**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: New Mexico Desert
Unforgettable Desert Night! Rangoli Art & Dance Under the Stars at Ka-Hoon Campground!
Experience the Magic of the New Mexico Desert at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center**
Looking for a unique camping adventure in the New Mexico desert? Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center offers more than just a place to pitch your tent — it’s an experience unlike any other. Nestled deep in the scenic West Mesa, our campground blends the peaceful beauty of the desert with creative, one-of-a-kind events you won’t find anywhere else.
**Upcoming Event – Rangoli Under the Stars**
Join us on **November 1st** for our *Rangoli* celebration — an evening of color, creativity, and community. This vibrant tradition is more than art; it’s a symbolic creation of intentions, goals, and positive changes. We’ll gather around a roaring bonfire, create beautiful designs, and dance under the desert sky.
🎟 **Suggested Donation:** \$3.00 per person
🏕 **Free for Campers:** Anyone camping with us gets in free! Camping is just \$12 per night.
🌟 **Members Attend Free:** All members are invited to join the Rangoli celebration at no cost.
📅 **How to Book:** Reserve your spot using one of the platforms listed on our website.
**Livestream Experience – Be Part of the Show**
When we host live music, talent shows, or studio sessions, our livestreams are played over the campground PA system. This means everyone staying here can sit outside under the stars or hang out by their campsite and enjoy the show in real time. On special invite-only nights, you can even sit inside the studio and be part of the live audience while music magic happens.
**Why Ka-Hoon is Different**
We believe camping should be more than a tent and a campfire. Our events bring the desert to life with music, laughter, and connection. From themed nights and karaoke to seasonal festivals, every visit feels like a getaway with a purpose.
**Limited Memberships Available**
We have a few memberships open that include perks like free camping nights, event discounts, and access to members-only gatherings.
📍 **Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center** – Where the desert meets creativity. Whether you’re here for a night or a season, you’ll leave with memories you can’t find anywhere else.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#ExploreOutdoors, #CampingVibes, #LiveMusicLovers, #DesertVibes, #FestivalSeason
Living Off-Grid Without Water?! Shocking Truth About Public Showers & Off-Grid Struggles!
Living off-grid isn’t easy — especially when essential equipment like your truck breaks down. For us, hauling water is critical, and when the truck is out of commission, it means no water at home. Recently, that meant relying on Planet Fitness in Los Lunas for showers. At first, showering at the gym seemed like a convenient solution. But there’s a catch: to get a hot shower, the water system requires another shower to be running or at least someone to wash their hands in the bathroom. These systems often share the same hot water source, so one running helps maintain the temperature.
However, this creates an awkward dilemma. It’s common to see extra showers running even if only one person is actually showering. Personally, I’m uncomfortable turning on another shower while I’m using mine — I worry someone might want to use it and assume it’s occupied. Here’s the thing — when the bathroom is busy, you expect people to wash their hands after using the toilet. I always do. But one Thursday, while I was the only person showering, I kept hearing toilets flushing but no handwashing. It wasn’t until I was nearly done with my chilly shower that someone finally washed their hands, and only then did I get some hot water.
This experience was surprising — and honestly, a bit unsettling — because it made me realize just how many people skip washing their hands even in public spaces where hygiene is critical. Living off-grid means adapting to challenges, big and small. From truck repairs impacting water hauling to navigating the quirks of public showers, it’s all part of the journey. If you’re considering off-grid life or are already living it, these moments remind us that patience, creativity, and a bit of humor go a long way.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #DesertLiving #WaterChallenges #ShowerStruggles #KaHoonCampground
Truck Brakes FAIL After Repair?! Could Be Costly Caliper! But We Got Water Delivered Anyway!
🚚 Truck Update: Brakes, Water Runs, and Salvage Yard Hopes
We finally got the parts in to repair the truck’s brakes. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get any photos of the parts or the guys doing the work. After the repairs, they took it for a test drive into town, and everything seemed fine… at first.
Feeling confident, they decided to take it on a **water run** — that’s when the trouble started. The brakes began acting up again, sometimes locking up, sometimes not working at all. Not exactly the kind of surprise you want when you’re hauling water through rough desert roads.
