**Life at Ka-Hoon: Off-Grid Living, Music, and Community Updates**
**Daily Life and Projects**
We try to post daily videos, but there’s only so much we can show without becoming repetitive. As the weather warms up, we’re able to tackle more outdoor projects—but deciding which one to start with is always a challenge.
One big project we keep putting off is the **new solar setup**. The delays come down to a few things:
– We need several consecutive good weather days to build it.
– We’re unsure if we have all the necessary materials.
– We still haven’t settled on the perfect location.
Right now, our existing solar setup works fine, but expanding it would provide **more power for the studio**—something we definitely want. It’s not an urgent need, but it’s a project we’re excited to complete when the time is right.
**Advocatus Diaboli & Shamshini: Music & Rehearsals**
On the music side, **Advocatus Diaboli and Shamshini** continue live rehearsals, hanging out, and singing on **TikTok and Clapper**. Sound quality for live streams has been a challenge, but after lots of testing, we think we’ve finally found the right setup!
If you haven’t yet, follow us on **TikTok and Clapper** to catch our live sessions, interact, and be part of the experience!
**Camping & Membership at Ka-Hoon**
Camping at **Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center** is more than just an overnight stay—it’s about **community, freedom, and off-grid living**. Our **Membership Program** has been growing, and it’s proving to be a **valuable addition** to what we offer.
**Why Is Membership Important?**
Our **Membership Program** was created in response to camper requests for **longer-term stays** and has grown into a **thriving off-grid community**. It provides:
✅ **Security & Stability** – Members have a **safe place** to camp, homestead, or use as a basecamp for their travels.
✅ **Learning & Teaching** – Members can **attend or host classes** on topics like **homesteading, off-grid living, and art**.
✅ **Community & Support** – A **like-minded community** that helps each other with projects, advice, and skills.
✅ **Financial & Business Opportunities** – Members can **sell their goods in our general store or set up a vendor booth** at events.
✅ **Exclusive Discounts** – Members receive **discounts on all Ka-Hoon hosted events** and other perks.
✅ **Voting Rights** – Members **help shape the community** by voting on rules, events, and regulations.
**Camping at Ka-Hoon**
If you’re looking for a **safe, private place to camp**, Ka-Hoon offers a **unique off-grid experience**. Whether you want to:
– Experience **off-grid living and homesteading** before committing to land ownership
– Find a **basecamp for travel and adventure**
– Stay long-term in a **community-oriented environment**
We have **daily, weekly, and monthly camping options**, with **membership benefits** available for those who want a deeper connection to the community.
### **Important Notice for Visitors & Campers**
Please **contact us before visiting** to help us maintain a **safe and private** environment for everyone. While members and campers are free to **come and go as they please**, we ask that you inform us about any guests for security reasons.
If you’re interested in **camping, homesteading, or just experiencing off-grid life**, reach out to learn more about what we offer at Ka-Hoon!
Plateau hame de Colquhoun aka Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #CampingLife, #Homesteading, #DesertCamping, #CommunityLiving, #SustainableLiving, #RVLife, #SelfSufficiency, #EcoFriendly, #VanLife, #SolarPower, #MusicCommunity, #AlternativeLiving, #NatureLovers, #KaHoonCampground
Tag: Eco-friendly
Behind the Scenes: Animatronics Rehearsal & Off-Grid Life with Advocatus Diaboli
Rehearsal, Repairs, and Holiday Cheer: Advocatus Diaboli Prepares for the Holidays
Yesterday’s rehearsal was productive, albeit a bit chilly at first. Our studio warmed up as the session went on, and we spent 3-4 hours refining our set. Rehearsal time varies depending on the complexity of the show—whether I’m using animatronics or relying on the “cheats” I designed as substitutes for them.
This time, we rehearsed in the warmer part of the studio. The animatronics area, housed in another container, is sealed but not insulated, and after our last shows, we hadn’t set it up again. With colder weather, staying warm took priority. However, we’re setting up the animatronics area today or tomorrow to run a full rehearsal in preparation for Saturday’s holiday show.
