How Did We Get Here? Living Off Grid in the High Desert

We continue our adventure living off grid in a remote cabin! We also answer a few questions about how we ended up here in the high desert of New Mexico.
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[@sarahm4809]

Shannon is magnetic! She brings such a dynamic energy to the channel!

[@Metaphoreign]

I have been living in the high desert for 4 years now -- and have learned that off-grid living is awesome if you have a well and septic, but without it, it is less sustainable because of the amount of energy it takes to haul water to remote sites, and I've noticed that many of the off grid people I know who don't have septic, end up having pretty unsanitary waste disposal practices.

[@JaneH3675]

A well and septic to me is a must. As a kid we had an outhouse and a pitcher pump well. We survived.

[@RV_Chef_Life]

We’ve been full timing for 6 years and made our way down to Southern NM from the PNW and fell in love with it here. We just starting looking for remote land in NM with relaxed building codes to possibly build an earth ship. Glad I found your channel.

[@JaneH3675]

Would like to add; I love the cabin 👍 and there's nothing like being self sufficient.

[@evelyndunn50]

Thanks for sharing, Nate and Shannon you work so well together love the view from the new bathroom.

[@ScottPDX]

7:59, serious eyeroll that appears to say, "Get your crap together!" Also, get one of those electrical bug zapper tennis racket looking things...so satisfying.

[@SeattleFocusBlue]

So glad to hear how you ended up out there. Thank you for the explanation. Sounds awesome to have so many acres and all the freedom too to be off grid and talking about the ups and downs too.

[@FloridaNativeMike]

"Fewer dishes and tastiess"... What more is there???!!! 😁

[@KindCreature1]

Wow, an out house with a view in the 21st century! The background music was fun today. Thank you. Mike in Oregon

[@alohatvn]

Big like 👍. Great video 📹. You two make a great team. Look forward to seeing the house 🏠 you will be working on very soon.

[@77SonofGod77]

Awesome POV!~ Beautiful TEAMWORK 👍

[@4yellowwolf]

Thanks for clarifying. It was a bit confusing. Every time I tuned in you guys were into something different and somehow it was supposed to tie into van life but not really. Now I get ! Good luck 🍀

[@ChristinaColoradoan]

Great plan! Being flexible is the easiest way to carry on throughout the struggles 👍🌞🌞🌞🌞

[@ohwhatisawtoday]

You guys rock! I love that idea of living out in the desert off grid. Thanks for sharing, waiting on the next video.

[@richardstoc]

The emanate economic collapse caused by government mismanagement and high energy cost of travel it is a must to have a home base / homestead to call home, living a more stable life in one place plus all the projects will keep you busy until travel cost are more manageable.

[@bitminerbob6731]

The loo with a view!! :)

[@nevrstopdrivin]

Awesome. I’d love a place like that. What a challenge!! I’m retiring in 1 year and that’s exactly what I’m looking for.

[@sjbock]

Very sweet video. About the outdoor toilet... you might want to put up some kind of privacy curtain or fence. One thing I learned when I had property in the hill country outside Austin on the Pedernales River is how far you can see out in the country and how many people we saw skinny dipping who thought they were in the middle of nowhere and all alone. Just because you can't see people doesn't mean they can't see you.

[@TickleBall]

Great video, guys. Keep up the good work.

[@James_71]

Love the new nature bathroom, all your missing is a cup of coffee and a foot stool..lol

[@vincentsoliday123]

Outstanding!

[@matthewbisland2740]

You know your alive when you poop outside!

[@dylancone7805]

My hat goes off to anyone that moves out to the high desert willingly. I headed to CA sight unseen for a job halfway between Death Valley and the Mojave and quickly realized I had bit off more than I could chew. Weeks of 120+ degree weather in the summer, unsafe drinking water, constant wind that would blow so hard it would knock out the power and shut down the highways. It was a 120 mile round-trip drive to the nearest Walmart if you needed anything (god forbid in an emergency). And like you mentioned, those drives didn't take you through the nicest parts of the city or through the nicest desert towns. There are some really sketchy places out that way. I lasted 10 months in the desert. It was too gnarly for me. You guys are doing it right by prepping a place you can come to for a stretch of time when the weather is cooperating. I don't think I could ever recommend someone move out there full time unless they had spent significant time there (in all seasons). I truly don't know if most people could handle living in that environment. I couldn't.

