🚚 When Repairs Aren’t What They Seem: Life With an Old Workhorse on the Desert Roads**
Living off-grid means you rely on your gear more than most people ever will — and when that gear fails, it’s not just inconvenient… it’s survival. About a month ago, while hauling water in our 1984 Ford F-250 diesel, we lost the brakes. Thankfully, it happened out here on the desert roads and not in traffic. We originally believed it was the master cylinder — especially since we were told that was never replaced when we previously had the brake system worked on.
But today, with the help of a neighbor who’s a mechanic, we discovered it was actually the **brake booster** that had failed. Turns out, the master cylinder *had* been replaced a few years ago when we paid a shop to redo the brakes, calipers, rotors, and wheel bearings. They charged us \$2,500 — then wanted another \$500–\$600 to replace the booster. That part was skipped, and we drove it as-is until the system failed entirely.
We ordered a new brake booster from O’Reilly’s (after learning there are two types depending on weight — our truck needs the over 8,000 lb version). Once we got it installed, we thought we were in the clear.
But of course, the plot thickened.
After installing the new booster, we discovered brake fluid leaking from the front passenger side. Upon further inspection, we found **the brake hardware kit had been improperly installed** years ago, which caused the part to fail and the fluid to leak. So now, we’re waiting (again) on parts — this time from AutoZone — to repair something that should have been done right the first time.
And while we’d planned this week to finally address the **mystery leak** from our transmission (which doesn’t leak at home over a tarp, only in random parking lots), we’re instead fixing problems we thought had already been taken care of in good faith.
We’re not made of money. If we were, we might still drive this old 6.9L diesel beast, but we’d have had it completely rewired, flushed, and rebuilt by someone we trust. Because let’s be real — this truck *wants* to work. It may not be pretty, but it runs strong and drives like an old Ford should. If you’ve driven one, you know exactly what we mean.
Sometimes, you wish you could grow a money tree and make everything the way you want it. But that’s not the reality — especially out here, living simply and off-grid. So we keep turning wrenches, learning lessons, and hoping the next part shows up on time.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #TruckRepairs #DesertLiving #DieselTruckLife #F250Woes
Tag: desert living
Rescue Puppy Escapes Everything! You Won’t Believe How Far She’s Come Since That Ditch in Roswell!
Life, Heat, and a Little Hurricane Named Vibria
Between the extreme desert heat, doctor appointments, and just everyday life, it’s been tough finding time to sit down and create a new video update from the Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center. But today, we’ve got a story to share — about one wild, clever, and incredibly determined pup named Vibria.
### Meet Vibria: Our Carolina Dog With Puppy Brain
Vibria, our Carolina dog, is turning one next month — and while she’s growing fast, her puppy energy is still in full force. Her absolute favorite pastime? Tearing up paper. We keep our burnable trash (paper, cardboard, etc.) in a special bin inside, but if Vibria gets near it, there’s guaranteed to be a confetti explosion.
We’ve honestly never gone through so many collars and harnesses in our lives. She *loves* wearing them — throws a little tantrum when she’s not — yet somehow she always manages to chew through them or snap a buckle when we least expect it.
### Escape Artist Extraordinaire
Vibria has earned her title as the campground’s official *Escape Artist*. Despite chicken wire lining the bottom of our fenced yard (because yes, she figured out how to squeeze through), she continues to find creative ways to get out. Whether it’s tearing through the wire, climbing the fence, or digging under it — she’s out the moment you blink.
Strangely, she never tries to run when she’s in the RV or the car. But left alone in the yard for two seconds? She’s off chasing lizards, snacking on cat food, or playing with the campground kitties.
### From Roadside Rescue to Ka-Hoon Family Member
Vibria’s story started on Calhoun Street in Roswell, where she and her two littermates were abandoned in a ditch. A kind-hearted woman rescued them, and after a six-hour round trip, we brought Vibria home. Since then, she’s become a beloved member of our quirky Calhoun family at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center.
