Settling In... Living Off Grid in the High Desert
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ต.ค. 2024
- We're settling into off-grid cabin living in the high desert of New Mexico. In this video we discuss some of the biggest challenges we've faced thus far...
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We’re expecting 60-80 MPH winds, so let’s drive to Albuquerque to do some errands. Hahaha, Nate, you are the king of calm in the face of disaster.
Quoting JP...great way to start a video! Tip on pack rats under your tank. Take a solar Luci Light and put it on flash mode and put it under the cinder blocks at night. They do not like the flashing light and it lasts all night. I use it in my engine bay when boondicking.
Great catch...always love that song.
New Mexico high desert living has it’s challenges, but that’s the fun part! Keep enjoying :)
Glad you guys are doing well. I live in Albuquerque so if you ever need help with some of your projects let me know, be happy to lend a hand.
Peppermint essential oil repels rodents, sprinkle in the engine compartment and interior of all vehicles. Set little cans of flour mixed with plaster for the rats to eat.
Your videos are always so calming. I’ve been watching sporadically right from the beginning and you’ve always been a steady calming person. Keep doing you Nate, it’s really cool.
Glad you posted this. I was wondering how persistent you guys were going to be at this. The NM skies are worth all the struggle for me. Looking forward to the up coming videos. Keep at it- you both are doing great!
It's not PERSISTENCE
More like APPRECIATION
I've lived in the high desert for nearly 50 years and I'm DONE with the high winds. Over the decades they have become more violent and unpredictable. Everything we have outside has to be either made of heavy wood or cast iron. Heck, I've even seen metal horse troughs go flying through the air. Don't get me started on the wildfires.
Before you do any more work on the tiny house, get a good, sealed shelter put up to store your vehicles. It will help with the packrat and mice situation. The desert can be tough on the paint and interior.
I've been enjoying your vids for a long time. Be sure to hydrate often and have first aid near by should you injure yourself. Take care.
You might consider some plumbers metal roll, it's a metal roll with holes in it. and you can screw things down with it, and unscrew as necessary. for the solar panels. Air cond people use it to tie up flex vents, It has lots of uses
Big like 👍.
Great video 📹. Good to see you and Shannon adapting to the harsh high desert 🏜 environment.
For the Pack-Rats, sprinkle powdered Borax around the perimeter with lights under the tiny house. They got under the hood of my 2013 Toyota 4-runner at a campground south of Albuquerque and ate the spark plug wires. The Soy-base wires were replaced at a little over $500.00 Also, consider Ferell cats and hope for raptor birds to assist.
please don't get cats. the coyotes will eat them.
Great job settling in to such a harsh environment. Nicely done.
When I saw the hood up on the truck I thought OH pack rats! Winds have been crazy this year! Glad you found a solution for the flies.
Looks like you all are adapting quite nicely. Talking & listening to neighbors is invaluable when living in a new place.
It's all looking good.
Rome wasn't built in a day!
We cut down all the low lying branches around the pinions to get rid of the pack rats. For the summer you will need shade for sure. Plus wear a sombrero in the New Mexico sun, even in clouds and winter because its really strong and we have lots of skin cancer here. When you build think about how people did it historically, thick adobe walls, courtyards for the wind, smaller windows to survive the heat. Plus adobe could be free if you want to make them using your dirt. Also another tip is to build high and never near the arroyos because the water swells to huge rivers when it rains and erodes everything.
Hi Nate, we live in a rural environment also, and this time of year is when anything that creeps and crawls will probably show up at your doorstep at some point, so kinda develop a third eye and be aware of where you step and what you reach for. Also know your neighbors and consider self protection and first aid too. I am not an alarmist, just learned a thing or two. Enjoy your new lifestyle, it's worth the effort.
Glad to see you all survived the crazy winds! Like you said, that time of the year, but it was wild! Was great when we saw you all moved out here. Some other younger TH-camrs in NM finally! 😂
If you ever need any help reach out to us! We currently are bouncing between Los Alamos (just outside of Santa Fe) and Rio Rancho, so not too far from your area. We sold our house a few months back, but still have all our tools and such stored there since a friend bought it (our southwest home base). Been out this way for over two years so we can definitely give you some tips on cool places to visit and such. 💯
Put wire screen on ground and hook it up to to electric fence, park cars on top. That will keep rat from destroying car! It would also make a great episode!
