Living off-grid isn’t easy — 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 there’s 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. It’s common to see extra showers running even if only one person is actually showering. Personally, I’m uncomfortable turning on another shower while I’m using mine — I worry someone might want to use it and assume it’s occupied. Here’s the thing — 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 wasn’t 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 — and honestly, a bit unsettling — 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, it’s all part of the journey. If you’re 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.
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Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 