This morning, we woke up to find the solar power out, which was strange since we had a full day of sun yesterday. As I lay in bed, my mind raced with possible reasons. My first thought was that maybe we’d forgotten to turn off the PA after rehearsal with the animatronics. That thing pulls about 3,000 watts, and we’ve accidentally left it on a few times before. But I distinctly remembered us shutting it down, so that couldn’t be it. The next thought, which I dreaded, was that something might be wrong with the solar system itself.
Eventually, I gave in and got up, mostly because the dogs decided it was time. Vibria was already calling from her box, ready to start the day. After letting the dogs out, I usually throw in a bit of fetch, fill up their water, and inevitably annoy them by going inside to make coffee. But not today. Today, I was on a mission to figure out what happened with the solar.
It didn’t take long to crack the case. Somehow, the fridge had switched to using both electric and gas. That means it draws power from the batteries first before automatically switching to gas when the power runs out. To make things worse, the RV charging system had switched to boost mode, which draws extra power to charge the RV batteries faster. Running both the fridge and boost mode overnight drained the system. It’s fine during the day when the solar’s up and running, but overnight? Not so much.
With a sigh of relief, I realized nothing was broken. Now, we’re just waiting for the sun to come up and recharge the solar. It’s a bit cloudy this morning, so it may take longer than usual, but it only takes about an hour or two of full sun to get the batteries back to normal.
Meanwhile, the dogs got their morning playtime, barked at a camper stopping by to say hello, and are now back to napping. Vibria’s curled up at my feet, and we’re just waiting on that coffee to percolate.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving #SolarPowerLife #RVLife #AnimatronicsShow #TinyHouseAdventures #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #KaHoonCampground #KaHoonVenue #SolarPowerIssues #DogLife #VibriaThePup #MorningRoutine #LifeInTheDesert #RuralLiving #SustainableLiving
Tag: off grid living
Meet Vibria: Our Newest Adventure and Challenges with Free-Range Cattle!
Life with Vibria: Our New Puppy and Free-Range Cattle Adventures
It’s been three weeks since we brought Vibria home, and we think she’s around 11 weeks old now. While we don’t know her exact breed or how big she’ll get, we estimate she’ll grow to be around 10 to 15 lbs based on her current size. Vibria has a big personality and zero fear—she’s quite the confident little pup. Potty training her has been a bit more challenging than it was with Dreugan, but we’re adjusting. Having a small dog again has its learning curve!
Vibria is so tiny that she can easily slip through the fence in our yard, so we’ve set up her own little fenced area within the larger yard to give her a safe space to play and soak up the sun. When we’re outside supervising, she gets to run around in the bigger fenced-in areas and even outside them.
Life out here has its challenges, though—especially when it comes to the free-range cattle. They love to roam, and unfortunately, they have a habit of tearing up our solar lights and getting too close to the solar panels. To keep them away, we’ve set up motion detectors that trigger sounds and lights, but sometimes these deterrents aren’t as effective as we’d like. We could build a fence, but we love the wide-open views, so we usually just go out and herd them away ourselves when they get too close. While we enjoy watching the cattle, we could definitely do without the destruction. We tell them they’re welcome as long as they stay out of our areas—but they don’t seem to listen!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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Rehearsing in the studio with wonderful campers visiting from Switzerland and celebrating retirement travel!
Yesterday was a busy day in the studio as we spent most of it rehearsing. In between, we had the pleasure of hosting a couple of wonderful campers. It’s always enjoyable giving tours and visiting with guests who come from all walks of life. One of our campers was a father and son who had just embarked on a two-week vacation to tour the USA, all the way from Switzerland! We were honored to be their first stop on such a special journey. Another camper had just retired from truck driving and is now planning to enjoy all the sights and experiences they had missed while on the road. We wish both of them the best on their travels!
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with a welcoming community, be sure to visit us at **Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center**.
Check out our upcoming events and learn more on our website:
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampground, #NewMexicoCamping, #OffGridLiving, #DesertAdventure, #CampgroundLife, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #MusicInTheDesert, #TravelNewMexico, #FamilyCamping, #RetirementTravel, #OutdoorRecreation, #DesertGetaway, #ExploreUSA
September Newsletter: Ka-Hoon Campground Events, Music in the Desert & Halloween Hootenanny!
**Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center September Newsletter**
Greetings from the New Mexico desert!
