than a campground; we’re building a homesteading community that lives off-grid and supports one another. With our **Membership Program**, you can set up your own homestead, enjoy exclusive events, and truly be a part of something unique.
Join us, and become part of our growing community! For more details, visit our
https://plateauhamedecolquhoun.com/membership
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#KaHoonCampground #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #NewMexicoLiving #DesertHomestead #OffGridLife #CommunityEvents #AdvocatusDiaboli #GrimLeaferBand #RangoliCelebration #DesertViews #OffGridCommunity #HomesteadingLife #NewMexicoDesert #JoinOurCommunity #CampgroundLife
Starry Nights & Outdoor Movies: Creating Magical Moments in the Desert with Neighbors
Finding Connection Under the Stars: Outdoor Movies in the Desert
Sometimes, it’s the simplest moments that bring the most joy. Last night, we shared one of those with a neighbor—an outdoor movie under the desert’s endless sky. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the desert quieted, we set up the projector, tossed some blankets down, and sat back with popcorn to watch a film together. It’s these small connections that make life out here truly special.
### Creating Community in the Desert
Living in the desert has its challenges, but it also creates a unique environment for connection. Out here, where there’s open land and starry skies, we often find ourselves naturally bonding with neighbors over simple activities. An outdoor movie may seem like a small gesture, but it turns into something magical under the desert stars.
### Why Moments Like These Matter
Life can get busy, and it’s easy to lose track of what really brings us happiness. That’s why we cherish moments like these. Sitting under the stars, hearing the soft hum of the desert around us, and watching a story unfold on the screen brings a sense of peace and togetherness that’s hard to find anywhere else.
### Make Your Own Magic Outdoors
No matter where you are, bringing a little creativity to your gatherings can turn any space into a memorable experience. All it takes is a little preparation and an open mind. Next time you’re craving something different, try setting up an outdoor movie, gathering a few friends or neighbors, and enjoying a night under the stars.
In the end, these small, shared experiences are what build lasting friendships and memories.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OutdoorMovieNight, #DesertLife, #StarryNights, #CommunityGathering, #SimpleJoys, #DesertLiving, #MovieUnderTheStars, #OutdoorEntertainment, #CampfireVibes, #DesertCommunity, #OffGridLife, #MakingMemories, #LifeInTheDesert, #NatureConnections, #EveningUnderTheStars
Vibria’s Off-Grid Adventures: Fearless Rescue Puppy Living in the New Mexico Desert
On Wednesday, Sept 4, we rescued Vibria, a tiny pup found with two other female puppies who had been dumped on Cahoon Street in Roswell, NM. It felt like fate. That same morning, I was reflecting on a memory of Litha, our black lab/golden retriever mix who passed nearly two years ago from cancer. While looking at the pictures, I got a notification about the three puppies needing homes. It was serendipitous—Cahoon Street shares the same pronunciation as Colquhoun, the name of our campground.
At first, it didn’t seem possible to go and get her because I had a doctor’s appointment. But just as I was about to let the person know we couldn’t make it, the doctor’s office called to cancel! That was the sign we needed. We hopped in the car, made the three-hour drive, and brought Vibria home.
Now, six weeks later, she’s settled into her new life. We estimate she’s around 14 weeks old, and although she’s tiny at about 7-8 lbs, she’s full of energy and mischief. She adores cuddles, plays with the cats, and even tries to play with Dreugan—though she usually runs and hides when his play gets too rambunctious. Vibria is fearless and has proven herself to be an escape artist, climbing fences when we’re not looking.
We picked up a cheap harness from a thrift store, unsure of how big she’ll get, and she proudly wears it along with her new collar. Surprisingly, she even gets upset when it’s taken off!
Stay tuned to follow Vibria’s adventures as she lives her best life off-grid in the New Mexico desert!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#VibriaAdventures, #OffGridLife, #DesertLiving, #PuppyLove, #NewMexicoDesert, #FearlessPuppy, #EscapeArtist, #LivingOffGrid, #TinyButMighty, #DesertPuppy, #RescueDog, #KaHoonCampground, #PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #PuppyLife, #AdventurePup
Chasing Cattle Away From the RVs: A Morning on the Campground!
Thought I’d share a quick video of the cattle paying us a visit this morning and having to chase them away from the RVs. Watch how “difficult” it is to drive them off (said sarcastically)!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#cattlelife #RVlife #KaHoonCampground #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #offgridliving
Rescue Puppy Vibria’s First Week at KaHoon Campground | Life in the New Mexico Desert
**Welcoming Vibria: Our Tiny New Family Member**
A week ago, we took a trip to Roswell to pick up a tiny puppy that had been dumped on Cahoon Street. It’s easy to forget just how much work a puppy can be—adorable, lovable, but still full of energy and mischief. We’re unsure of her exact age or breed, but judging by her teeth (she still has all her milk teeth), we estimate she’s at least 8 weeks old. She weighs about 1.5 pounds, so we suspect she’s a small breed, possibly a Chihuahua, Miniature Pinscher, or a mix of both. Regardless, we’ve embraced her fully and are adapting to her tiny size and big personality.
It’s a bit strange having such a small dog. Her bladder is delicate, and her stubbornness adds to the challenge of teaching her commands like “No.” She’s a lot like a two-year-old in that regard!
Vibria recently got her first set of puppy shots and was dewormed. She’s starting to settle in and show us her playful, spirited personality. She’s frisky, friendly, and definitely has some attitude. She’s also very clever—she already knows how to sneak through the fence and head to the Greenroom, where she’s found a way to steal food from the cats!
Her relationship with Dreugan, our other dog, is slowly growing. At first, Dreugan wasn’t sure what to make of her and kept his distance. But now, he’s warming up to her, even letting her chew on his feet a few times. We’re giving him the space he needs, so it’s up to him if he wants to interact with her.
We’re excited to see how Vibria grows and what kind of dog she’ll turn out to be. Without knowing her breed, we have no idea how big she’ll get—anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds, maybe more if she surprises us!
What do you think? How big do you think Vibria will grow? Let us know your guesses!
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#VibriaThePuppy #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #KaHoonCampground #DesertLife #TinyPuppyAdventures #RescuePuppy #ChihuahuaMix #MinPinMix #DogLife #NewMexicoAdventures #OffGridLiving #PuppyLove #DesertCampground #RVLife #CampgroundPets
Day 3 in the Studio: Progress on Advocatus Diaboli & The Grim Leafer Band Show Notes
After a long day in the studio working on music and show notes for the Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band show, we’re finally making progress. It’s day 3, and even though it’s been the longest day so far, we’re about halfway through. Luckily, we’ve found some faster methods to streamline things. The heat wasn’t extreme today, but it was enough to make my phone overheat multiple times. Now, after all the hard work, we’re winding down, watching some football with a few neighbors and taking it easy.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
#StudioLife #AdvocatusDiaboli #GrimLeaferBand #KaHoonCampground #DesertHeat #MusicInProgress #FootballBreak
