Do You Have Our Magic Bus?
11:32 AM Edit This 52 Comments »
Not only are we having trouble finding someone to take all of our stuff, but we are having trouble finding a safe and livable bus!
Ack!
Unfortunately, being that we're donating everything LOL we don't actually have $100,000 to buy a bus ;-p
We're hoping for something less corporate/giant bus, more homey/organic skoolie/pusher....
Do you have our magic bus??
xo
Posts
52 comments:
Hi: read about you in the NY Times online edition. We --
Dave Kinchen and wife Elizabeth Kinchen -- did something similar. Sold our big old Victorian house in WV, almost all our possessions -- a big workshop with woodworking machinery, thousands of books, furniture, dishes, clothing, most of it, 3 vehicles (we bought a very clean 2001 Ford Ranger XL club cab 4X4 pickup and drove down to Brownsville, TX, crossed over to Mexico and drove 1400 miles to Belize,central america, where we rented a 2bedroom, 2bath furnished apartment (under $500 u.s. per month rent). I'm continuing my post-retirement (I'm a journalist) job of editing and writing for an online news site (www.huntingtonnews.net) and am enjoying the heck out of getting debt-free and not being owned by our possessions. We took down my iMac and Macbook, plus a couple of printers. There is good (but expensive) internet service in Belize, a great place for American expats because it's the only Central American country with English as the official language. Contact me at davidkinchen@hotmail for more info...Good luck on the bus!
Dave Kinchen
davidkinchen@hotmail.com
or david.kinchen@gmail.com
Just read about you in the excellent New York Times article by Ralph Blumenthal. Congratulations and best of luck to you. We are two senior citizens who did the same thing two years ago… moved from the state of Washington to a log cabin on 123-acres in northern British Columbia. We live off the grid, produce our own power with a micro-hydro system, cook and heat with a woodstove, grow our own organic vegetables, and stay in touch with the world through our satellite internet connection. Our blog can be seen at www.riverofmist.com. After two years, we can enthusiastically attest to the values of voluntary simplicity.
Bob Weimer and P. L. Morningstar
Nice article in the NY Times. I was rattling around in my suburban, 5-bedroom, 2.5 bath house a few years ago --- me and a cat! It felt absurd, so I sold the house and rented a one-bedroom apartment in the city. Then I had the benefit of two cross-country moves in two years, inspiring me to purge even more stuff. When you have to pay to ship it, you realize you don't really value it. I like to joke that cash is easier to pack. I feel like I live a better life with about one-third of what I used to own.
Hi! I admire your choices and wish you the best of luck in finding your magic bus. I agree with what you said about your stuff owning you instead of you owning it. Hope to one day get the courage to give up my stuff. My favorite quote:
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Robert Frost.
Milly
Hello to an adventuress family!...
I read about your family in the Waco paper...I just got into blog land this year and what an adventure that has been for me it is like reading about life's fun, problems, artist's works,and etc...
So when I see something new and of interest I read and sometimes bookmark for later reading...your will be bookmarked....
The state of Vermont is what took my eye...I have dream of that state for years...it sounds like way far away....and what a pretty place..but oh! so cold too in the winters...
You two adults are wanting to find peace in this day and hour...I tell people the only peace is in Jesus Christ...Acts 2:38...I should know as I am one who loves life and found this peace along time ago...I am a "granny" to all that knows me...I am still young at heart and love meeting new people and there stories of thier walk or jounrey through life...
I do know that where I live, if people did not made changes in
1850's...My homeplace would not have been...They came to Texas by wagon trains...started a life...because of the times, it was hard life...I love the history of how people begin moving out and moving on...where I live is in the country and my homeplace is in the woods...
Because of the times, it is a wonderful life....I have lots of wild critters that visit everyday...a cougar only few times, in 2002...lots of copperheads(there not welcome)..
It's adventuress Life for me.....
I know you two and your beautiful children will make it...I will help you pray for that bus...I know you realized that God is not interested in our wealth...it's only how we apply ourselves to others...but don't get me wrong it is wonderful to be blessed by God.
Hopefully, yours will be in that Cabin in Vermont...
Have fun!
Be safe in Jesus!
from the heart of Texas!
afriendtoyou!
Judy
If you go to www.govdeals.com you can usually find a bunch of local school systems across the U.S. selling their old buses at this online auction site.
Sounds like a plan, but I would have tried to get the dream bus first. I gusss the process is the adventure. Good luck on your life experience. Keep the kids shots current please.