From tearing up paper to escaping like a furry Houdini, Vibria keeps us on our toes — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
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### 🐾 Come Meet Our Desert Family
Want to experience the off-grid life with a touch of chaos and charm? Come visit Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center, where every critter (and camper) has a story.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#vibria, #campgrounddog, #puppylife, #desertdog, #rescuedog, #dogsoftiktok, #carolinadog, #dogadventures, #dogsofinstagram, #dogescapeartist, #offgridliving, #kahooncampground, #puppybloopers, #rescuedismyfavoritebreed, #puppydiaries
We Finally Took Our FIRST Off-Grid Shower! (But It Didn’t Go Exactly As Planned 😅)
Yesterday was a big day—we got to take our **first shower in our new off-grid shower setup**! After all the planning, ordering, adjusting, and waiting on parts, it felt amazing to finally rinse off right here at home.
Of course, no DIY project is ever *truly* finished on the first go. We’ve still got a few tweaks to make:
* The **drain piece we picked up was a bit too small**, so we’ll need to replace it with a better-fitting one.
* Right now, we’re **placing the water pump inside the shower when not in use**, but that’s not a long-term solution. We need to build or repurpose a small box or container to house it safely and neatly.
* Our **on-demand water heater runs on D batteries**, and the rechargeable ones we bought aren’t doing the trick. I’m going to give them one more good charge and see if that helps—if not, we’ll pick up some regular D batteries to test it out.
* We also need to **install a hanger for the showerhead** to avoid the awkward balancing act we’ve been doing.
* And last but not least—we’re on the hunt for **pallets and posts to build an outdoor privacy wall** around the shower.
Until the privacy wall goes up, showering means dressing and undressing under the wide open desert sky. It’s totally fine when it’s just us out here, but less ideal when we have visitors or campers on-site.
Still, all of that aside—**being able to shower at home again feels like a luxury.** It’s a simple thing we used to take for granted, and now it’s a real treat to step into our own outdoor setup, clean off the desert dust, and not have to plan a trip to town for something so basic.
We’ll keep updating as we fine-tune the setup and build the privacy wall. Off-grid life may not always be convenient, but it’s always rewarding—especially when you finally get to feel clean at home.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #DIYShowerBuild, #DesertLife, #TinyHomeProjects, #OutdoorShower, #HomesteadLife, #ShowerProgress, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #WaterStorageSolutions, #PrivacyWallBuild, #OnDemandWaterHeater, #IBCSetup, #DesertHomestead, #OffGridCouple**
From Stroke to Song: Advocatus Diaboli Sings Again Just Weeks After Life-Changing Diagnosis
**From Off-Grid Peace to Hospital Alarms: Our Stroke Survival Journey**
Two weeks ago tonight, our peaceful, off-grid life in the New Mexico desert took a sudden and frightening turn. Brent—also known as Advocatus from our band *Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band*—began experiencing facial twitching. What we initially thought was a pinched nerve quickly spiraled into something far more serious.
Just a month earlier, Brent had lost movement in his arm and hand. Urgent Care diagnosed it as a pinched nerve and recommended an orthopedic visit. We booked the appointment, unaware that something much more dangerous was brewing beneath the surface.
The night we walked into the ER, everything changed. After hearing his symptoms, the medical team rushed Brent back immediately. That’s when real fear set in. X-rays and a CT scan revealed that Brent was having a stroke—and that the symptoms in his arm had actually been from a previous stroke, likely occurring around the time we visited Urgent Care weeks earlier.
A follow-up MRI confirmed it.
During his week-long hospital stay, Brent struggled with speech, and doctors were uncertain if he’d ever be able to sing again. For a man whose life revolves around music, it was a devastating possibility. But Brent is a fighter.
He underwent surgery to repair a clogged artery in his neck. Now he’s home, slowly regaining his strength. He’s singing again—his voice may not be at full strength yet, but it’s there. His arm is still affected, but we’re seeing small signs of progress. Only time will tell how much mobility he’ll recover.