**Music in the Desert Talent Show and Karaoke Recap**
We had an amazing turnout at our September 14th **Music in the Desert Talent Show and Karaoke**! Thanks to all who joined us for a night filled with fantastic talent, music, and fun. **Advocatus Diaboli and Shamshini** made special appearances, bringing their unique brand of entertainment to the stage. From dancing to live music, the energy was infectious. If you missed it, parts of the show were streamed live on our Facebook page, so be sure to check that out!
**What’s Coming Up?**
**Halloween Hootenanny** – **October 19th**
Get ready for 4 days of music, spooky fun, and camping in the desert! Join us for **Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band** live on stage, creepy-crawly campsite trick-or-treating, and so much more. Don’t forget to secure your campsite early, as spots are filling up fast. Tickets are available online or at the event.
**Halloween Dance of the Dead** – **November 1st**
Head over to **Red Gorilla Studios** in Albuquerque for a night of music and mayhem with **Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band**. Put on your best costumes, and join us for an unforgettable night!
**Updates from the Campground**
Our fall camping season is in full swing, and we’ve had a great group of campers rolling through. If you’re looking for a unique desert getaway, make sure to reserve your spot soon!
**Puppy News**
Our new puppy, **Vibria**, is settling in nicely! She’s still tiny, but full of energy and loves meeting new people. Make sure to say hi if you see her roaming around the campground.
**Follow Us Online**
Stay up-to-date with all our upcoming events and campground happenings by following us on Facebook or visiting our website:
[www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com](http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com)
We look forward to seeing you soon!
– The Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center Team
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampground, #MusicInTheDesert, #TalentShow, #KaraokeNight, #HalloweenHootenanny, #DesertCamping, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #OffGridLiving, #NewMexicoEvents, #DesertFestival, #CampgroundLife, #LiveMusic, #SpookyFun
Busy Labor Day weekend at Ka-Hoon Campground with community BBQ, camping, and lending a helping hand.
Hope everyone is having a great Labor Day weekend! We don’t have too much planned, but we’re excited to have a bunch of folks from the community over for a BBQ today.
There isn’t much news to report, but we’re definitely enjoying the cooler days. Brent has been busy helping out around the community, which he loves doing. He recently helped a neighbor install a new breaker box and wire in some GFI plugs to support their dialysis machine. He also spent most of the day driving another neighbor, who doesn’t have a vehicle right now, to town for errands and groceries.
We’ve had a nice weekend with campers enjoying the cooler weather. Yesterday, we took some time to fix the solar lights that the cattle love to knock down.
Last night was Anne’s first real shift at Love’s, and she seemed to enjoy it. It was a bit tough on us, as we worried about her working the late shift. Thankfully, a few folks from our community stopped by the store to check on her and then reported back to us, which really helped ease our minds.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, everyone!
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #LaborDayWeekend, #OffGridLiving, #CommunitySupport, #DesertLife, #CampgroundFun, #BBQParty, #HelpYourNeighbor, #RVers, #SolarLiving, #OutdoorAdventures, #DesertCamping, #WeekendVibes, #CommunityBonding
Embracing a Rainy Day in the Desert: Cozy Camp Vibes and Unexpected Showers at Ka-Hoon Campground
**A Cool Change at Ka-Hoon Campground**
The weather finally cooled off, at least for a day or two. Yesterday brought some much-needed cloud cover. Though we didn’t get a lot of rain here, we did experience some light showers off and on throughout the day, while the valleys seemed to get hit pretty good.
With the cloudy skies, we had to conserve solar power. This meant skipping our usual rehearsal and brewing our coffee in the percolator instead of the auto drip machine—which is fine by us since we love the taste of percolator coffee more! Even with limited power, we managed to watch a movie, run fans, listen to the radio, and charge our phones.
Anne’s solar setup went down this morning, which was the first time in a year. Thankfully, the sun is out now, and it won’t be long before her batteries are charged again.
Our solar setup is relatively large compared to some of our neighbors. A few don’t have solar at all and rely entirely on generators. When we first moved out here, all we had were generators too. We would run them once or twice a day for a few hours to charge our phones and watch some TV. Our first solar panel was a small setup that we now use in the Hut to power a light. It’s small but reliable, with two USB ports and the capacity to run two 2-watt lights most of the night.
Life off-grid requires adjustments and adaptability, but there’s a unique satisfaction in being self-sufficient and making do with what we have.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #Shamshini, #DesertLife, #LiveMusic, #MusicInTheDesert, #OffGridLiving, #CampingLife, #NewMexicoEvents, #DesertAdventures, #CommunityGathering, #OutdoorConcert, #DesertHeat, #EventPlanning
Experience the Ultimate Desert Talent Show & Karaoke Night at Ka-Hoon Campground | Camping & Fun Await!
