**Life on Our Island in the Sky – The Mesa Overlooking the Rio Grande Valley**
If you’ve followed our blog, watched our videos, or joined our livestreams, you’ve likely heard us describe our home as an *“island in the sky.”* What we mean by that is the mesa where we live—an elevated desert landscape with sweeping views and a beauty all its own.
Over the past months, we’ve taken you along the edge of this mesa during livestreams, and shared photos and clips that capture just a glimpse of the experience. But seeing it in person is something truly unforgettable. The edge drops off dramatically, opening to the breathtaking Rio Grande Valley below. It’s a reminder of the raw, natural power of the desert and why we chose this lifestyle in the first place.
Living off-grid on a mesa comes with its challenges—wind, isolation, and rugged terrain—but it also offers freedom, peace, and connection to nature that can’t be matched. Every sunrise and sunset feels like a gift when it stretches across the valley floor, painting the sky in colors that pictures never fully capture.
For us, sharing this journey isn’t just about showing the views—it’s about inviting you into the off-grid lifestyle, the lessons we’ve learned, and the beauty that makes it worthwhile. Whether you’re interested in off-grid living yourself or simply curious about life on the mesa, we hope our stories inspire you.
Stay tuned for more videos, livestreams, and photos as we continue exploring and sharing our island in the sky.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving #scenery #plateauhamedecolquhoun #riogrande #desertlifestyle
Tag: mesa life
Discover the challenges of off-grid living on the mesa, from water issues to extreme weather conditions.

**The Reality of Off-Grid Living: What You Need to Know Before Moving to the Mesa**
In recent years, we’ve seen many people move out here with dreams of living off-grid. The land is cheap, and the idea of self-sustained living is appealing. Many come with plans to farm, plant trees, and cultivate gardens. While not impossible, the reality is far more challenging than most expect—it requires a significant amount of money and resources.
We, too, had hopes of planting gardens and creating a more sustainable environment with trees and flowers. However, we quickly realized that water is the biggest challenge. On this end of the mesa, we simply don’t get enough rain to rely on rainwater harvesting. The soil is incredibly arid, and the intense sun scorches everything in its path. Then, there are the relentless winds. You’ll quickly get accustomed to the taste of sand and how it invades every crack, crevice, and structure you build.
Drilling a well is prohibitively expensive, and while hauling water is a cheaper option, it takes a heavy toll on your vehicle and trailer. Unfortunately, there are currently no local water delivery services, though that may change in the near future.
Living off-grid here also means preparing for extreme weather conditions. Winters can drop to the teens or even single digits at night, while summers bring triple-digit heat. A solid, well-built structure is essential—tents simply won’t hold up to the harsh environment.
Off-grid living on the mesa can be rewarding, but it’s not for the faint of heart. You must be prepared for the extremes and fully understand the challenges that come with this lifestyle.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving #SelfSustainedLife #LivingOnTheMesa #HarshClimate #WaterChallenges #SustainableLiving #MesaLife #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #KaHoonCampground #OffGridCommunity #DesertFarming #ExtremeWeather #Sandstorms #HaulingWater #RuggedLifestyle