Mike Ellsworth
Elkhorn, WI
Aimee and Jeff,
I read the article about you in Friday's New York Times. According to the story, you have a Honda Odyssey you would like to sell. If you have still have it, my wife and I would like to discuss purchasing it.
My name is Craig Flournoy. My email is cflourno@smu.edu.
According to one of your blog posts, you are visiting friends in Dallas this weekend. We live in Dallas. If it's convenient, we could come by to see the minivan today or Sunday (assuming you drove it to Dallas).
I applaud what you are doing. I gave up a high-paying job as a reporter eight years ago, returned to school, earned a PhD and now teach college students. My wife also is a teacher. We have three daughters and have to watch our money closely to get by. But our lives are much more sane.
Whatever happens, good luck to you and your family. It's nice to know the spirit of Thoreau lives on. -- Craig Flournoy
Hi guys,
Once you get a piece of land, you should consider instead living in a bus, living in a shipping container. They are larger and they're strong, stackable, cheap, etc.
See here:
Firmitas
Enjoy.
Also, check out what Dee Williams did. She built her own house on wheels, which we pulls behind her truck, and limited her possessions to a couple hundred.
Youtube video.
Hi,
Saw the article about you on the NYT online version and I welcome you to the minimalist lifestyle.
20 years ago I owned a house and garage filled with stuff. Today I rent a studio apt. The possessions that I have now can fit into my roof rack equipped compact car. There is not a single possession I once owned that I ever wish I still had. In fact I can remember very few of them. Which tells you how "valuable" they were.
As a tech professional in Santa Cruz,CA I encounter many "possession wealthy" people but even after a evening,day or weekend of enjoying their gorgeous home, sexy fast cars or other sweet stuff I still find the satisfaction I derive from their possessions fleeting. I might go online and check out their toys with the idea of maybe buying one but I can never get a feeling of happiness from the planned purchase. So I never buy any thing other then what I consider essentials.
When asked why I do not have more stuff I once told people that possessions do not do it for me. But I found that people did not believe me. Some said I needed to work more and smarter so I could buy some stuff. Right. So I now say "Dam I wish I had that (house, car, flat screen, etc..) but it just does not fit into my current situation". I'm not sure what they think about that but I know I have seen and done many things throughout the world. And all because I chucked my stuff 20 years ago.
Cheers
I read the article on you in the NYTimes and wanted to say--Good luck! We are doing nearly the very the same thing-- and it is a great thing for many reasons. Way to go!
trevadea.blogspot.com
Hi Folks!
a word of encouragement:
Do what you do. You owe no one on this earth an explanation or an apology. I try to live my life in such a way that requires neither (though I sometimes offer one to help another better understand the situation)
6 years ago I resigned from this toxic, self-centered house of cards built on mammon. Since then, I live comfortably in a 600 sq ft, one-bedroom apt on $1,000 a month.
About 15 years ago, my freethinker mind started moving me in this direction. A decade ago, I coined the term "disacquisition" to describe my basic phylosophy regarding material things, uh, stuff. This makes me, a practioner of disacquisition, a disacquisitor: I shed goods. You are welcome to borrow the term if you think it suits you.
Of course, we both also know this as a variation on the good old minimalist lifestyle.
Keep on keepin' on, as the song goes. While capitalism is busily deconstructing itself (if not this time, the next) in its race to the bottom of human avarice and misanthropy, you and I will weather the storm with far less angst and psychic damage.
I have warned my far-flung friends and family to take steps now to deal with coming storm of Peak Oil/militarism/warming/national bankruptcy/and who-knows -what-else in this most stupidly run opf nations. You might care to follow suit.
Your sis has the right idea - security really is just an illusion.
Best of luck and welcome to the future of us all; aka, sustainable societies.
Hi - found you through the NY Times
Good luck with the buss thing - I personally think the price of gas being what it is there are a lot of mobile homes for sale - jeez just cause they get ten miles to the gallon.
Personally if having a moveable house is important to you - I would look at the camper vans they get fifteen or seventeen miles to the gallon. The other option for living is yurt or tipi lifestyle. But again it requires a romantic desire.
I found a bus big for a family - and where do you park becomes a real issue. Bu then again you always have somewhere to go on rainy days - besides the public library...
Good Luck
Eric Wolf
www.ericwolf.org
You might find your magic bus for free at http://www.skypilotclub.com/
Someone is giving away a 1955 MACK that has been converted to a rolling "home".