Today, they’re planning to take another look. The biggest concern? The **caliper** might be bad. From what I’ve been told, that’s a pricey repair. More than likely, we’ll be searching local **salvage yards** for the part instead of buying new.
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### The Silver Lining
On the bright side, they *were* able to haul out **one load of water** before the brakes started misbehaving again. We never run full loads — usually around **100–120 gallons at a time** — to protect the trailer on these bumpy roads. It usually takes two loads to fill up the IBC tote completely.
Since they managed to get that first load home, it means one very important thing… **the shower is functional again!**
Life off-grid is full of challenges, but every small win — even something as simple as a working shower — feels like a big victory out here.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #DesertLiving #TruckRepair #WaterHaul #KeepItMoving
Brakes Failed While Hauling Water — What We Discovered Was Shocking!
🚚 When Repairs Aren’t What They Seem: Life With an Old Workhorse on the Desert Roads**
Living off-grid means you rely on your gear more than most people ever will — and when that gear fails, it’s not just inconvenient… it’s survival. About a month ago, while hauling water in our 1984 Ford F-250 diesel, we lost the brakes. Thankfully, it happened out here on the desert roads and not in traffic. We originally believed it was the master cylinder — especially since we were told that was never replaced when we previously had the brake system worked on.
But today, with the help of a neighbor who’s a mechanic, we discovered it was actually the **brake booster** that had failed. Turns out, the master cylinder *had* been replaced a few years ago when we paid a shop to redo the brakes, calipers, rotors, and wheel bearings. They charged us \$2,500 — then wanted another \$500–\$600 to replace the booster. That part was skipped, and we drove it as-is until the system failed entirely.
We ordered a new brake booster from O’Reilly’s (after learning there are two types depending on weight — our truck needs the over 8,000 lb version). Once we got it installed, we thought we were in the clear.
But of course, the plot thickened.
After installing the new booster, we discovered brake fluid leaking from the front passenger side. Upon further inspection, we found **the brake hardware kit had been improperly installed** years ago, which caused the part to fail and the fluid to leak. So now, we’re waiting (again) on parts — this time from AutoZone — to repair something that should have been done right the first time.
And while we’d planned this week to finally address the **mystery leak** from our transmission (which doesn’t leak at home over a tarp, only in random parking lots), we’re instead fixing problems we thought had already been taken care of in good faith.
We’re not made of money. If we were, we might still drive this old 6.9L diesel beast, but we’d have had it completely rewired, flushed, and rebuilt by someone we trust. Because let’s be real — this truck *wants* to work. It may not be pretty, but it runs strong and drives like an old Ford should. If you’ve driven one, you know exactly what we mean.
Sometimes, you wish you could grow a money tree and make everything the way you want it. But that’s not the reality — especially out here, living simply and off-grid. So we keep turning wrenches, learning lessons, and hoping the next part shows up on time.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #TruckRepairs #DesertLiving #DieselTruckLife #F250Woes
We Finally Took Our FIRST Off-Grid Shower! (But It Didn’t Go Exactly As Planned 😅)
Yesterday was a big day—we got to take our **first shower in our new off-grid shower setup**! After all the planning, ordering, adjusting, and waiting on parts, it felt amazing to finally rinse off right here at home.
Of course, no DIY project is ever *truly* finished on the first go. We’ve still got a few tweaks to make:
* The **drain piece we picked up was a bit too small**, so we’ll need to replace it with a better-fitting one.
* Right now, we’re **placing the water pump inside the shower when not in use**, but that’s not a long-term solution. We need to build or repurpose a small box or container to house it safely and neatly.
* Our **on-demand water heater runs on D batteries**, and the rechargeable ones we bought aren’t doing the trick. I’m going to give them one more good charge and see if that helps—if not, we’ll pick up some regular D batteries to test it out.
* We also need to **install a hanger for the showerhead** to avoid the awkward balancing act we’ve been doing.
* And last but not least—we’re on the hunt for **pallets and posts to build an outdoor privacy wall** around the shower.
Until the privacy wall goes up, showering means dressing and undressing under the wide open desert sky. It’s totally fine when it’s just us out here, but less ideal when we have visitors or campers on-site.