Looking forward to the future
From what I've seen on other people's TH-cam channels who are living out in the New Mexico high desert, you are living in the middle of a sea of pack rats. There are nests all over your property at the base of the scrub trees. They can breed faster than you can eliminate them and they will move back when you leave.
You might want to put some lights under your cars at night it helps prevent rats and mice from trying to eat your vehicle wires
Thank you for another great video. A life without challenges, does not develop character. You learn and feel so much more and faster when dealing with issues. Life is just richer. Thank you for taking us along.
Good to be young, and strong, damn near bullet proof !
We had mice in our apartment and we used this sound thing you just plug in your outlet it works good! At night it has a light! We haven’t seen any mice since! Just a idea!
You've come a long way from the element Makin it happen 😀
Stay safe, enjoy the day.
Nice job guys. My wife and I are doing the same thing in Eastern Arizona. It's a great life, hard work, but very rewarding.
Just wondering. Have you thought about putting the panels on top of the back porch? It would make a solar ceiling/roof for the porch and you could seal the gaps of the panels with lexel/dicor to make them leak free. They would be off the ground and serving an extra purpose.
@@GratefulOverlander yep got the wind. That logic you are applying would be like saying to leave the roof off of the house because it might get blown off. The back porch if properly secure would hold roofing shingles or metal roofing material, why solar laid in the same fashion would be like "adding a sail" doesn't make sense. I had solar on my van and drove it down the interstate with no problems. I just don't think you are understanding how the panels installed would look. It's probably different than you are thinking.
I love chill videos like this....
I sometimes wonder why tiny house people don't establish guy wires for their structures, to support them in high-wind situations. Might save the day in high winds.I'm legitimately curious about this, they should be built with structural eye rings at the four corners.
I learned living off grid that as soon as you get rid of stuff you need it. Find a spot of off your eyesight thatcan hold your extra straps and keep it. You will be glad you did.
First comment! At least it's tshirt weather now!
You have an Iceco chest fridge and you said its not efficient. Check that the condenser radiator is not blocked with dog hair or dust. You clean it with a bristle brush. Sometimes the fan has to be unscrewed if the fan blows toward the radiator.
Thanks for being real. I’ve been off grid in Mojave desert for 15 years.
Good luck in the new area.
best thing you can do for the packrats is put dryer sheets in/under/around your vehicles. They repel rodents. They can't stand the smell. Totally works. I live in E OR. :)
This is like pioneer homestead living. I am sure you will start a raised planter or poly tunnel for veggie, a couple of goats, even a horse :)
You guys should definitely check out Taos such a artist town I think you guys will like it .
Be careful of the Hantavirus in that area. NM is a hotspot for it.
Yes, it is deadly!!
Living in the Rural Desert is Harsh,you are open to all of the Elements?
It will time for you Adapt?
The Summer Heat will be intense...
But it is a beautiful place..
A gun for protection in Very Rural areas is a must too...
Enjoy the Journey😘🤗
I don't blame ya on wanting to get rid of that particular water tank-especially with the friends living at the condo!😏 I'm very proud of you guys for continuing on! Looking forward to more small things to come!Take care!🏜🛻🏠💕
Quick tip for a splinter free wheelbarrow. Had the same prob, I know how u love to use/reuse/recycle…have a pair of garden gloves with a hole in a finger or two? Grab some zip ties or whatever and slip glove over the handle end and fasten. Good luck here’s to fewer splinters.
GREAT Video 👍🏾...
Thanks for sharing 😊
If you’re a surfer then you need to head on out to Chociti and catch some waves with the windsurfers. While you’re there hit the golf course up.
Omg, just heard about diatomaceous earth! Good idea! I have a new bag!
Have fun in your adventures
I have the same wheelbarrow - lots of splinters 😉
I saw that 4 Dollar gas and almost started to cry haha! 6 bucks here..
Haha that's so awesome, I was about to change the video and i seen you bust out the golf course. I live in a town home with a really narrow backyard, was kinda losing it one day and made a little golf spot back there. Gotta find peace somewhere
I was in ABQ during that wind storm, moochdocking in a driveway. It was crazy!!!
My 5th yr in a similar environment in Colorado at about 7k elevation, tons of road base help keep the dust n mud down, lots of cats to manage the mice and I stress how important a greenhouse n garden is, good luck to yous, Thanks for the video
I like your journey. Good vibe too. Looking into NM myself. Thanks.
