Desert Winds Take Out Our New Shower and Kitchen — But We Refuse to Quit!
Life off-grid isn’t always sunshine and stars — sometimes it’s high desert winds trying to blow everything down! In this vault video, the wind took out both our newly built shower and kitchen setup. Luckily, we managed to patch them up and keep things running a bit longer!
Every project teaches us something new about resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. Living off-grid at **Plateau Hame de Colquhoun (Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center)** means embracing the elements and learning to rebuild stronger each time.
Join us as we celebrate **five years off-grid**! In honor of our 5th anniversary on **Saturday, October 18th**, we’re hosting an **Open Mic Night** — come out in person, camp a night (or more), or join live from home on our **Colquhoun Entertainment TikTok** profile.
Whether it’s music, laughter, or rebuilding after the wind, we keep moving forward — desert strong!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving #DesertLife #KaHoonCampground #DIYRepair #OpenMicNight
Tag: solar power
Desert Shower Upgrade Hits a Snag — But We’re Not Giving Up! 💪🌵
Desert Life Update: Shower Progress, Greywater Plans & Desert Heat Challenges**
The desert heat has been relentless lately, and it’s definitely slowed down our momentum — but progress is still happening here at Plateau Hame de Colquhoun!
We recently installed the **on-demand water heater** in the outdoor shower. It was a quicker project than expected, thanks to Brent gaining back his strength. What would’ve taken Anne and me a full day was done in just about an hour with Brent handling the drilling and planning.
That said, we hit a small snag — we’re still missing the proper parts to connect the water hoses to the IBC tote. We’ve got plenty of fittings, but of course, the threads don’t match. So now we’re waiting on our next trip into town to grab the right ones.
### Next Step: Fixing the Shower Drain
Our next focus is the shower **drain system**. What we had originally planned — and even have all the parts for — isn’t working quite the way we hoped. The drain cap currently sticks up about half an inch above the floor. Not only will that cause drainage issues, but it’s also a perfect toe-stubber in the making.
So, the new plan is to use a **larger hole saw** to widen the existing drain hole. We’ll take apart the pre-assembled drain, and (fingers crossed) get it installed flush with the floor. Building something from scratch — especially when it’s not based on traditional blueprints — comes with a fair amount of trial and error. But we’re figuring it out as we go, and we *will* prevail.
### Looking Ahead: Greywater & Future Plans
Once the water is flowing and the on-demand heater is fully functional, we’ll move on to the **greywater system**. The plan is for the shower water to drain into a buried IBC tote, where we’ll **reuse it for plants** around the camp.
Eventually, I’d love to create a more advanced setup — routing the greywater through a **worm bed**, into a **hydro garden**, and finally into a **recycled water container** for later use. But we’re not quite ready for that yet. A system like that needs sun protection to keep the worms alive, and we’ve got other priorities first.
### What’s Next on the Build List:
* Construct **walls around the shower** to create a private dressing area
* Use **pallets and garden posts** to build the dressing area structure
* Create space nearby for a **washing machine hookup**
* Finish building out our **solar system** — we *hopefully* have everything we need for it, we just need a stretch of good weather, good health, and available time to get it done
Out here, building off-grid isn’t always easy — but it’s rewarding. The process may be slower than we’d like (especially under this sun), but each step gets us closer to a self-sustaining desert homestead.
Thanks for following along — more updates coming soon!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#offgridliving, #desertlife, #sustainableliving, #diyprojects, #homesteadlife, #waterrecycling, #ecofriendlybuild, #solarsetup, #showerrenovation, #greywatersystem, #campgroundlife, #tinyhomeprogress, #resilientliving, #deserthomestead, #plateauhamedecolquhoun
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
Caught on Cam: Cows Invade Off-Grid Campground, Lick Cameras & Cause Chaos in the Desert!
The Real Moochers of the Desert: Life Off-Grid with Free-Range Cattle at Ka-Hoon Campground
Living off-grid in the deep New Mexico desert has its perks—stunning sunsets, wide-open skies, and the sweet sound of silence… until the mooing starts.
Here at **Ka-Hoon Campground**, we’re tucked away just far enough to enjoy peaceful desert life, yet still close enough to civilization to grab tacos when the craving hits. But even in this semi-remote slice of paradise, we get **invaders**—and not the alien kind. We’re talking about the **free-range cattle** who apparently think *our grass is greener*.
Last night, these rogue bovines made a stealthy entrance, clearly plotting an elaborate heist. Step one? **Take out the security system**. We caught them red-tongued—licking and blocking the cameras like seasoned pros. Step two? **Steal the grass**, leave a little *”thank you”* manure, knock over our solar lights for good measure, and give the poles a good rub while they’re at it.
It’s not your typical crime spree, but welcome to **off-grid living in New Mexico**.