Still, all of that aside—**being able to shower at home again feels like a luxury.** It’s a simple thing we used to take for granted, and now it’s a real treat to step into our own outdoor setup, clean off the desert dust, and not have to plan a trip to town for something so basic.
We’ll keep updating as we fine-tune the setup and build the privacy wall. Off-grid life may not always be convenient, but it’s always rewarding—especially when you finally get to feel clean at home.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #DIYShowerBuild, #DesertLife, #TinyHomeProjects, #OutdoorShower, #HomesteadLife, #ShowerProgress, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #WaterStorageSolutions, #PrivacyWallBuild, #OnDemandWaterHeater, #IBCSetup, #DesertHomestead, #OffGridCouple**
Flat Tire, Monsoon & Stroke Recovery – One Unexpected Day That Tested Everything!
### 🌧️ **When It Rains, It Pours—Literally (But We Keep Rolling)**
Yesterday was one of those classic desert days where everything goes a little sideways—and then the sky opens up just to top it off.
We were on our way to Brent’s physical therapy when something punctured the sidewall of our tire. With limited use of his left side since his strokes earlier this year, Brent couldn’t jump in to change it like he used to. That was hard for him—he’s always been the kind of guy who takes care of things. But he still guided me through every step, making sure everything was tightened and done right. It was teamwork in a different way, and I couldn’t have done it without him.
A few kind folks stopped to check on us, but after seeing Brent, they quietly left. I know it stung, even if they meant no harm. Recovery comes with a lot of physical challenges—but emotional ones, too. We’re learning and adjusting every day.
Once we got the donut on, we made it to PT and then headed to Discount Tire. Just as we pulled in, the skies opened up in a full-blown monsoon. We had to wait out the rain in the car before we could go inside—and yes, we got video proof of that desert downpour moment.
Thankfully, the tire was covered under warranty, and we left with a brand-new one and a little bit of peace of mind. Even when things don’t go as planned, we’re grateful for small wins and moments of progress.
Life off-grid in the New Mexico desert isn’t always easy. Between road adventures, recovery, and stormy surprises, we’ve learned to lean into the chaos and find strength in the calm between.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#strokeawareness, #caregiverlife, #offgridliving, #desertlife, #tinyhomelife, #flatireadventure, #ptjourney, #recoveryroad, #strokecommunity, #monsoonseason, #healingtogether, #strongertogether, #discounttire, #desertstorms, #lifeunexpected
You Won’t Believe What Happened at Ka-Hoon Campground This Morning… Desert Drama with Two Bulls!
**You Won’t Believe What Happened at Ka-Hoon Campground This Morning… Desert Drama with Two Bulls!**
Living off-grid in the New Mexico desert definitely has its perks—peace, open skies, and plenty of space—but it also comes with its share of *wild* surprises. One of those surprises? **Free-range cattle.** Yep, real-life, unsupervised cows just roaming the land like they own the place.
Here at **Ka-Hoon Campground**, we’ve come to a sort of “understanding” with these four-legged locals: they stay out of our main event and camping area, and we let them graze in peace. Unfortunately, **this morning, that agreement was broken. Again.**
While heading out to encourage them back where they belong, **two bulls decided it was the perfect time for a desert showdown.** With no phone on me (of course!), I had to move cautiously between two full-grown bulls *going head-to-head*—right where our guests usually enjoy their morning coffee.
After a tense few moments, they moved out of our main zone and continued their standoff across the way… for over an hour! Once I made it back to the RV, I captured some of their ongoing match from a safe distance.
**It’s not every day you witness a bull brawl in your backyard,** but out here in the wild west of New Mexico, it’s just another morning.
Want to experience the beauty (and wild drama) of the desert for yourself? **Come camp with us at Ka-Hoon Campground**—where nature doesn’t just surround you, it *includes* you.
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**Follow us for more real-life desert adventures:**
TikTok: @ColquhounEntertainment)
Facebook: Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center
Website: http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
Music by: Rage Against Machine
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#BullFight, #KaHoonCampground, #DesertLife, #NewMexicoWildlife, #FreeRangeCattle, #CampgroundDrama, #RuralLiving, #BullsInTheDesert, #MorningMayhem, #CaughtOnCamera, #RVLife, #WildWest, #BullBrawl, #CampgroundLife, #UnexpectedVisitors
Fighting Wind & Weak WiFi: Off-Grid Musicians Battle the Desert to Go Live with Original Music!