These last two weeks have been filled with fear, uncertainty, and hard adjustments—but also love, resilience, and hope. I couldn’t be more proud of Brent. We are thankful for every day, every note sung, and every small step forward.
If you’ve followed our journey or are new to it, thank you for being here. Life off-grid isn’t always easy—but it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s ours.
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#StrokeSurvivor, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #OffGridLife, #HealingThroughMusic, #DesertLiving, #MusicTherapy, #RecoveryJourney, #IndieBand, #InspirationalStory, #LifeAfterStroke, #GrimLeaferBand, #NewMexicoLife, #SupportLocalMusic, #StrokeAwareness, #NeverGiveUp
Cleaning Up the Yard & Enjoying Time with Our Furry Kids – A Productive Day in the Desert!
**A Productive and Enjoyable Day in the Desert**
Today was a beautiful day—perfect for getting things done and spending some quality time outdoors. Before taking Anne to work, we took some time to clean up the yard, making our space a little more organized and refreshing. It always feels good to keep things tidy, especially out here in the desert where the elements can quickly take over.
After the work was done, we made sure to enjoy the day by playing with our furry kids. They always bring so much joy and energy, reminding us to take a break and appreciate the little moments.
Living out here, every day is a balance between work and enjoying the simple things. The weather has been great, and it’s days like these that make life in the desert feel just right.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#DesertLife, #OffGridLiving, #SimpleLife, #RVLiving, #OutdoorLife, #SelfSufficient, #HomesteadLife, #PetLovers, #FurryFriends, #ProductiveDay, #NatureLover, #CountryLiving, #MinimalistLife, #PeacefulLiving, #IndependentLiving
Off-Grid Challenges, Campground Life, and a Unique Animatronic Band You Don’t Want to Miss!
**Balancing Off-Grid Living, Campground Life, and the Band**
As winter lingers, each day brings a touch more daylight, but our lives remain packed with activity. Between managing the campground, handling the weather’s unpredictable nature, and juggling personal commitments, things have been anything but quiet.
Our campground has been bustling with campers, weather preparations, and engaging with our growing membership community. The off-grid lifestyle demands constant attention to ensure everything runs smoothly, from solar maintenance to accommodating guests in changing conditions.
Meanwhile, the spotlight is on **Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band**, as we gear up for an exciting performance this Sunday at **Juno Brewery in Albuquerque**. With the band’s unique blend of music, humor, and animatronic theatrics, this show promises to be unforgettable. Preparing for a performance like this involves countless hours of rehearsals, refining timing, and ensuring every detail aligns for an exceptional experience.
As we juggle these aspects of life, we are reminded of why we chose this path—living authentically, embracing challenges, and sharing creativity with our community. If you’re in Albuquerque this weekend, come out and join us for an evening of boundary-pushing entertainment!
**Stay tuned for updates and insights from our off-grid adventures and band performances.**
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
Www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#OffGridLiving, #CampgroundLife, #DesertAdventures, #AnimatronicBand, #LiveMusic, #SolarPower, #SustainableLiving, #RVLife, #JunoBrewery, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #UniqueEntertainment, #CreativeLifestyle, #BandPerformance, #DesertLiving
Off-Grid Life: Sunlight Struggles & Community Wins in the New Mexico Desert!
**Life Off-Grid: Balancing Sunlight, Solar Power, and Community in the Desert**
With the last bits of snow now melted away, the desert sun is shining brighter each day, though not quite enough to keep us powered through the night. Living off-grid means relying on solar energy, but even here in the New Mexico desert, sunlight isn’t always a guarantee. We’re planning to build another solar array soon to increase our energy capacity, but timing is everything. On the rare calm days with mild weather, other responsibilities often take priority.
### Building Our Off-Grid Community
We’ve also welcomed a few long-term members to our off-grid community, and it’s been rewarding to see them embrace the membership program. Here, members find a unique balance of freedom and security. They each have their own small piece of land to call home, creating a space that reflects their individual personalities and needs. But there’s also the reassurance of nearby support. Members can turn to one another for advice, help with projects, or even just a friendly conversation, while still enjoying privacy and personal space.
