Vault Video: Dust Devil Destroys Our Shed + Join Us for the Rangoli Intention Night Nov 1
Out here in the New Mexico desert, life off-grid always brings surprises â including powerful dust devils! In this vault video, watch as one wild gust picks up and completely rips apart our Rubbermaid shed. Living off-grid means learning to adapt to whatever Mother Nature throws at you, and this was a reminder of her power.
But out here at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center, we donât just rebuild â we grow. Join us **Saturday, November 1st**, for a night of release and renewal during our **Rangoli Intention Celebration**. Together, weâll let go of the past and set intentions for the future by drawing them directly into the desert sand â no chalk, just earth and energy â then dancing to release what no longer serves us and welcome whatâs to come.
Come in person or tune in live through our **Colquhoun Entertainment TikTok** profile. Camping spots are available through our website at
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving #campgroundlife #ColquhounEntertainment #rvlife #eventvenue
Tag: off-grid challenges
Caught on Camera! Our First Off-Grid Intruder at Ka-Hoon Campground đą
Caught on Camera: Our First Months Off-Grid and an Unexpected Visitor!
When we first moved to the desert, every day was a new challenge â and a lesson in staying prepared. During our early months at **Plateau Hame de Colquhoun (Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center)**, we installed a security camera before heading into town, knowing that trips werenât quick and our belongings were left vulnerable.
Not long after, that camera paid off. We caught a visitor on video trying to walk off with something that didnât belong to them! Thankfully, we had chained the axles of our trailer, and it was empty at the time â that same trailer later became what we now call **The Hut**, our compost toilet.
It was one of those off-grid moments that reminds you why preparation matters. Every experience â even the tough ones â helped shape who we are today.
Now, as we celebrate **five years off-grid**, we invite you to join us for our **5th Anniversary Open Mic Night** on **Saturday, October 18th**. Come in person, stay for a night or a weekend, or tune in live from home on our **Colquhoun Entertainment TikTok** profile.
Life off-grid isnât always easy â but every story, every lesson, and every bit of resilience makes it worth it.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving #DesertLife #KaHoonCampground #TinyLiving #OpenMicNight
Desert Flood Chaos! Music in the Desert Canceled đ§đž Off-Grid Life at Ka-Hoon Campground
When the Desert Floods: Life Off-Grid at Ka-Hoon Campground
Yesterday was a true reminder of desert life at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center. We spent most of the day in town running errands and attending appointments, racing the clock to get back in time for our **Music in the Desert livestream with Advocatus Diaboli**.
While it was only sprinkling in town, back home it was pouring. According to the **University of New Mexico Weather Tower located on our land**, we received 1.03 inches of rainâenough to flood and wash out the roads. Out here, anything over â
of an inch makes the dirt roads a challenge, and over an inch changes everything. We had to drive slowly, create new routes around deep washouts, and carefully navigate back to camp.
When we finally arrived home, we discovered our dog yard was completely flooded. Groceries, water, and supplies had to be carried through knee-deep water. The dogs had their own reactionsâDreugan and Lurch thought it was fun, Vibria dashed across as fast as she could, while Persephone decided sheâd rather stand on a cement block than get wet until we coaxed her through.
We had hoped the clouds would move on so that we could still do the livestream. But once we saw just how flooded and messy everything was, we didnât want to open up the music studio and risk damage. So, we had to cancel the show.
By this morning, most of the water inside the fence had drained, leaving only mud. Out here, **living off-grid in the New Mexico desert means adapting to natureâs extremes**âwhether itâs wind, heat, or sudden floods.
Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and our livestreams as we continue to share this adventure with you.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#offgridliving #DesertLife #KaHoonCampground #Flooded #MusicInTheDesert
Land Brokers Donât Want You to Know THIS About Owner Financing! Off-Grid Buyers Beware đ¨
The Truth About Financing Land Through Brokers: What You Need to Know Before Going Off-Grid
Many people dream of buying a piece of land and starting their off-grid lifestyle. One common way to make that dream happen is through **owner financing with land brokers**. It sounds easy â a down payment, monthly payments, and eventually the land is yours. But before you sign, itâs important to understand the **pros, cons, and hidden risks** that come with this type of financing.