Despite their sneaky antics, it’s all part of the charm out here. Life is raw, real, and sometimes full of surprises—some smelly, some solar-powered.
So if you’re dreaming of going off-grid, come prepared. You might escape the hustle of the city… but you won’t escape the cows.
**Ka-Hoon Campground**—where even the cattle want in.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com, http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#OffGridLife, #KaHoonCampground, #CaughtOnCamera, #FreeRangeFails, #CowCriminals, #DesertLife, #CowCam, #MooMischief, #RanchLife, #OffGridLiving, #SecurityFootage, #FunnyAnimals, #CattleCaught, #FarmFails, #DesertHumor
Surviving the Harsh Desert: Off-Grid Life, Wind Battles & Starry Nights in New Mexico!
**Embracing the Off-Grid Life in the New Mexico Desert**
Living off-grid in the New Mexico desert is a journey of resilience, adaptation, and appreciation for nature’s raw beauty. The challenges are real—relentless winds, shifting sands, and scorching sun test even the most determined. Yet, the rewards far outweigh the struggles.
The vast, open landscape offers a sense of freedom few places can match. Towering mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop, while the night sky, untouched by city lights, becomes a canvas of endless stars. Every evening, the desert transforms, revealing a peaceful, almost mystical energy that makes all the hardships worth enduring.
Each season brings its own battles—spring winds carry dust that seeps into everything, summer heat pushes limits, and winter nights can be bitterly cold. Yet, overcoming these obstacles fosters strength and self-reliance. It’s a lifestyle that demands perseverance but rewards with unmatched tranquility, deeper connections to nature, and a life free from the constraints of modern convenience.
For those seeking a simpler, more intentional way of living, the desert calls. It may not be easy, but the beauty, solitude, and self-sufficiency make it an experience like no other.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #SustainableLiving, #SelfSufficiency, #NewMexico, #StarryNights, #WindyDesert, #MountainViews, #OffGridAdventure, #SimpleLife, #Homesteading, #NatureLover, #LivingWild, #EcoLiving, #Freedom
Life at Ka-Hoon: Off-Grid Living, Music, and Community Updates
**Life at Ka-Hoon: Off-Grid Living, Music, and Community Updates**
**Daily Life and Projects**
We try to post daily videos, but there’s only so much we can show without becoming repetitive. As the weather warms up, we’re able to tackle more outdoor projects—but deciding which one to start with is always a challenge.
One big project we keep putting off is the **new solar setup**. The delays come down to a few things:
– We need several consecutive good weather days to build it.
– We’re unsure if we have all the necessary materials.
– We still haven’t settled on the perfect location.
Right now, our existing solar setup works fine, but expanding it would provide **more power for the studio**—something we definitely want. It’s not an urgent need, but it’s a project we’re excited to complete when the time is right.
**Advocatus Diaboli & Shamshini: Music & Rehearsals**
On the music side, **Advocatus Diaboli and Shamshini** continue live rehearsals, hanging out, and singing on **TikTok and Clapper**. Sound quality for live streams has been a challenge, but after lots of testing, we think we’ve finally found the right setup!
If you haven’t yet, follow us on **TikTok and Clapper** to catch our live sessions, interact, and be part of the experience!
**Camping & Membership at Ka-Hoon**
Camping at **Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center** is more than just an overnight stay—it’s about **community, freedom, and off-grid living**. Our **Membership Program** has been growing, and it’s proving to be a **valuable addition** to what we offer.
**Why Is Membership Important?**
Our **Membership Program** was created in response to camper requests for **longer-term stays** and has grown into a **thriving off-grid community**. It provides:
✅ **Security & Stability** – Members have a **safe place** to camp, homestead, or use as a basecamp for their travels.
✅ **Learning & Teaching** – Members can **attend or host classes** on topics like **homesteading, off-grid living, and art**.
✅ **Community & Support** – A **like-minded community** that helps each other with projects, advice, and skills.
✅ **Financial & Business Opportunities** – Members can **sell their goods in our general store or set up a vendor booth** at events.
✅ **Exclusive Discounts** – Members receive **discounts on all Ka-Hoon hosted events** and other perks.
✅ **Voting Rights** – Members **help shape the community** by voting on rules, events, and regulations.
**Camping at Ka-Hoon**
If you’re looking for a **safe, private place to camp**, Ka-Hoon offers a **unique off-grid experience**. Whether you want to:
– Experience **off-grid living and homesteading** before committing to land ownership
– Find a **basecamp for travel and adventure**
– Stay long-term in a **community-oriented environment**
We have **daily, weekly, and monthly camping options**, with **membership benefits** available for those who want a deeper connection to the community.