### Benefits of Off-Grid Membership
Our membership program isn’t just about living off-grid—it’s about building a community that values independence and self-reliance, while also supporting one another. Members experience:
– **Personal Freedom**: The freedom to live off-grid, with few restrictions, allowing members to create a lifestyle that suits them.
– **Community Support**: Having others nearby who understand off-grid living and are willing to lend a hand or offer advice.
– **Privacy**: The ability to enjoy their own space while being part of a close-knit community.
As we continue to build out our solar capabilities and enhance our facilities, our community remains at the heart of what we do. Here, we’ve created a space for those who seek both independence and camaraderie, and it’s rewarding to see others enjoy this way of life as much as we do.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #DesertLiving #SolarPowerStruggles #WinterInTheDesert #NoPowerProblems #LivingSimply #CommunityLife #RVLiving #EcoFriendlyLife #SnowyDesert #SolarEnergy #KaHoonCampground #OffGridCommunity #MakingItWork #LifeUnplugged
Morning Off-Grid in the New Mexico Desert | Solar Power, Coffee, and Winter Chill
**Desert Morning Off-Grid**
The sun peeks over mountains wide,
Charging batteries, our faithful guide.
Snow is melting, earth laid bare,
In crisp, chilled air, desert flair.
The cold clings close, a stubborn guest,
But heat hums gently, granting rest.
Coffee brews, rich and bold,
Warming hands in the morning cold.
Off-grid life, a steady beat,
In desert sands, sun and sleet.
With every dawn, we find our way,
Living free, day by day.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #DesertLiving #NewMexicoDesert #SolarPower #SustainableLiving #CoffeeTime #SnowInTheDesert #MorningRoutine #EcoFriendly #RVLife #LivingSimply #DesertSunrise #NatureLife #MinimalistLiving #LifeUnplugged
Snow Day Off-Grid in the New Mexico Desert | Clearing Solar Panels & Embracing Winter’s Beauty
Snow Day in the Desert: Embracing Winter Off-Grid with a Dusting of Snow
Waking up this morning to a snowy landscape in the New Mexico desert was a refreshing surprise. The ground is covered in a beautiful, crisp layer of snow, reminding me of the long Minnesota winters I used to endure. Today’s task: clearing the snow off the solar panels, hoping for even a sliver of sunlight to keep our power running through the night.
### Snow in the Desert vs. Snow in Minnesota
Snow in the desert doesn’t last long. In a day or two, it’ll melt away, and the sun will return to recharge our solar batteries. Unlike the endless winter months back in Minnesota, where snow seemed to settle in for a long stay and freezing temps often meant you’d think twice before braving the outdoors.
### Benefits of Desert Snow
Here in the desert, snow feels more like a treat than a chore. It brings a temporary beauty to the landscape without the drawbacks of prolonged cold or cabin fever that’s hard to shake in places where winter drags on. Once the snow melts, life here returns to normal. No snow shovels gathering dust, no icy roads—just a momentary visit from winter.
### Off-Grid Snow Day Tips
For those living off-grid, snow days do require a bit of preparation. Here are a few tips we follow to stay ready:
1. **Clear Snow from Solar Panels**: Even a small amount of sunlight can make a difference, so we remove as much snow as possible.
2. **Conserve Power**: Cloudy days require us to be mindful of energy use, so we scale back on lights and devices until the sun is back.
3. **Embrace the Cozy Factor**: While we don’t run our propane heater all day, we bundle up and enjoy the cozy, quiet moments a snow day brings.
Winter in the desert may be fleeting, but we’re grateful for these brief, beautiful reminders of snow without the hardships that come with a long, snowy season.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#SnowInTheDesert #DesertWinter #OffGridLife #SolarPower #EnergyConservation #WinterWonderland #RVLife #DesertSnow #KaHoonCampground #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyLiving #MinimalistLife #SolarPanels #CabinFeverFree
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
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 