[@jonathanbmBen-Menachem]

What I like about both of you is your ability to evolve together and to gradually develop your property without heavy loans, working slowly but steadily with what you have. Amazing!

[@patsykluting-lucas3804]

Love the new outdoor bathroom...

[@RonInAVan]

Nate you two are great!! You know my wife and I’m positive she would not want to live like that. That’s why when I want to do off grid living/camping I go solo...lol I really wish I could find some property like that for myself, I am looking. That outdoor toilet 🚽 brought back memories when I was 11 years old back in Omaha Arkansas. We had no electricity just oil lamps and my mom had to heat water on a wood burning stove for a bath and it was normal for the toilet to be outside. Yes that was back when life was simple. You guys enjoy every minute of it out there, I feel you two are the lucky ones!!

[@CarrieMtn]

We were in the manzano mountains this last week. I wondered if you were near there. It was pretty. Thanks for another nice video

[@ExploringJ]

When you visit Albuquerque go to boxing bear brewery on tramway. Get tacos delivered to the brewery then get ice cream right next door after. That's a nice part of Albuquerque! I live across the street lol. The Lowe's is on the same block lol

[@wildmongoose7037]

Reminds me of when I made the move from Hawaii to Washington State,from the sun to the beautiful NW,that only lasted 5 years,I give you a year or less there. Still a great adventure.

[@jackbear4528]

Thanks for sharing 👍 I've been in both Albuquerque / Santa Fe and really like the area...

[@elsajohnson6663]

Oh guys we have a compost toilet (we have been living off grid for 25 years) and flies are a real problem no matter what you use unfortunately. We use shavings, which produces fewer flies than peat, the issue is needing the spray compost stuff to break down eveeything but its prohibitivey expensive. Really going to just need to clean it out frequently. Its a frustrating problem and I have to say after all these years would love to have a flush toilet!😫

[@PhantomLife]

That Desert looks a lot like the High Desert area between Victorville to Pearblossom near Palmdale; within North L.A. County. Instead of leaving the Vehicle hood open; • Set some standard mousetrap near the vehicle engines lid. using Peanut butter. • Also set some 'Peanut Butter Roller, Bucket traps'; search KZbin to see those. • The Rodents go to the vehicles as a Safety hiding place from Other predators; usually during the night.

[@grayeagleswolves]

Hi Nate and Shannon What a Great day in the Morning Living the dream doing your own thing in the Desert of SantaFe I've been to Taos back when I was a younger man and loved it the weather is just perfect the cost of living their isn't bad but it is a bit steep glad to see you getting the toilet squared away and the other daily chores done

[@GetH0NEY]

Unfortunately Taos is expensive as fk now.

[@vannerdherd]

Nate, keep working on that golf game, & go play on the PGA tour! LOL! Do y'all need poopouri??

[@dbentley2195]

Good luck guys enjoyed the video can't wait for the next one ❤️👍

[@Frenchcrop]

Nice to see you are both making the best of it - interesting to see the adaptations that it brings too. Onwards and upwards!

[@antoinetteblack3300]

Ya'll just sweet !

[@pmatt8686]

Great video. I live in a place similar to that in NC but only on a half acre. Would be great to have views and less humidity

[@yoshuareece8785]

I live in Albuquerque. Have a few acres near Belen. Thinking tiny adobe house daydreams.

[@rainkinggw]

I had to listen to Santa Fe by Samantha Crain after this one

[@joeshmooo5327]

Boy Nate Shannon is a keeper!!!

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

Love the view from your outhouse 🤣🤣

[@lynnbosuego497]

I have been watching you Nate and I like what I see and more so now with Shannon beside you . You guys can do great things together because you are focused and you have to like what you do in order to do a great job and next to it is hard work. I can’t wait to see the next project. Take care of each other……

[@scable-eq7bp]

Maybe in the future install a on demand hot water heater system. Also purchase a couple of more water storage tanks and then have water delivered or look around for a water wagon you can pull behind the truck.....

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

yay! Nate & Shannon!

[@leonardli3667]

Ice update and thank you for sharing your adventures. Stay safe! 😊

[@calvinmarshall1610]

Cool video looking forward to seeing your next episode thanks for the update be safe 😁😁

[@warrendelay]

Good stuff,, Great video. Thank you!!!

[@dlhoskin]

Thank you for sharing the new video.

[@b4804514]

Guys I suggest you get an air purifier and some masks good for smoke filtration. Smoke particles are very bad for your lungs so be careful.

