If there is one absolute rule of living off-grid down 11 miles of dirt roads on the New Mexico West Mesa, it is this: if it isn’t bolted, weighted, or tied directly to the ground, the wind owns it now. While waiting for a storm to roll in over Ladrone Peak from the safety of our new Fleetwood Bounder, Chief, we ended up catching a hilarious and wild display of the mesa’s sheer power right on camera.
When Rogue Tote Lids Become Flying Saucers
What started as tracking a stray, bright red tote lid rolling past our off-grid structures quickly turned into an aerodynamic live show. The high-desert gusts caught the plastic perfectly, completely launching it airborne right behind the truck. It is a quick, raw glimpse into the unglamorous and unpredictable reality of high-desert survival at Ka-Hoon Campground.
Moments like this highlight why off-grid living requires constant vigilance—and a sense of humor. The wind can whip up instantly out here, turning everyday utility gear into a flying saucer in the blink of an eye.
Set to the Rhythms of “Oh Misery”
To match the chaotic, flying energy of the gusting wind, the clip is perfectly timed to the heavy vocal buildup and massive beat drop of “Oh Misery,” an original independent track by Brent Calhoun, aka Advocatus Diaboli. The song’s driving energy hits right as the object takes flight, proving that even a rogue piece of plastic can have an epic soundtrack out on the mesa.
- Visit the Off-Grid Sanctuary: Experience the raw beauty and clearing winds of the high desert by booking a primitive campsite or checking out our gear at Plateau Hame de Colquhoun.
- Explore Independent Outlaw Rock: Stream “Oh Misery” and grab original music releases directly from the source at Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band.
What Has the Wind Stolen From You?
Out here, securing your gear is a daily chore, but nature always finds a way to surprise us. Did you spot the exact frame where the lid went completely airborne? Leave a comment below and share the craziest thing a heavy wind gust has ever stolen from your yard or campsite!