Hi Nate, regarding the rats, I do maintenance for a warehouse & we had a rat problem. I set up covered bait stations screwed to short portable 2x6 to withstand wind & loaded with rat poison. Within 2 weeks all the rats were gone. 5 years later, still no issues problem solved
And so you poisoned the ecosystem and the ground water!
Great Job MERICA 🤓👍
Please don't use poison, you can find over ways I hope
poisoned rats eaten by coyotes,hawks, opossum, skunks will make them sick. The coyotes in my area, ( live in the city) end up sick, mange and the other wildlife also get sick and die. Don't use rat poison.
@Cheech are you living with them? Easy to say.
@@godsfavoriteblister852 🤦♀️🙄
Love it your'e a Prine fan!
I'd like to see some videos of ebike adventures. I'd love to meet up sometime to show you some fun bike paths Albuquerque has to offer. One of my favorite places to visit is a paved bike path that follows the Bosque.
1sr time watching your video. I really admire what your doing. Stay strong and be blessed. 💓
I hope you have a second road to exit your property in case wildfires block your primary exit.
I heard that putting a tall bucket of water, about a third full, with a board leaned up like a ramp on it makes a good rat trap.
Yes, great for rats and mice .A few drops of peanut butter to float on top of water
@Kurt M. it's working great for well known youtubers residing in all parts of the US in their RVs etc.
Be aware of the relationship between "pack rats" and hantavirus.
Luckily unlike deer mice (do habitat this area) , white footed rat, cotton rat and rice rat (not in this area) there is zero known evidence that woodrats (pack rats) carry the hantavirus but regardless think good to avoid breathing in any dried rodent poop.
Woodrats are insanely intelligent, some will use small branches or sticks to set off snap traps, then eat the bait. They are mostly solitary other than making, having more. In their nests they will set up a separate dining, nursery ect. area, even if they take up residence in your engine compartment which they can chew to $hid . I would much rather study them on docs vs. experience and know way more and too much about them. The right outdoor or indoor/outdoor cat is by far the best defense.
Personally never seen them give a rat's A about any of my bigger dogs.
By scent, usually another will wait a bit then take over the spot of one killed.
Wood rats live whitin a very small area their whole lives.
Train cats from a kittens using routine.
Sleep deprived general info for whoever
Do yourself a favor Nate, get some quality cowboy boots; they’re designed for that harsh environment. Double stitched; crepe sole.😉
Great video! Love diatomaceous earth, works well!
When you clean out the rats nest, wear a respirator like mask and gloves
I used to live across the street from that Golf Course off of airport road in Santa Fe.
Maybe you can gas them out? It's always something.. I would stock up on some longterm food buckets.. definitely keep your water, you can use a 12volt pump and hose to transfer water to other storage tanks. I like your guys place
Take it easy
Everyone of those Bushes we're Planted by Pack Rats... & They Share their Home with Snakes....
It's... Their World....
No surfing...but you could get a snowboard and hike up those mountains after each big winter snow dump.
You only have about 4 hours a day to collect your sun. About 11am to 3pm, depending on where you are.
Go to Home Depot get some Great stuff it’s expanding foam get some steel wool put some great stuff in the Brick then put some steel wool in there fill the rest up with a bit of great stuff they won’t be able to get underneath anymore because they can’t chew through the steel wool then your rat problem under the water tank is done just thought I’d give you that little to always enjoy watching your channel sorry I haven’t made any comments lately but I’m still watching have a great one and I will see you in the next one
I suggest you look into ham radio and GMRS radio as an alternate communication mode. I'm equipping my travel trailer with both.
Why specifically?
Nice @ metal zip ties for the solar panels
Mice and Rats in New Mexico? What side of ABQ are you guys on? Looks like east to me.
Diatomaceous Earth works great on bugs unless it gets wet.
Ants can be kept at a polite distance with Cinnamon.
A Bat shelter might add a pleasant touch too. (the same (?) little bat has returned to my shack for several years now).
Good luck with all your projects ;- )
Hey there! Just came across your video for the first time. I'm going off grid homesteading also in NM.! What county is this video in? I have only found unrestricted land in Socorro County. I'm moving back to NM after 3 years of being in GA. I'll never leave again! Lol
get some unistrut and bolt that to the wood then use the unistrut to mount your panels. it'll add weight to your system making it more suitable for high wind.