[@donnyt857]

Get fly tape. They make a clear double sided sticky pad to stick to windows to catch flys.

[@jrsmac5081]

I’ve been watching your videos for several months. I don’t like unsolicited advice from others, but here is my unsolicited advice. Cut your loses, and leave. But then I saw your explanation of why you moved out there, and I have an opinion of; “Cut your loses and get out of there!” Do you really like living out there? Will people really want to vacation there? But, this is my unsolicited opinion, and your life is yours, not anyone else’s. I do hope it works out for you, as you continue. And I will probably watch, to see how you do. But seriously, do you think someone would want to vacation out there? If this is your dream, then may God Guide you to Success!

[@leann4925]

Hi! Nate and Shannon, Just loved this as you have a really nice place. So much potential sitting right before you as you have the land to do it on. I remember using an out house as a kid in our travels and like your concept. You have fixed up the inside of the cabbin really nice. Looking forward to your visions of the place. Hugs to Both and thanks.

[@i.g.9708]

Basil and lavender will help keep flies away.. 👍

[@jill4310]

I love the cabin! And I’d love to hear about the house in town you’re working on!

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video, interesting video.

[@laurajphillips]

Best of luck!

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

Damn, they look like they struggling right now.

[@stanleybest8833]

Laundry? I live right next to two laundromats but laundry is done in a covered pickle bucket with a stick. Never cold water.

[@MeTheJedi]

cute wee video 😁. My hubby is trying to build a geodesic dome...seconds time's the charm 🤞 Hehehe

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Great video

[@EJLily686]

Shannon, did you keep the Florida property? I think you planned to use that as a rental property.

[@ElementLife]

Yep she did. It's rented out at the moment.

[@jonathanjacques7250]

Where's the nearest Hospital? One bad accident and your screwed.

[@lesleyhughes3174]

Have you made that same comment to the thousands of other people who live remotely??

[@wcemichael]

I envy you guys.... I could live like this but my ex-wife could never live like this, even though she comes from the poor country of Laos. Did you ever think of looking for an engine powered washing machine??? You guys ever think of an outhouse??? Obviously you can't use it everyday, but.............. it does dose give your a plan B

[@wendyfrederick5965]

Ummm ... why not burn the cedar pcs. that you chucked in the bin? Did they have chemical stains on them? Or paint?

[@TimmyCramer]

I love having 2 toilets in my home. I clean them myself with pride. Too many spoiled people in America.

[@barb736]

wow you two are doing great and have lots of plans. How come you dont have a out door shower and warm the water with the sun? Lets hope the fire stays away from your property....stay safe..and watch the snakes!

[@OneForTheRoad-de2fh]

No fire danger there?

[@margieemack7211]

I bought a $100 Panda washer/spiner and never regret it. Most efficient and does a wonderful job. That and a battery held (orange) shower head and Lowe 5 gal bucket.

[@ronethridge9875]

get yaw a portable washing machine of amazon/no more washate/watch youtube videos about people having an using them/they use little energy/they spin the cloth almost complete dry/thanks much

[@ES-mc3cc]

How do you get your mail? PO box?

[@muhammaddelen7769]

House tour?

[@mmahtnart8986]

What's the future?

[@clarebrant5305]

Nope. Still confused. Did Shannon buy the property with her partner, or did the two of you buy it with Shananons partner. Or did the two of you buy it, or did Shannon buy it alone? Sorry, is it just me?

[@tolstoyisgod]

Not just you. The explanation was lacking. I'd rather hear more about that and less about the toilet.

[@lesleyhughes3174]

@@tolstoyisgod Good God . There should never have been any reason for an explanation anyway! Totally their business.

[@lesleyhughes3174]

I suggest you listen again. As if it's important.

[@tolstoyisgod]

@@lesleyhughes3174 Toilet problems are also "totally their business". But if someone choose to make a KZbin channel specifically about their lifestyle, it's reasonable to expect people to be curious about the how and why.

[@clarebrant5305]

@@lesleyhughes3174 the title of the video is...... "How did we get here" . Its literrally the piont of it. 😂😂😂

[@ewanjacksonmusic]

First!

[@JasonRelaxation]

wow i see you reached your greatest achievement in life. i hope you get that displayed on your tombstone. i was first to comment on a youtube video.

[@ewanjacksonmusic]

@@JasonRelaxation I am so happy indeed. Hopefully you can be happy one day too.