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## The Pros of Owner Financing
* **No banks required** â For many, traditional financing is out of reach. Owner financing gives you a way in without needing bank approval.
* **Flexible terms** â Some brokers are willing to work with your situation on down payments or monthly amounts.
* **Faster access** â Instead of months of paperwork, you can often start the purchase process quickly.
* **Opportunity for land ownership** â If youâre committed and prepared, this can be a solid path to owning your own property.
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## The Cons of Owner Financing
* **You donât build equity right away** â Until the land is fully paid off, you donât truly own it. Miss a payment, and you could lose everything.
* **No refunds** â If you put down a deposit and make monthly payments, but later realize off-grid living isnât for you, that money is gone. Brokers are not required to return it.
* **High risk of failure** â Many brokers know people back out. In fact, they often **make more money if you fail** because they resell the same land over and over to new buyers.
* **Unclear land quality** â Some properties sold through brokers may not meet your needs for water, access, or zoning. If you find this out too late, youâre stuck.
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## Why You Should âTry Before You Buyâ
Before committing to owner financing, **test out off-grid living first**. Spend time camping, renting a spot at a campground, or even staying on BLM land in the area youâre interested in. If youâre lucky enough to have friends nearby, spend time with them and see what daily life is really like.
Living off-grid can be rewarding, but itâs also challenging. From **extreme weather to isolation, limited utilities, and financial stress**, you need to know if you can handle it before locking yourself into years of payments.
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## 5 Questions to Ask Before Financing Land
1. **Can I realistically live off-grid in this area year-round?**
â Test it out before committing. Spend weeks or months there.
2. **What are the landâs resources and restrictions?**
â Check zoning laws, water rights, road access, and whether utilities can ever be added.
3. **What happens if I canât make payments?**
â Ask the broker directly. Be prepared for the possibility of losing all your investment.
4. **Am I financially stable enough for long-term payments?**
â Budget carefully. Off-grid living has hidden costs beyond land payments.
5. **Who benefits most from this deal â me or the broker?**
â Remember, brokers often profit more when buyers fail. Be sure youâre not walking into a trap.
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## What You Should Do Before Investing
* **Research the land thoroughly** â Visit in person, walk the property, and talk to neighbors.
* **Live off-grid temporarily** â Try camping, staying with friends, or living at a campground in the area.
* **Budget for the unexpected** â Factor in costs for solar, water, septic, fencing, and repairs.
* **Read the contract carefully** â Look for terms about defaults, repossession, or hidden fees.
* **Have an exit plan** â Know what youâll do if off-grid life turns out not to be for you.
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## Final Thoughts
Owner financing **isnât horrible** â it can be a great option for those ready to commit. But itâs not for everyone, and itâs important to know that **land brokers donât care if you succeed or fail**. In fact, failure often makes them more money.
If youâre considering this path, take your time. Research, ask questions, and most importantly, **live the lifestyle before making a commitment**. That way, your hard-earned money becomes an investment â not a loss.
And if you want to learn more about the realities of off-grid living before jumping in, **join us live on TikTok at Colquhoun Entertainment**. We share our daily experiences, lessons learned, and real conversations about what works (and what doesnât) when it comes to desert homesteading, off-grid challenges, and sustainable living.
Come hang out with us in the mornings, ask questions, and get the unfiltered truth before you invest.
đ http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#offgrid
#homesteading
#sustainableliving
#LifeUnfiltered
#desert
Living Off-Grid Without Water?! Shocking Truth About Public Showers & Off-Grid Struggles!
Living off-grid isnât easy â 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 thereâs 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. Itâs common to see extra showers running even if only one person is actually showering. Personally, Iâm uncomfortable turning on another shower while Iâm using mine â I worry someone might want to use it and assume itâs occupied. Hereâs the thing â 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 wasnât 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 â and honestly, a bit unsettling â 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, itâs all part of the journey. If youâre 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!
đ Truck Update: Brakes, Water Runs, and Salvage Yard Hopes
We finally got the parts in to repair the truckâs brakes. Unfortunately, I wasnât 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** â thatâs 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 youâre hauling water through rough desert roads.
