**Dealing with Injury Off-Grid: A Tough Start to the Day**
Today looks like it might finally be a nice day, but our focus is on getting Brent to the doctor. We suspect he injured his rotator cuff when the wind caught the studio door while he was trying to close it. At first, he was dealing with the pain, but this week things took a turn for the worse—he lost feeling and grip in his fingers and hand, and now his arm is swollen.
We’ve tried everything: ice, heat, massages, Icy Hot, anti-inflammatories, and exercises we found online—nothing is helping. Brent isn’t one to rush to the doctor, but at this point, it’s become clear that a visit is necessary.
Living off-grid, we’re used to handling things ourselves, but sometimes, you have to know when it’s time to get professional help. Hopefully, we can get some answers and relief for him today.
Stay tuned for updates as we navigate another unexpected challenge in off-grid life.
**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.
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!
In the journey of life, being true to who you are often means standing apart from the crowd. For us, that has come with both challenges and revelations. Our open-mindedness, our willingness to embrace what others might find unconventional, has been met with judgment, false accusations, and sadly, the loss of friendships we once cherished.
We’ve faced harsh words and baseless claims, accusations of things we never did. The pain of being taken to court over our way of life—only for the case to be dropped when the truth came to light—was profound. Yet, the scars from that experience run deep, not just because of the legal battle, but because of the damage done to our reputation and the relationships that crumbled under the weight of lies.
It was heart-wrenching to see people who once stood beside us, selling their goods at our events and sharing our space, turn away. These were people we thought supported us, who we considered friends. But when faced with rumors and accusations, they chose to believe the worst rather than stand by us. It’s a harsh reminder of how quickly things can change when people judge what they don’t understand.
Yet, amid the pain, we’ve also found something beautiful. Through this ordeal, we discovered friends who became more like family. These are the people who saw the truth, who stood by us when others turned their backs. Their support has been a beacon of hope in a time that felt overwhelmingly dark.
Just a few months ago, we encountered someone who, despite their friendly demeanor, was clearly fishing for dirt. Their comments and questions—like suggesting we sell alcohol or 420 during events—were meant to trap us. But instead of reacting with anger or suspicion, we welcomed them. We invited them to sit with us and a visiting neighbor, treating them with kindness and openness, even though we knew their intentions were far from pure. We’ve never done anything close to what they implied, and the most we’ve ever done was offer someone a ride to town so they could make their own purchases.
We are who we are—open-minded, a bit outside the norm, and unafraid to embrace what we love, even if it might seem unconventional to others. In college, I was often criticized for thinking outside the box, for refusing to conform to what others expected. But I’ve found that being true to myself is more important than fitting into someone else’s idea of what is normal.
You don’t have to fit inside the box society has made for you. You need to do what is best for you, even if it means facing judgment or criticism. The key is to be as truthful as possible. We all have secrets, and we all have skeletons in our closets. What matters is how you handle them. For us, it meant facing unfounded accusations and the judgment of others, but ultimately standing tall in our truth.
Respecting others and letting them be who they are is crucial. But it’s equally important to protect yourself. You can be respectful and kind while still keeping those who might harm you at a distance.
Our story is one of resilience, of holding onto our truth in the face of adversity, and of finding strength in the support of those who truly care. We’ve learned that while some may judge us for being different, there are others who will see us for who we truly are and stand by our side.
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 