### Upcoming Show at Black Wall Arts and Production
This Saturday, December 21, we’ll perform at Black Wall Arts and Production in Albuquerque. The show features three 40-minute sets, including new songs and festive holiday-only pieces. Doors open at 6 p.m., and you can expect a night of bawdy, humorous holiday cheer.
### Tackling Off-Grid Challenges: Truck Repairs
After rehearsal, Brent planned to work on our pickup truck with a neighbor. The truck’s heater hasn’t been working, making late-night drives home from shows a frosty 30-degree ordeal. We purchased a small plug-in window defroster for temporary relief, but it barely works. The neighbor suspected the heater core might be clogged or broken, and they planned to investigate further.
Unfortunately, plans changed, and the neighbor canceled after we’d already left for haircuts. While Brent stayed behind, ready to tackle repairs, he ended up with some unexpected alone time—a rare treat in our busy lives.
### A Holiday Show You Don’t Want to Miss
Join us this Saturday for an unforgettable night of humor and holiday spirit. Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band are ready to bring some much-needed cheer with original songs and parodies that are sure to make you laugh. We hope to see you there!
### Event Details
– **Date:** Saturday, December 21
– **Location:** Black Wall Arts and Production, Albuquerque
– **Doors Open:** 6 p.m.
Support local art, embrace the humor of the season, and enjoy a night of unique entertainment!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#OffGridLiving, #HolidayShow, #Animatronics, #DesertLife, #LiveMusic, #SustainableLiving, #SimpleLiving, #TinyHouseLiving, #MusicRehearsal, #SelfSufficient, #BandLife, #EcoFriendlyLiving, #HolidayCheer, #RuralLife, #UniqueEntertainment
How We Live Off-Grid in the Desert: Water, Showers, and Staying Warm Explained in 30 Seconds!
**Living Off-Grid: Answering Common Questions About Water, Showers, and Life in the Desert**
One of the most common questions we receive is, *”How do you get water?”* The answer is simple: we haul it. Typically, we fill up four 5-gallon water jugs at Twice the Ice in town. In the winter, this lasts us about four days; in the summer, we refill every other day, depending on usage and the season.
During summer, water usage increases due to higher temperatures and more outdoor activities. While we’ve hauled up to 300 gallons at a time before, it’s tough on our 1984 F250 truck. With its 7.0L diesel engine, the truck can handle the weight, but the wear and tear on suspension over rugged roads make it impractical. The cost of repairs would outweigh the convenience, especially since most of that water would go toward showers.
### Why Not Install a Well?
Drilling a well is far beyond our budget. Wells in this area are incredibly expensive due to the depth required. One neighbor drilled 1,000 feet, faced multiple priming issues, and spent a small fortune on the project.
### What About Water Catchment?
In theory, water catchment sounds great. In practice, living in the desert makes it less feasible. Rainfall here is sparse and unreliable. One of our neighbors installed a catchment system on their Earthship but eventually uninstalled and sold it because it wasn’t worth the effort.
Many in the area use cisterns to store hauled water, which is something we’ve considered. We currently have the capacity to store up to 1,000 gallons using IBC totes, which is sufficient for our needs for now.
### How Do We Handle Dishes?
We wash dishes much like anyone else: heating water on the stove, using dish soap, and scrubbing in the sink. Some people in off-grid setups use baking soda for “dry washing,” but that doesn’t feel effective to us. We’ve also tried products like Dawn’s dry wash soap, but it was expensive and didn’t leave the dishes feeling clean. We prefer the tried-and-true method of hot water and soap.
### Why Don’t We Show More of Ourselves in Videos?
While these posts and videos share insights into our life, we try to keep certain aspects of our personal lives private. Our content focuses on the campground, the desert lifestyle, and our experiences. We’ve tried featuring ourselves more, but honestly, we lead a simple life. Like everyone else, we have ups and downs—fighting, laughing, getting sick, and loving. We find the beauty of nature around us to be far more captivating than our day-to-day routines.