If you are considering buying an RV my mother in law would like to sell her 40 foot Safari for $67,000. It is a beautiful home.
P.S. to above post. The Safari motor home has Hughes internet satellite set-up. So wherever you live and what ever home you find keep in mind that internet access is possible even way out in the woods. That RV also has solar panels and generator for off the grid living.
I am not trying to sell you the RV in fact I hope you get the free one.
Well DANG! My wife and I are in the midst of selling our business, our house (to the bank in exchange for the debts...we'll break even I think), walking away with some tools, a mule, some goats, chickens and our kids and moving to a yurt on my in-laws country property. I like to tell my friends here in town that I'm "semi-retired at 42 years old" and watch the look on their face!
BTW we are home-schooling our autistic daughter and she's done better with us at home than when she had all the meds and one-on-one aids in school. She still likes to play 'tag' like a 7 year old, but gave up learning latin because she thought spanish made more sense...she'll be fine.
Check out kitchenqueenstoves.com
Also check out a central ca. business called happygirlkitchen.com for a good home-based organic foods business model...can your own organic pickles and get an online store going! They're doing great and it's a SMALL operation.
Follow my genius wife's blog at beautifuleachday.blogspot.com
Best to you and yours. You are doing the right thing for your kids.
Patrick Works
photographer/farmer
I know a couple in Bridgeport,CA that has a bus for sale. They were living in it a few years ago and finally decided to sell it. juiceflight@gmail
I do not have it, but I know who may !
When Moss and I were first looking for our bus, we stumbled upon a man in Florida, who has since become a good friend. He is THE man for used bus's and I bet he will have what you are looking for.
We bought our bus from him back in 2004 and it has run perfectly since. He even let us convert it on his property.
A really wonderful guy who understands why someone would want to give it all up and live in a bus....
I read the article in the Times as well and am really relieved to see that I'm not the only one who feels like chucking it all to live on the open road. I've been struggling with the absurdity of materialism and thinking I was about the only one. Thanks!
I met a couple who lived with their 17-yr-old daughter in an 20? year old diesel school bus. It cost $2000 or so, and only had about 150,000 miles -- not much for a diesel. They got rid of the seats and put in sinks, bookcases, and a bed -- no bathroom. They liked it, and life was very inexpensive.
Dear Ones, Read the NY Times online article and I'm sorry I don't have your magic bus -- but wanted to offer these websites on intentional communities - ecovillages, etc. Years ago, I had the GIFT to live with 40 others in a healthy, clean ashram / spiritual family community and the support/kinship/family and richness of sharing LIFE with other like-minds is - wow - so helpful and meaningful too. Anyway - just a consideration vs going it alone in case you didn't know of what is cropping and popping up all over! Take care and Blessings to y'all!
http://www.ic.org/
http://www.dancingrabbit.org/
http://directory.ic.org/
oh - there is also caretaker.org to check out.
i love your spirit & wish you the best...am stuck where i am for now as i am in charge of caring for mom & am divorced with kids, but i do my best to live each day in the big outdoors of my mind, smell the flowers, raise honey bees. one day i will break away and return to my nomad original self...keep us posted along the way; happy journeying!!
Bus info:
Found this link from a link that was on your blog. These fine folks may be able to help:
http://www.floridachurchbus.com/
I have a feeling I'll be doing what you are doing once I finish school! Your story and blog have inspired me to look at my "stuff" and have a yard sale!
Maybe you and your family could have a yard sale and donate the money if you want a portion or all of the proceeds to go to a charity.
Sent you an email last night! I support what you and your family are doing! Keep on keeping on. This will be one of the best things you'll do in life! And what an adventure for the children!
Regarding your magic bus...
We used to live in Western, NY State (Tompkins County, Ithaca, NY Area) and good running (but not pretty) used RVs are thick on the ground in the want ads for $5,000 or less. This might be worth a drive upstate from NYC.
As far as getting rid of your stuff goes, the simplest solution might be offering it on your local chapter of Freecycle.org. You can run a 100% free garage sale to be held on a particular day and announce it there (with a list of major items free at the "sale") or you can offer them one-by-one.
The few leftover can go to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Some thrist stores will even pickup donations in a delivery van if the donations are good enough.
Good Luck!
Regarding your magic bus...
We used to live in Western, NY State (Tompkins County, Ithaca, NY Area) and good running (but not pretty) used RVs are thick on the ground in the want ads for $5,000 or less. This might be worth a drive upstate from NYC.
