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**
Tag: DIY shower build
Off-Grid Shower Build: Parts, Progress, and a Bit of Trial and Error
Living off-grid in the New Mexico desert is full of problem-solving—and our current project, building an off-grid shower system, has tested every bit of our patience (and creativity).
We’re using water stored in an IBC tote and creating a basic but functional setup. Since many people in this area use IBC totes for water storage, we thought the parts would be easy to find locally. After stops at both Lowe’s and Home Depot, though, we came up empty-handed.
Thankfully, we were able to order most of what we needed online—and even managed to pick up a drain piece in person that we *hope* will work. Now we’re just waiting on the final parts to arrive. Once they’re in, we’ll start assembling everything. Fingers crossed it’s all the right stuff, and everything fits and works as planned.
This build has taken longer than usual—not because it’s overly complicated, but because Anne and I are not exactly seasoned builders. I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not a contractor.
What’s made a huge difference is Brent’s involvement. As he continues to heal from his multiple strokes, he’s slowly gaining more movement in his left arm, hand, and fingers. It’s been incredible having him able to help again—it’s not only sped things up, but also made the process feel a lot more hopeful.
Every project we tackle out here teaches us something new. And while this one has come with a few more learning curves than expected, we’re getting there—piece by piece.
We’ll share an update once the system is fully installed and working. Until then, we’re staying positive, staying dusty, and staying determined.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridShowerBuild #DesertLiving #OffGridCouple #TinyHomeProjects #IBCToteWaterStorage #DIYNotContractors #StrokeRecoveryJourney #ShowerBuildUpdate #HomesteadProgress #LearningAsWeGo #OffGridLife #NewMexicoDesert #BrentStrong
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
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#OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #DIYShowerBuild, #StrokeRecovery, #OneHandedBuilder, #KaHoonLife, #HomesteadProjects, #LivingOffGrid, #SurvivorSpirit, #DesertRain, #RecoveryJourney, #AnimatronicLife, #BuildingWithLove, #InspirationInTheDesert, #TinyLivingBigHeart
Rainy Days, Movie Nights & Shower Builds – What’s New at Ka-Hoon Campground This Week!
Spring Storms, Movie Night & Shower Build Progress at Ka-Hoon Plateau Hame De Colquhoun
It’s been a cloudy, chilly, and rainy week out here in the desert, but that doesn’t stop us from planning some fun! **This Saturday**, weather permitting, we’re hosting another cozy **Movie Night** under the stars—bring a blanket and a chair! Then on **Sunday, May 25th**, we’re holding an **Open Mic Night**. Whether you sing, read poetry, or just want to hang out, we welcome everyone to take the mic and share.
**Shower House Update**
Building the new shower has proven to be more of a challenge than expected. If Brent were fully capable, he’d probably have it knocked out in a day. But this time, Anne and I are doing the building ourselves with Brent’s guidance. While we’ve helped with builds before, this is our first time truly taking the lead. Let’s just say—we’ve learned we’re much better assistants than lead builders!
We’ve been working around weather delays, high winds, and rainy weekends—not to mention juggling schedules. Progress is slower than we hoped, but it’s still moving forward and will be worth it when it’s done!
**Don’t Miss Our Membership Program!**
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out our **Membership Program**. Members enjoy:
* Free and discounted camping
* Discounts at our general store
* Free entry to special events like Movie Nights, Talent Shows, and more
* Priority access to campsites
* Member-only activities and gatherings
Our community is about freedom, creativity, and respect. Whether you’re a regular visitor or just passing through, our membership helps support continued improvements like the new shower, as well as all the events we love to host.
**Stay connected, stay cozy, and stay kind.**
Visit http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com learn more or sign up!
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#OffGridLiving, #CampgroundLife, #DesertCamping, #MovieNightUnderTheStars, #OpenMicNight, #CreativeCommunity, #CampgroundEvents, #RainyDayProjects, #BuildingOffGrid, #TinyHomeLife, #DIYShowerBuild, #SupportLocalCampgrounds, #SustainableLiving, #CampgroundMembership, #CommunityVibes
Campground Shower Build Progress: Teamwork, Challenges, and Big Plans for Off-Grid Living!
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
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 