### **Important Notice for Visitors & Campers**
Please **contact us before visiting** to help us maintain a **safe and private** environment for everyone. While members and campers are free to **come and go as they please**, we ask that you inform us about any guests for security reasons.
If you’re interested in **camping, homesteading, or just experiencing off-grid life**, reach out to learn more about what we offer at Ka-Hoon!
Plateau hame de Colquhoun aka Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #CampingLife, #Homesteading, #DesertCamping, #CommunityLiving, #SustainableLiving, #RVLife, #SelfSufficiency, #EcoFriendly, #VanLife, #SolarPower, #MusicCommunity, #AlternativeLiving, #NatureLovers, #KaHoonCampground
Off-Grid Challenges, Campground Life, and a Unique Animatronic Band You Don’t Want to Miss!
**Balancing Off-Grid Living, Campground Life, and the Band**
As winter lingers, each day brings a touch more daylight, but our lives remain packed with activity. Between managing the campground, handling the weather’s unpredictable nature, and juggling personal commitments, things have been anything but quiet.
Our campground has been bustling with campers, weather preparations, and engaging with our growing membership community. The off-grid lifestyle demands constant attention to ensure everything runs smoothly, from solar maintenance to accommodating guests in changing conditions.
Meanwhile, the spotlight is on **Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band**, as we gear up for an exciting performance this Sunday at **Juno Brewery in Albuquerque**. With the band’s unique blend of music, humor, and animatronic theatrics, this show promises to be unforgettable. Preparing for a performance like this involves countless hours of rehearsals, refining timing, and ensuring every detail aligns for an exceptional experience.
As we juggle these aspects of life, we are reminded of why we chose this path—living authentically, embracing challenges, and sharing creativity with our community. If you’re in Albuquerque this weekend, come out and join us for an evening of boundary-pushing entertainment!
**Stay tuned for updates and insights from our off-grid adventures and band performances.**
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
Www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#OffGridLiving, #CampgroundLife, #DesertAdventures, #AnimatronicBand, #LiveMusic, #SolarPower, #SustainableLiving, #RVLife, #JunoBrewery, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #UniqueEntertainment, #CreativeLifestyle, #BandPerformance, #DesertLiving
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
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 it’s 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 didn’t hold out through the night. Fortunately, this hardly impacts us—we 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 don’t have gigs lined up, that’s okay. It’s 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! We’ve received lots of interest and are actively fine-tuning the system to make it seamless. With a few long-term campers here, we’re hopeful they’ll take the leap and join as members once they’ve 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 isn’t just about adapting to the environment—it’s 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
Life Off-Grid: Challenges and Beauty at Plateau Hame de Colquhoun | Desert Living Insights
**Living Off-Grid: Finding Strength in Life’s Challenges**
Life in the New Mexico desert is a blend of peace and resilience. Surrounded by tranquil beauty and endless skies, it’s easy to find moments of calm. Yet, even in this serene landscape, challenges persist—reminders that living off-grid is not for the faint of heart.
Many people romanticize off-grid living, envisioning it as a carefree escape from modern life. The reality is far more complex. Life here can be harsh and unforgiving, testing our determination and ingenuity daily. However, it’s also profoundly rewarding, offering a connection to nature and a lifestyle of self-reliance that few ever experience.
We’re currently navigating one of those trying times that reminds us why so few have settled this rugged land. From what we’ve learned, not even indigenous peoples made their homes on this part of the mesa—though if you know more about its history, we’d love to hear your insights!
Right now, our RV’s propane fridge has stopped working, likely due to a faulty igniter coil or module. Replacement parts are scarce, and modern alternatives don’t seem to match the original setup. While the fridge runs fine on electricity, the shorter days make it difficult for our solar system to keep up at night. A small backup fridge in the Greenroom helps, but the frustration of troubleshooting and tight finances adds to the weight of the situation.
To add to our challenges, the heater in our pickup has failed, leaving us wondering if the heater core needs replacing. And perhaps the hardest trial of all: our beloved 14-year-old companion Willow isn’t doing well, and we fear a difficult decision may be on the horizon.
Life out here is as demanding as it is rewarding. But it’s during these tough times that we find clarity and purpose. Whether we’re problem-solving through equipment issues or leaning on each other during emotional moments, the beauty of this lifestyle is in its simplicity and resilience.
Even with the hardships, the desert offers a unique gift: a chance to pause, reflect, and remember why we chose this path. Challenges may come and go, but the sunsets, starry skies, and peaceful solitude keep us grounded.
If you’re considering off-grid living, know that it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. The trials will test you, but the rewards will inspire you to keep going.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #MesaLiving, #StarryNights, #SustainableLiving, #RVLife, #OffGridCommunity, #SelfSufficiency, #DesertCamping, #SolarPower, #NatureEscape, #QuietMoments, #ChallengingButBeautiful
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 