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Living Off-Grid in the Desert – Embracing Nature and Community


Life in the desert, off-grid, is a unique and often challenging experience. It’s not for everyone, but for those who choose it, the rewards can be immeasurable. Out here, you encounter all kinds of people—some who embrace the lifestyle, some who want solitude, others who have no other option, and even a few who seem to be running from something.



Why We Chose Desert Life

For us, living off-grid wasn’t a last resort—it was a conscious choice. Sure, the affordable land was a big draw, but more than that, we believe in living closer to nature and respecting the earth. We’re not necessarily what you’d call tree huggers, but we do appreciate the balance and beauty of the natural world.

We’re also not vegans or vegetarians—I’ll take a good slab of meat any day—but we respect those who choose those lifestyles for their own reasons. Everyone has the right to live according to their beliefs, and we don’t judge. Out here, you quickly learn that acceptance and mutual respect go a long way.



Meeting People Off-Grid

One of the most interesting parts of desert living is the variety of people you meet. Some are out here because they love the solitude, others enjoy building a small community, and some are simply trying to survive. Then there are those who find themselves completely out of their element, struggling to adapt.

Not everyone is easy to welcome, though. Some prefer to keep to themselves, and that’s fine. Others thrive on connection and community, enjoying shared meals, campfires, and conversations under the stars. And, of course, there are a few you wish you’d never crossed paths with—just like anywhere else.



Finding Balance in Desert Living

Living off-grid means learning how to balance independence with connection. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Out here, the lines between friend and stranger can blur, and you have to trust your instincts while keeping an open mind.

The desert may be desolate, but it has a way of revealing truths—about others and about yourself. It forces you to appreciate the simple things, respect the elements, and find joy in small victories, whether it’s starting a fire, fixing a water pump, or sharing a laugh with a neighbor.



Final Thoughts

For us, desert living isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving in an environment that challenges you and rewards you in equal measure. It’s about respect for nature, building community, and embracing the unexpected.

So, whether you’re visiting, curious about off-grid life, or considering making the move yourself, remember that the desert has a lot to teach—about resilience, respect, and the beauty of living simply.

Follow our journey and explore more about desert living:

Website: http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com

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Living Off-Grid: Solar Challenges, Desert Life, and Prepping for HORRORDAZE with Advocatus Diaboli!

**Life Off-Grid: Balancing Busy Days, Solar Projects, and Event Prep**

Living off-grid in the New Mexico desert means constant adjustments, planning, and a bit of trial and error, especially when juggling daily responsibilities with larger projects.

### Busy Days on the Road 
May days include a 90-minute trip to take Anne to work, navigating the desert terrain. Depending on whether we take the car or the pickup, the trip takes longer as we manage the dirt roads: the car averages 20-25 mph, while the pickup handles it slightly better at 30-35 mph. These drives are a reminder of how even the simplest routines are more time-consuming when living off-grid.

### Preparing for HORRORDAZE 
Amid our daily tasks, we’re also getting Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band   ready for their upcoming performance at the ** HORRORDAZE Extravaganza** on December 21 at Black Wall Arts & Productions  . Rehearsals, equipment prep, and fine-tuning animatronics are all part of the process to ensure a memorable show.

### Tackling Solar System Challenges 
One of our biggest ongoing projects is setting up a new solar system. Yesterday, Brent and I spent hours cleaning and reorganizing the Greenroom to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner with neighbors, but this effort also served as a reminder of the solar build we’ve been putting off.

We’ve debated several locations for the new system, each with its pros and cons: 

– **Battery House Option:** Keeping the batteries in their current house avoids moving them (each over 100 lbs!) but makes it tricky to find a sunny spot for the panels without shading. 
– **Anne’s Battery Setup Location:** This option means reorganizing the trailer and moving the heavy batteries again, a task we’ve already done more than once. 
– **Behind the RV:** Placing the system behind the RV sacrifices some of our stunning views, which feels like a significant tradeoff. 
– **Existing Panel Stand:** Adding the panels to the current stand may overload the structure and prevent us from adjusting them for optimal sunlight. 

Another idea we’ve considered is creating a mobile solar system. Folding panels into a trailer would allow us to transport them as needed, but we’re cautious about adding unnecessary weight to our RV.

### The Balancing Act 
Decisions like these take time, especially when weather, schedules, and other priorities like running Anne to work keep interfering. The key is committing to a solution and sticking with it, but with so many factors to consider, the decision hasn’t been easy.

For now, we’re focusing on small wins—like getting the Greenroom ready for Thanksgiving—and tackling one challenge at a time. Living off-grid may not always be simple, but the rewards of self-sufficiency and freedom make it all worthwhile. 



If you’re interested in off-grid living, solar power solutions, or unique challenges in the desert, stay tuned for more updates on our journey!

http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com

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