Today, theyâre planning to take another look. The biggest concern? The **caliper** might be bad. From what Iâve been told, thatâs a pricey repair. More than likely, weâll 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 â usually around **100â120 gallons at a time** â 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 â even something as simple as a working shower â feels like a big victory out here.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #DesertLiving #TruckRepair #WaterHaul #KeepItMoving
Off-Grid Solar Power Struggles: RV Repairs, Sandstorms & Solar!”
**Off-Grid Living: Repairs, Sandstorms, and Solar Power Adjustments**
Itâs Sunday, and after battling high winds and a **red flag warning** yesterday, weâre finally ready to repair the RVâassuming the winds calm down as predicted. Yesterdayâs **sandstorm** made it impossible to work outside, but today looks more promising for getting the **new parts installed** and fixing the **shore power connection**.
### **Temporary Adjustments While Waiting on Repairs**
With no power in the RV, weâve been spending our evenings in the **Greenroom**. Itâs been a cozy alternative, giving us access to power for **watching TV, charging devices**, and staying comfortable without needing to run the **generator** in the RV.
Interestingly, weâve also confirmed that **staying up later** and running electronics in the RV was a major factor in draining the **solar power system**. Thankfully, our system shuts down at **50% battery capacity**, which prevents a complete drain. Still, itâs a reminder of how easy it is to **overload off-grid systems** when schedules or habits change.
### **Battling Dust and Wind Challenges**
Todayâs repairs depend heavily on the **wind conditions**. If the winds stay calm, weâll tackle the repairs and hopefully restore the RVâs power connection. Iâd love to capture some **videos or photos** during the processâif the dust isnât too bad. Unfortunately, high winds and **dust storms** donât agree with me. They cause **swelling and allergies**, which means I probably **should wear a mask** (even though I hate them!).
### **A Glimpse of Off-Grid Living**
Yesterdayâs trip back from **Albuquerque** was a classic example of **desert living**âenough wind to send **sand and tumbleweeds** tumbling across the interstate. Itâs moments like this that remind us of both the beauty and challenges of living off-grid in the **New Mexico desert**.
### **Final Thoughts**
Living off-grid comes with unexpected twistsâfrom **solar system hiccups** to **weather delays**âbut it also builds resilience and resourcefulness. Weâll share updates once the RV repairs are done and let you know how everything is working afterward.
Stay tuned for **videos and photos** (wind permitting) as we continue navigating the ups and downs of **off-grid life**!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #RVLife, #SolarPower, #SustainableLiving, #OffGridChallenges, #DIYRepairs, #GreenEnergy, #TinyHouseLiving, #RVRepairs, #SolarEnergy, #DesertLife, #EcoFriendlyLiving, #SelfSufficientLiving, #AlternativeEnergy, #LivingOffGrid
Off-Grid Morning Chaos: Senior Dog Antics at Ka-Hoon Campground That’ll Make You Smile!
**Morning Routines at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center**
Living off-grid at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center comes with its unique set of challenges and quirks, especially when it involves our furry family members. My mornings are anything but ordinary, thanks to Weillow, our 14-year-old dog with early-stage dementia.
Every day begins the same way: I let the dogs out, then crawl back into the warm bed, delaying the inevitable until I need to start the heat. But Weillow has her own agenda. She paces back and forth, ensuring I donât stay in bed too long. Itâs her way of telling me she needs to go outside immediatelyâor else!
Once sheâs done her business, I make her stay out longer than sheâd like, just to be sure. My hope is that sheâll return to her warm bed and settle down for a few more hours until itâs warmer outside. But Weillow has other plans.
Within 15 to 30 minutes, she starts pacing again, convincing me she needs to go outâdespite just having been outside. Even when I know sheâs fine, I still get up, just in case. The real kicker? Once Iâm up, she happily goes back to her bed to sleep. Itâs her little morning game to get me moving.
The other dogs have caught on to her antics. As soon as I try to send Weillow back to bed, they decide itâs their turn to shower me with kisses and sit on me, ensuring I stay up for good.
These little routines, while tiring, are part of what makes life here so special. Whether itâs caring for our dogs, managing the campground, or enjoying the peaceful desert mornings, every moment adds to the charm of life at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center.