### How Do We Shower?
We’ve shared a video about where we shower, which is usually every other day. While some people stretch it to once a week, we find that even every other day is pushing it. As soon as we figure out a better way to haul water, we plan to complete our off-grid shower setup.
### Staying Warm in the Desert Winter
Another frequent question is, *”How do you stay warm?”* We use a large Buddy Heater connected to a 20lb propane tank. For safety reasons, we don’t run it while we sleep. Instead, we use it in the evenings before bed and for a few hours in the morning to cut the chill. At night, we stay cozy under blankets, with the added warmth of our dogs. We’ve also installed smoke and CO2 detectors for safety.
### Have More Questions?
We hope this blog answers some of the most common questions about living off-grid in the desert. If you’re curious about something else, feel free to leave a comment or send us a message. We’re always happy to share more about our unique lifestyle.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #SustainableLiving, #SimpleLiving, #WaterConservation, #LivingOffGrid, #TinyHouseLiving, #NatureLovers, #SelfSufficient, #RuralLife, #EcoFriendlyLiving, #MinimalistLiving, #OffGridLifestyle, #SustainableChoices, #BackToBasics
Off-Grid Desert Living: The Unexpected Challenge of Midnight Trips to the Outdoor Toilet!
**Living Off-Grid in the New Mexico Desert: The Challenge of the Hut**
Life off-grid in the New Mexico desert comes with its unique set of challenges, and for me, one of the hardest has been *The Hut*—our outdoor composting toilet. While we use the indoor toilet for liquids now, that wasn’t always the case. The main issue? Navigating late-night trips to the Hut with a pack of eager dogs in tow.
**The Struggle of Midnight Bathroom Breaks**
Picture this: It’s a chilly desert night, and the inside of our tiny home is 10-20 degrees warmer than the freezing temperatures outside. I wake up, needing to use the bathroom, and as soon as I even glance toward the door, the dogs are ready to spring into action.
Now, I love my dogs, but their enthusiasm complicates things. By the time I’ve grabbed a jacket and shoes, they’re by the door, tails wagging, ready for an outdoor adventure. I, on the other hand, just want to quickly take care of business and crawl back into my warm bed.
**Dogs on Their Own Schedule**
Using the Hut isn’t a quick in-and-out experience, thanks to my four-legged companions. They won’t do their business while I’m in the Hut because they insist on guarding me from potential “dangers.” Once I’m done, the real waiting game begins as they sniff around, searching for the *perfect* spot to do their own business.
On a cold, sleepless night, this routine feels endless. Multiply this by five bathroom trips in one night, and you can see why it became exhausting.
**The Solution: A Shift Indoors**
Eventually, we decided to adapt. By using the indoor toilet for liquids, I can now make quick trips without alerting the dogs. As long as I don’t venture past the bathroom, they stay snuggled up in bed, and I can get back to my warm blankets much faster.
**The Takeaway**
Off-grid living is all about finding creative solutions to unique problems. While *The Hut* is a sustainable and practical choice, adapting to the realities of late-night desert life has been key to making it work. For now, the indoor bathroom is a small luxury that helps us balance convenience and comfort in our off-grid lifestyle.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #SustainableLiving, #NewMexicoDesert, #TinyHomeLife, #CompostingToilet, #DesertChallenges, #EcoFriendlyLiving, #OffGridSolutions, #LivingWithDogs, #ColdNights, #OffGridAdaptation, #DesertLife, #SelfSufficientLiving, #RuralLiving, #GreenLiving
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
Surviving a Winter Storm Off-Grid in the New Mexico Desert | Energy Conservation & Staying Warm
Life Off-Grid in the New Mexico Desert: Winter Storm Watch and Energy Conservation
When people picture New Mexico, they often think of warm days and sunny skies. But here in the desert, winter can bring a real chill, and this week is no exception. We’re currently under a winter storm watch, and three days of cloudy skies have made energy conservation a top priority. Living off-grid, we rely on solar power, which means every bit of energy counts.
