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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.



**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


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Off-Grid Solar Power Struggles: RV Repairs, Sandstorms & Solar!”

**Off-Grid Living: Repairs, Sandstorms, and Solar Power Adjustments** 

It’s Sunday, and after battling high winds and a **red flag warning** yesterday, we’re finally ready to repair the RV—assuming the winds calm down as predicted. Yesterday’s **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, we’ve been spending our evenings in the **Greenroom**. It’s 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, we’ve 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, it’s a reminder of how easy it is to **overload off-grid systems** when schedules or habits change. 

### **Battling Dust and Wind Challenges** 
Today’s repairs depend heavily on the **wind conditions**. If the winds stay calm, we’ll tackle the repairs and hopefully restore the RV’s power connection. I’d love to capture some **videos or photos** during the process—if the dust isn’t too bad. Unfortunately, high winds and **dust storms** don’t 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** 
Yesterday’s trip back from **Albuquerque** was a classic example of **desert living**—enough wind to send **sand and tumbleweeds** tumbling across the interstate. It’s 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 twists—from **solar system hiccups** to **weather delays**—but it also builds resilience and resourcefulness. We’ll 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

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Discover the challenges of off-grid living on the mesa, from water issues to extreme weather conditions.

**The Reality of Off-Grid Living: What You Need to Know Before Moving to the Mesa**

In recent years, we’ve seen many people move out here with dreams of living off-grid. The land is cheap, and the idea of self-sustained living is appealing. Many come with plans to farm, plant trees, and cultivate gardens. While not impossible, the reality is far more challenging than most expect—it requires a significant amount of money and resources.

We, too, had hopes of planting gardens and creating a more sustainable environment with trees and flowers. However, we quickly realized that water is the biggest challenge. On this end of the mesa, we simply don’t get enough rain to rely on rainwater harvesting. The soil is incredibly arid, and the intense sun scorches everything in its path. Then, there are the relentless winds. You’ll quickly get accustomed to the taste of sand and how it invades every crack, crevice, and structure you build.

Drilling a well is prohibitively expensive, and while hauling water is a cheaper option, it takes a heavy toll on your vehicle and trailer. Unfortunately, there are currently no local water delivery services, though that may change in the near future.

Living off-grid here also means preparing for extreme weather conditions. Winters can drop to the teens or even single digits at night, while summers bring triple-digit heat. A solid, well-built structure is essential—tents simply won’t hold up to the harsh environment.

Off-grid living on the mesa can be rewarding, but it’s not for the faint of heart. You must be prepared for the extremes and fully understand the challenges that come with this lifestyle.

http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com


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#OffGridLiving #SelfSustainedLife #LivingOnTheMesa #HarshClimate #WaterChallenges #SustainableLiving #MesaLife #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #KaHoonCampground #OffGridCommunity #DesertFarming #ExtremeWeather #Sandstorms #HaulingWater #RuggedLifestyle