Weillow may be aging, but her determination to keep me on my toes (or out of bed) reminds me to cherish these moments. Itâs a reminder that even in the simplicity of daily routines, thereâs love, laughter, and a lot of wet noses to keep things interesting.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#KaHoonCampground #OffGridLife #DesertLiving #MorningRoutines #DogLife #SeniorDogCare #LifeWithDogs #CampingWithDogs #NatureLovers #UniqueLiving #FurryFamily #DogMomLife #CherishedMoments #LifeInTheDesert #KaHoonAdventures
Off-Grid Desert Living: The Unexpected Challenge of Midnight Trips to the Outdoor Toilet!
**Living Off-Grid in the New Mexico Desert: The Challenge of the Hut**
Life off-grid in the New Mexico desert comes with its unique set of challenges, and for me, one of the hardest has been *The Hut*âour outdoor composting toilet. While we use the indoor toilet for liquids now, that wasnât always the case. The main issue? Navigating late-night trips to the Hut with a pack of eager dogs in tow.
**The Struggle of Midnight Bathroom Breaks**
Picture this: Itâs a chilly desert night, and the inside of our tiny home is 10-20 degrees warmer than the freezing temperatures outside. I wake up, needing to use the bathroom, and as soon as I even glance toward the door, the dogs are ready to spring into action.
Now, I love my dogs, but their enthusiasm complicates things. By the time Iâve grabbed a jacket and shoes, theyâre by the door, tails wagging, ready for an outdoor adventure. I, on the other hand, just want to quickly take care of business and crawl back into my warm bed.
**Dogs on Their Own Schedule**
Using the Hut isnât a quick in-and-out experience, thanks to my four-legged companions. They wonât do their business while Iâm in the Hut because they insist on guarding me from potential “dangers.” Once Iâm done, the real waiting game begins as they sniff around, searching for the *perfect* spot to do their own business.
On a cold, sleepless night, this routine feels endless. Multiply this by five bathroom trips in one night, and you can see why it became exhausting.
**The Solution: A Shift Indoors**
Eventually, we decided to adapt. By using the indoor toilet for liquids, I can now make quick trips without alerting the dogs. As long as I donât venture past the bathroom, they stay snuggled up in bed, and I can get back to my warm blankets much faster.
**The Takeaway**
Off-grid living is all about finding creative solutions to unique problems. While *The Hut* is a sustainable and practical choice, adapting to the realities of late-night desert life has been key to making it work. For now, the indoor bathroom is a small luxury that helps us balance convenience and comfort in our off-grid lifestyle.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #SustainableLiving, #NewMexicoDesert, #TinyHomeLife, #CompostingToilet, #DesertChallenges, #EcoFriendlyLiving, #OffGridSolutions, #LivingWithDogs, #ColdNights, #OffGridAdaptation, #DesertLife, #SelfSufficientLiving, #RuralLiving, #GreenLiving
Desert Life Updates: Solar Challenges, Studio Progress & Campground Membership Launch
Desert Life: Short Days, Chilly Nights, and New Beginnings
Life in the desert this time of year moves at a slower pace, but itâs anything but dull. The days are short, the nights chilly, and the winds relentless. Yesterday brought a little rain and overcast skies, which meant our solar setup didnât hold out through the night. Fortunately, this hardly impacts usâwe just wait for the solar to recharge before diving back into work at the studio.
The last few days have been productive, though. We’ve been in the studio preparing some fresh holiday songs for *Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band*. While we currently donât have gigs lined up, thatâs okay. Itâs given us time to focus on perfecting new material and launching our new membership program for the campground.
The response to the membership program has been incredible! Weâve received lots of interest and are actively fine-tuning the system to make it seamless. With a few long-term campers here, weâre hopeful theyâll take the leap and join as members once theyâve settled in.
The desert may seem quiet on the surface, but beneath its stillness lies a hum of activity, growth, and preparation for the adventures to come. Life here isnât just about adapting to the environmentâitâs about thriving within its challenges.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampground, #DesertLiving, #OffGridLife, #CampgroundCommunity, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #DesertAdventures, #CampingLife, #SolarPower, #StarryNights, #HolidaySongs, #MembershipProgram, #CampgroundLife, #EscapeToTheDesert
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 