Life Off-Grid in the New Mexico Desert: Winter Storm Watch and Energy Conservation
When people picture New Mexico, they often think of warm days and sunny skies. But here in the desert, winter can bring a real chill, and this week is no exception. We’re currently under a winter storm watch, and three days of cloudy skies have made energy conservation a top priority. Living off-grid, we rely on solar power, which means every bit of energy counts.
### Solar Conservation During Cloudy Days
On cloudy days like these, we make careful adjustments to reduce our energy use and extend our stored solar power. Here’s what that looks like:
1. **No Rehearsals or High Energy Activities**: Normally, our animatronics and music studio take a lot of power, but they’re off-limits on low-sun days. That means no rehearsals or other activities that use a lot of electricity.
2. **Minimizing Device Charging**: We limit charging to essentials only. Staying connected is important, but unnecessary devices stay unplugged until the sun comes out.
3. **Reducing Light Use**: Evenings feel cozier with fewer lights, and the RV’s own batteries provide backup. However, we conserve those too, as the RV’s charging system can drain the main solar battery if we’re not careful.
4. **No Microwave Use**: Our RV came with a microwave, but we found it to be more useful as bread storage than as an appliance! This high-energy device stays off for good.
### Staying Warm Without Power
To avoid using up our propane too quickly, we bundle up in layers instead of running the heater. The propane heater is our last resort, so until it’s absolutely necessary, sweaters, blankets, and hot beverages do the trick.
Life off-grid comes with unique challenges, especially when the weather takes a turn. But with a few adjustments, we can weather the storm and enjoy the desert winter from the comfort of our cozy RV.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#LifeOffGrid #WinterInTheDesert #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #KaHoonCampground #DesertLiving #SolarPower #EnergyConservation #RVLife #OffGridLife #WinterStormWatch #MinimalistLiving #EcoFriendly #PropaneHeating #SustainableLiving #NewMexicoDesert
Tag: rv camping
Chasing Cattle Away From the RVs: A Morning on the Campground!
Thought I’d share a quick video of the cattle paying us a visit this morning and having to chase them away from the RVs. Watch how “difficult” it is to drive them off (said sarcastically)!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#cattlelife #RVlife #KaHoonCampground #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #offgridliving
Coexisting with Nature: Managing Free-Ranged Cattle at Ka-Hoon Campground**
Coexisting with Nature: Managing Free-Ranged Cattle at Ka-Hoon Campground**
Life in the New Mexico desert offers unique experiences and challenges, one of which is managing free-ranged cattle on the campground. This morning, we had two bulls hanging out around the RVs, providing us with both an opportunity to observe nature up close and a task to keep the bulls away from vital areas.
**Observing Nature’s Visitors:**
The presence of free-ranged cattle on the campground is not uncommon, but it always brings a touch of excitement to the day. Watching these large animals graze and wander near the RVs allows us to appreciate the natural beauty of the desert landscape and the creatures that inhabit it.
**Balancing Safety and Coexistence:**
While we enjoy having the cattle nearby, it’s important to manage their presence to ensure the safety and comfort of our campers. This means keeping them away from vital areas such as power and water hookups, as well as maintaining a safe distance from human activity.
**Taking Advantage of Nature’s Mowers:**
One advantage of having the bulls around is that they act as natural lawnmowers, grazing on the vegetation around the RVs. This helps maintain the campground’s appearance and reduces the need for manual maintenance.
**Creating Harmony with Wildlife:**
Our approach to managing free-ranged cattle involves striking a balance between allowing the animals to roam freely and protecting our facilities and guests. By guiding the cattle away from critical areas and ensuring they don’t cause any damage, we create a harmonious environment for both humans and wildlife.
**Conclusion:**
Coexisting with free-ranged cattle is part of the adventure of living and working in the New Mexico desert. While it requires vigilance and patience, it also offers a unique opportunity to witness nature in action and foster a deeper connection with the desert’s ecosystem. As we continue to navigate these encounters, we remain committed to preserving the beauty and tranquility of Ka-Hoon Campground for all to enjoy.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
#NewMexicoDesert #KaHoonCampground #FreeRangedCattle #DesertLife #RVCamping #CoexistingWithNature #WildlifeManagement #NaturalMowing #OffGridLiving #DesertEcosystem #CampingAdventures
Busy busy busy
Sorry we haven’t posted much on what we’ve been up to. We’ve been so busy trying to get everything ready for Ladrones Quest also working on a fun event for Halloween, you’ll have to check back for more info.
Last year we took the summer months off and went on a trip, where we did workshops at different festivals. This year we had debated on closing down for a couple of months (we didn’t think we’d get much for campers due to the heat) and taking a trip. But with gas prices, we decided to stay open. To our surprise, we have been getting bookings. So far everyone has enjoyed their stay. We did have one camper who lost a tent to the winds.
We can’t forget to do our reminder for the upcoming event, Ladrones Quest..
Hurry get your early bird tickets and campsite for Ladrones Quest !
At Plateau Hame De Colquhoun
Saturday July 16th, gates open 6:00 pm, Campers check in 9am.
Group tent sites available! $10.00 per group site $10.00 up to 3 tents per site (tickets to the event is not included in price).
Tent and Rv sites are location/access based to first come first choice
Come to the desert, camp, relax and listen to
MIW!
https://m.facebook.com/100063754382445
Ana M !
https://m.facebook.com/507912346059358/
PosiTrax !
Buddhafunk!
artoftinyliving #plateauhamedecolquhoun #jafoproductiond #ladronesquest #musicinthedesert
Only 2 more days until Music in the Desert
Just two more days until Mariah Dawn Shepherd & the Covert Dragon will be playing! Saturday, May 28th the doors open at 4:00 pm, bonfire (weather permitting) and drumming following.
BYOB, 420 friendly, family-friendly.
We still have 2 Rv campsites and 3 tent sites available!
$30.00 includes campsite and 2 Tickets.
Tickets $10.00
#artoftinyliving #plateauhamedecolquhoun #musicinthedesert #mdscd #concert #livemusic
Rainy, busy days
Have most of the mowing finished🤣🤯, items purchased (hopefully)🤑 to finish up the solar. Now just need to have a day that isn’t raining☔ or we have other commitments🦧 so we can finish up the solar.
We are booked heavy for the next couple weeks or so, but if you are interested in reserving a spot for a night, two or even longer visit our Plateau Hame De Colquhoun Facebook!
Plateau Hame De Colquhoun our goal is to live off our land without leaving much of a carbon footprint. We have opened our land in hopes that others can come be themselves, relax, explore, learn or teach within a safe Environment!
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 