[@JasonRelaxation]

@@ewanjacksonmusic so making yourself happy is to copy the other millions of people who type the exact same comment.

[@lesleyhughes3174]

🤔🙄

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

@@JasonRelaxation You know you can just ignore the comment. If posting ‘first’ makes someone happy why you gotta come by judging their happy.

[@touristiqueducanada346]

👣🐾✌️🌮🍺

[@JaneH3675]

No way would I use a composting toilet. Too nasty and too many bugs. Have seen quite a few videos of people having them. None of them were very good. Better off just digging and making an outhouse or installing a septic tank.

[@evanflax2492]

Is there anyway you can update your Facebook so I can know when to tune back in and you get back to some tasty waves..unsubscribing for now

[@lesleyhughes3174]

👋

[@posteroonie]

That's the out-est outhouse I've ever seen! :)

[@armaniartist6185]

Fellow tiny-house-er here, and currently have an unintentional outhouse as well… ah, the “simple life”, yes…? 😉 You two are wonderful and glad to see how things are progressing… but curious about that glass door for the bathroom…. 🤔 I guess it makes the outdoors a natural next step…? ☺️😊

[@lynnef3297]

Thanks for sharing the real deal of off grid living. I'm enjoying this part of your adventure and the tiny house build. Good luck to both of you, and remember all the things you are learning along the way will certainly be a benefit of this experience. 😄👍

[@bonniepwtf]

Showing it as it is, the nitty gritty & all. I give you both so much credit, you've undertaken a lot with this & so many of your goals are far reaching. I have never experienced that in my own life so I am so glad to be watching this new adventure. Praying that the fires stay away from you.🙏❤

[@BethS55]

I have enjoyed,watching you sweet young ones growing together! I'm a fan!

[@sneakersonfeet9045]

Love watching you guys grow together

[@thizizliz]

Utilizing income streams is brilliant! Good for you two. OK, the nature's head issue needs sorting out but you'll manage!

[@nickbnash]

I’m glad that you have avoided the fire so far. When I heard about it I thought of you two and hoped you were ok.

[@dontworrybehappy5139]

Yeah, also as a Northern Californian who experienced the smoke from wildfires in the past decade, I would recommend you pick up a good air purifier and some comfortable N95 masks just in case you start to get the smoke from the fires at your place. The particles from these fires can be really bad for your health with prolonged exposure.

[@olebloom1641]

Outdoor outhouse. :)

[@TXMEDRGR]

That's what I was thinking too.

[@cousinjeb7116]

Handwashing laundry in the tub sounds like a good idea if it's useless as a tub? And then water the cucumbers with it afterward?

[@OldBlindDougArtist]

Love your video Nate, been watching for a long time. You are killing me with the music 🎶 if you are going to talk I can't hear you over the music.

[@rickardenstedt]

Aiming for one hundred thousand subs until Christmas! Regards Rickard from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@FreeEnergy137]

You complement each other. All the best to you both!

[@jet4415]

That fire photo was excellent.

[@thexxit]

I love Shannon! She is so beautiful and fun and bright.... I can wait to see what you two do to transform the land in a sustainable way. Also, what a gorgeous spot to use the bathroom 😂

[@ic610]

That's a great way to plan to for your future .😁❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@joharmon2148]

Get a luggable loo for the time being wouldn't get me out there in the dark hahaha

[@paulbetka2966]

.. BETTER HOOK UP WITH HOMESTEADONOMICS❗❗ HE'S SOMEWHERE IN ARIZONA 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸 Start saving and storing water 💧💦 🌊 or watch his channel. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@llorylloyd]

You can tell what a sweet guy Nate is by the ways he gently lowers his trash in the bin versus tossing it. 😁

[@NoProGoPronto]

I strongly suggest you guys watch “Tyler and Todd” KZbin channel. They are living off grid in Canada and can offer some amazing ideas. They even have the dome home you mentioned.

[@TXMEDRGR]

Traveling with a home base to return to would be the best. Good luck.

[@susana6917]

Wishing y'all the very best! Love your videos! Curious what your thoughts are to protect the property and buildings from those dastardly wind blown fires out there? Fire retardant exterior paint? Extra rain barrels? Cutting a fire swath around property parameter? (Have heard that sometimes there is financial help for that). Fingers crossed it never comes to pass. Care about your safety and investments... 🤗🌺

[@zizlog_sound]

I would definitely bring my handyman skills up to speed if I was you. Fixing a broken handle of a composting toilet I regard basic skills.