No, its flies in the kitchen, but glad to see you are a John Prine fan!
Wood pellets work well, a 40 pound bag cost 5 bucks!
Nate I really like the cabin way more than the tiny house, I think that cabin with some TLC could be a nice comfortable place to live. I use the bucket trap where I live for trapping mice and rats works great, then I take the dead and spread them out on the BLM land behind us for food for the hocks and snakes. I imagine when you get the property all dialed in the way you guys want it, you will travel during the harsh weather and come back during the good weather. At least that’s what I would do.
Keep up the great work!!
I have used sonics repplers for years to keep rodents and other critters at bay. I bought the highr end ones. They have various powered ones.
@Kurt M. I know they work because I live in the Badlands of South Dakota. I was having issues with mice and other native critters infesting my home. Ever day I'd empty traps. When I bought the repplers that use my electrical wiring as a source for the signal my home has now been critter free. I have set the repplers up wherever I need to keep critters away from ie. Trucks, tractors feed shed etc. Ihaved saved money on repairs and wasted feed to pay for the repplers. I am just saying. This is just my experience just for me.
The cabin is a tiny house, you do not need to move into the “tiny house” You deserve a bit of space!
This is what I'm wondering. I'm not sure what Nate's plan is here. Obviously he wants to move into the tiny house, but they have a cabin there, already built and livable. Why not just build the tiny house for guests when they come visit (which was mentioned very briefly in a few previous videos in regards to the cabin). It all seems a bit backward to me.
But maybe that's just because I don't know 100% what the actual plan is. I dunno.
@@zmarko their life ! Certainly doesn't need to meet anyone elses approval.
Looks exactly Vail Az and surrounding area
ok Nate. Thanks.
Idont know how much power it takes,but there’s an insect, and rodent repellant you plug in,
and it scatters them away, some think it atrracs them, but i doubt it.
I love your videos.... Feel like I know you two. Lol J
Pit some water in a zip lock bag and hang it by your door, This will keep flies away. You can also had a few pennies in the bag if you want too, I don't.
High desert is challenging but it is what we can afford. Looking at a few different plots near Trinidad, would have done NM if they had reciprocity for my license.
Pack rats and mice are a miserable problem in the pinion pine forests here in Colorado. They get into everything and will destroy anything they get into. Grooming the area around the buildings and car parking areas will reduce their numbers. Cut grass low, remove any kind of debris in those areas where they can hide. If you can afford it lay down gravel around the houses and the parking areas. Focus on making your living area a barren zone that won't attract them. Don't give them any place to hide in your zone.
Never heard about pack rats before, all I seen was jack rabbits but it was march when I was their
Using a hose from your exhaust on your vehicle to the entrance hole of the pack rats is a humane way to deal with them. They go to sleep and don't wake up.
Like the browns.
Hey man I live in Albuquerque and would be happy to lend a hand if you ever need it. I got a ton of tools. Low voltage electric background
Besides tanning your vehicle engines, why do you have your hoods up on both vehicles? Be well, Nate!
🤔.....rats?????
What part of New Mexico do you live in, looks very similar to my area! I would guess about an hour south of Albuquerque off of I25!
Build Some CarPorts ya have enough space and you can make a double carport ?
Have Amazon deliver "exterminators choice" to a hub locker 😂i had mice etc issues with my car last car they chewed my brake line glad i noticed .. haven't had issues since its like 99 percent natural too
I planned my solar panels to stack on a mini-tower, and none near the ground.
If you have anything of value that you do not want packrats to destroy put it in metal and glass (food) use metal mesh screen and steel wool to smash into crevices and holes
you left florida for this????????
My 100 watt panels take 1inch long 1/4 inch fine stainless steel bolts and nuts plus washers. I stick 1/8 X 1n1/2 aluminum straps to them and mount the straps. You can fence hole drill for a few deep posts to make panel towers. If you had parallel panels, they could face more east and west = longer charge but lower. .. I had a roommate with a cat we shared. If you want to share a cat with a willing neighbor, you could leave it behind, but have rodent hunts now n then.
Wouldn't you rather be surfing Scituate , Mass ?
Cool 😀
Concerned about you with news reports of a fire and evacuations. Hoping you are safe.