**Get Ready for a Night of Music, Fun, and Adventure!**
We’re just under two weeks away from the Music in the Desert Talent Show and Karaoke night! Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with music, camping, and a cozy bonfire (weather permitting). Whether you want to sing your heart out, dance under the stars, or simply enjoy the performances, there’s something for everyone!
Admission is free, and camping is just $12 for up to 5 people per site. So pack your gear, gather your friends, and head out to the desert for a night of fun and memories. Don’t miss out—come get loud with us!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #DesertCamping, #TalentShow2024, #KaraokeNight, #OutdoorAdventure, #LiveMusicEvent, #Stargazing, #BonfireNights, #OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #CampUnderTheStars, #CommunityGathering, #FamilyFun, #ExploreNewMexico
Experience Unforgettable Off-Grid Adventures at Ka-Hoon Campground & Event Center!
### Life at Ka-Hoon Campground: Helping Hands and Community Spirit
The past couple of days have been busy, but in the best way possible. Between assisting campers, rehearsing, and giving tours, our days are filled with activity and purpose. We love being part of this vibrant community and helping out wherever we can.
Just yesterday, we lent a hand to a neighbor who needed help towing his truck to a local mechanic. Today, we’re running errands with another neighbor to pick up concrete and other building supplies for his new home. It’s moments like these that make us appreciate the close-knit community we’ve built here.
For those unfamiliar with our journey to New Mexico, check out our early YouTube videos to see how it all began. We originally came here to help a lady clean up her property so she could host events. Now, she’s invited us back for a visit and some work. We’re looking forward to camping out there for a few days and enjoying some time in nature. Although some think we’re camping full-time, for us, living here is more than just camping—it’s a lifestyle we cherish.
If you happen to stop by the Love’s Travel Stops in Belen and see Anne working, be sure to say hello! Buy something, mention that you saw this post, and if you leave her a note with your name, email, or phone number, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a free “I Survived Music in the Desert” T-shirt. The winner will be announced at the Halloween Hootenanny!
Thank you for being part of our community and supporting our journey. We couldn’t do it without you!
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #OffGridLiving, #CampingLife, #MusicInTheDesert, #HalloweenHootenanny, #DesertAdventures, #RVLife, #NewMexicoEvents, #OutdoorEvents, #LiveMusic, #CommunityEvents, #NatureLovers, #EventCenter, #EcoFriendlyLiving
Don’t Miss Out: Join Us for the Ultimate Music in the Desert Talent Show & Karaoke!
**Members Only Event and Upcoming Music in the Desert Talent Show!**
Today, we’re excited to host our exclusive members-only event at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center. It’s a special day dedicated to our valued members and the amazing volunteers who contribute their time and energy to our community.
Looking ahead, we’re just three weeks away from our next big event: the **Music in the Desert Talent Show and Karaoke**, happening on **September 14th**! Whether you’re coming to showcase your talent, enjoy some karaoke, or simply relax and listen to the performances, it’s going to be a fantastic evening.
Don’t miss out—join us for a night of fun, music, and community spirit. If you’d like to stay overnight, camping options are available. We can’t wait to see you there!
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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From Campers to Neighbors: Welcoming New Friends to Our Desert Community!
**Embracing New Beginnings in Our Desert Community**
Today marks the first day in months that we don’t have a camper staying with us, and the place feels a bit empty. However, it’s a good kind of empty, filled with the warmth of friendships made and the excitement of new beginnings.
The camper who just checked out came to us when they transferred from their old job at an Amazon distribution center in Colorado to the new Amazon distribution center in Los Lunas. During their stay, they became more than just guests—they became friends. Our little community here in the desert grew to know and appreciate them, and we’re thrilled to hear that they’ve fallen in love with the area just as much as we have.
They’re not going far, either—they’re in the process of buying some land not too far from us. So, while it might feel like a goodbye, it’s really just a “see you soon.” We’re excited to officially welcome them as permanent members of our growing community. Here in the desert, it’s never really goodbye; it’s more of a “welcome home.”
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #DesertLiving, #CommunitySpirit, #OffGridLife, #NewMexicoDesert, #CampgroundCommunity, #NatureLovers, #WelcomeHome, #DesertCamping, #AmazonDistribution, #FindYourTribe, #HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs, #CampLife, #LiveOffGrid
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 