### Solar Conservation During Cloudy Days
On cloudy days like these, we make careful adjustments to reduce our energy use and extend our stored solar power. Here’s what that looks like:
1. **No Rehearsals or High Energy Activities**: Normally, our animatronics and music studio take a lot of power, but they’re off-limits on low-sun days. That means no rehearsals or other activities that use a lot of electricity.
2. **Minimizing Device Charging**: We limit charging to essentials only. Staying connected is important, but unnecessary devices stay unplugged until the sun comes out.
3. **Reducing Light Use**: Evenings feel cozier with fewer lights, and the RV’s own batteries provide backup. However, we conserve those too, as the RV’s charging system can drain the main solar battery if we’re not careful.
4. **No Microwave Use**: Our RV came with a microwave, but we found it to be more useful as bread storage than as an appliance! This high-energy device stays off for good.
### Staying Warm Without Power
To avoid using up our propane too quickly, we bundle up in layers instead of running the heater. The propane heater is our last resort, so until it’s absolutely necessary, sweaters, blankets, and hot beverages do the trick.
Life off-grid comes with unique challenges, especially when the weather takes a turn. But with a few adjustments, we can weather the storm and enjoy the desert winter from the comfort of our cozy RV.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#LifeOffGrid #WinterInTheDesert #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #KaHoonCampground #DesertLiving #SolarPower #EnergyConservation #RVLife #OffGridLife #WinterStormWatch #MinimalistLiving #EcoFriendly #PropaneHeating #SustainableLiving #NewMexicoDesert
8 Years of Impact: Our Journey at the Environmental Education Center
It’s hard to believe that eight years ago today, we were helping out at the environmental education center, building a fence and mowing the area for a memorial garden. I miss seeing everyone who used to come out for those work weekends. Sitting around the fire, playing drums once the work was finished, created some of the best memories.
Reflecting on those times makes me feel a bit homesick, missing the camaraderie, the place, and our cozy cabin. The sense of community and purpose we shared was truly special, and it’s something I hold dear even as time goes by.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun #KaHoonCampground #KaHoonEventCenter #EnvironmentalEducation #MemorialGarden #WorkWeekends #CommunitySpirit #FireDrumCircle #NatureLovers #OutdoorActivities #Nostalgia #CabinLife #VolunteerWork #GreenSpaces #EcoFriendlyLiving
Water Supply Challenges and Community Solutions at KaHoon Campground
### Water Supply Challenges and Solutions
We often get asked about how we manage our water supply. Here are some insights into our current options and challenges:
#### Bulk Water Hauling
We can haul bulk water using a 275-gallon IBC tote, which is the most cost-effective solution. We plan to rely on bulk water once we start building the shower facilities.
However, there are significant issues with hauling bulk water. The weight of the water combined with our rugged roads makes it tough on vehicles and trailers. The repair costs for our vehicles can outweigh the savings from hauling water ourselves. This challenge is one reason why we’ve paused our shower construction.
#### Community Solutions
We’re hoping that by banding together with the six households in our area, we can find a more sustainable solution. Ideally, we’d hire a delivery service that can cater to all of us. Unfortunately, our initial plan fell through when the suspension on our potential delivery person’s truck broke down.
#### Well Installation
The cost of drilling and maintaining a well isn’t feasible for us at this time. It’s a long-term goal, but for now, we need a more immediate solution.
#### Interim Measures
Until we figure out a reliable delivery method, either through a service or by organizing ourselves, we are using 5-gallon jugs filled at Twice the Ice. It’s not the most convenient method, but it gets us by.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate these challenges. We’re committed to finding a better solution soon.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#WaterSupplyChallenge #KaHoonCampground #CommunitySolutions #BulkWaterHauling #SustainableLiving #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter #WaterSolutions #RuralLiving #OffGridLife #SustainableCommunity #WaterManagement #EcoFriendlyLiving #SelfSufficient #TinyHouseCommunity
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 