**Dust, Wind & Desert Vibes: Why Our Live Music Schedule is a Bit Wild**
If you’ve followed us for any amount of time, you probably know we regularly host **live music sessions on TikTok**—featuring **Advocatus Diaboli**, **Shamshini**, and our moderator **Melodious**. But this year… the **wind** just won’t quit.
Living off-grid in the New Mexico desert means we’re at the mercy of Mother Nature and solar power. While we *can* use generators, we prefer to avoid burning gas unless absolutely necessary. That means no sun = limited power. And on top of that, the **wind** has made things especially tricky this season.
You might be wondering—**why does the wind matter for live music?** Here’s the thing: our wireless internet comes from a local provider and runs through a central hub on the property. From there, it’s repeated out to different zones. Our **music studio is made of metal**, and the repeater inside doesn’t work well with the doors closed. But when the wind kicks up, we **have to shut everything tight**—because desert sand doesn’t just blow by, it *invades*. Seriously, ever tasted sand? If not, visit during high winds and you’ll know exactly what we mean.
So when the doors are shut tight and the internet signal drops, we can’t stream. No signal = **no TikTok live**.
But we’re still here, still playing, and still connecting when we can. Make sure to **follow us on TikTok (@PlateauHameDeColquhoun and
@Advocatus.Diaboli0)** so you get notified whenever we go live. Whether you want to **listen to Shamshini and Advocatus Diaboli**, chat with us, request a song, or even join the live to share your own music or stories—we welcome you.
No pressure. No gifts required. Just come hang out and enjoy the music and weird desert energy.
And if you’re wondering what kind of music we play—**Advocatus Diaboli doesn’t stick to radio hits**. Expect parodies, originals, deep cuts, and songs that tell a story.
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**Follow us on TikTok:**
* @PlateauHameDeColquhoun
* @Advocatus.Diaboli0
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#OffGridLife, #DesertMusic, #TikTokLive, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #KaHoonCampground, #Shamshini, #SolarPowered, #WindLife, #NewMexicoMusic, #LiveFromTheDesert, #IndieMusician, #SupportLocalMusic, #MusicianLife, #MusicCommunity, #ColquhounEntertainment
Live Music & Madness in the Desert – Advocatus Diaboli & Shamshini Burn It Down at Ka-Hoon Campground!
Live From the Desert: Music, Madness & Connection at Ka-Hoon Campground
Here at **Ka-Hoon Campground**, we’re not just off-grid—we’re off the charts. Streaming LIVE from the high desert of New Mexico, **Colquhoun Entertainment** brings you two weekly TikTok shows that blend music, community, and unexpected magic.
Follow us on TikTok:
**ColquhounEntertainment** and **AdvocatusDiaboli**
**“Voices of the Void”** – On a weekday night (usually announced same-day), Advocatus Diaboli takes you on a musical ride through classic rock, lesser-known gems, and deep lyrics that sometimes wander into existential territory. From vocals to raw emotion, it’s more than a show—it’s a moment.
**“Saturday’s Inferno”** – Saturday nights light up with both **Advocatus Diaboli and Shamshini** sharing the spotlight. Think covers, original songs, and parody performances with a gritty desert twist. Our amazing moderator, **Melious**, keeps the community flowing and the chat alive. Whether you’re there to discover new music or get your favorite song sung in a whole new way—this is the place.
It’s all **broadcast live** from right here at **Ka-Hoon Campground**, where the winds are wild, the Wi-Fi is stubborn, and the creativity never stops. Weather and internet might slow us down some days, but they’ll never stop the show.
We’ve made a home in the chaos—and you’re invited.
**Don’t miss a beat. Follow, tune in, and become part of the Ka-Hoon family.**
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#LiveMusic #ClassicRock #TikTokLiveShow #KaHoonCampground #AdvocatusDiaboli #Shamshini #ColquhounEntertainment #DesertLife #OffGridMusic #VoicesOfTheVoid #SaturdaysInferno #MusicCommunity #ParodySongs #UndergroundMusic #MeliousLive
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 