As far as getting rid of your stuff goes, the simplest solution might be offering it on your local chapter of Freecycle.org. You can run a 100% free garage sale to be held on a particular day and announce it there (with a list of major items free at the "sale") or you can offer them one-by-one.
The few leftover can go to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Some thrist stores will even pickup donations in a delivery van if the donations are good enough.
Good Luck!
We have a lot of people like you in our city. We call them homeless.
Seriously, you have to come live in San Francisco; for your good and for the country's good.
Hi, my name is Rob Wallace.
I very much enjoyed the article in the NY Times.
I am researching for a television documentary on people like you who are getting "outta here."
I'd love to talk to you or anyone else contemplating the big sell off and the downshift.
I've set up an email address:
giveitup101@gmail.com
I am New York based so particularly interested in people in the tri-state area.
Thanks
Rob
I also read the NYT article. Cheers and good luck to you, what you are doing is wonderful and brave! I can't help with a bus, but a light bulb went off in my head about the stuff you are having trouble giving away. Check out freecycle.org. The philosophy is to give away and/or trade items so they don't go in landfills. Perhaps it will help you find more takers?
My love and I have to remain in our small city, due to having parents who are getting to a point where they will need us to care for them. Otherwise, we live our life as simply as possible. No credit cards, small apartment, few possessions, etc. We're getting married in Oct. and are asking guests NOT to bring gifts!
I also read the NYT article. Cheers and good luck to you, what you are doing is wonderful and brave! I can't help with a bus, but a light bulb went off in my head about the stuff you are having trouble giving away. Check out FreeCycle.org The philosophy is to give away and/or trade items so they don't go in landfills. Perhaps it will help you find more takers?
My love and I have to remain in our small city, due to having parents who are getting to a point where they will need us to care for them. Otherwise, we live our life as simply as possible. No credit cards, small apartment, few possessions, etc. We're getting married in Oct. and are asking guests NOT to bring gifts!
I apologize if this is a double post. Something seems to have gone wonky with the original...
I also read the NYT article. While I can't help you with the bus, a light bulb went off in regards to the stuff you are having trouble giving away. Check out freecycle.org. The philosophy is to give away/trade items rather than have them end up in the dump. Maybe you'll find more takers there?
My love and I also try to live simply. No credit cards, minimal possessions, etc. We are getting married in Oct and are asking that guests bring *NO* gifts! We'd move out of our small city, however, our parents are reaching that stage where they will need us to care for them.
Cheers and best of luck; what you are doing is wonderful and brave!
I commend you for what you are doing it is amazing. I noticed you had great photographs on the site and thought maybe you could sell some of those. It really looks like a professional took them.
Hey there. Please connect...we are Rainbow family, living a more sustainable lifestyle in N.VT. Blessed Bee from Lettuce Bee Farm
For three years I have been talking about getting rid of all my stuff. My family and most of my friends think I am crazy. I was starting to believe they were right, until I read your article. The one friend who understands this, sent the article.
Because of what you are doing, you have inspired and strengthened my resolve to believe in this way of life again.
I wish you you all the luck, happiness and love this Earth has to offer you.
Sincerely,
Dan
Columbus, OH
I just read the article online at the International Herald Tribune. A little more than a year ago, my boyfriend, cat and I did the same thing. We left Arizona and came to Paris. It has been quite a journey. I also couldn't get rid of my stuff before we left, so I contracted with an estate sale company and they completely ripped me off. They sold $40K worth of furniture and art for about $5000. I only got a percentage of that. I have done a lot of sobbing, but, it was meant to be! It's all just stuff. But boy, I had NO idea how much meaning I had wrapped around all of that stuff. Life is about learning, n'est-ce pas?
Anyway, I wish you allll the best and I know you will grow and learn, through ups and downs, just as we have, and continue to do.
Come by my Omyword! blog and visit when you have time. That's where I have been chronicling our experiences.
I just read your inspiring and amazing story online in NY Times. As someone who lives in a developing country (Jamaica), I am always amazed by and fascinated with the mod-cons that people in the developed countries take for granted. All the best to you and your beautiful family as you make this dramatic, life-changing decision.
this is so inspiring, what your family is doing. i hope someday that i'll have the guts to do the same. i'm 16 right now, and i already see how much clutter is affecting our lives, and i just want to be rid of all of it. imagine no possessions, right? thank you for being so brilliant during your journey, and i wish you the best of luck.
love, molly
I read about your new lifestyle in the International Hereald Tribne. My first reaction was that this family is just another bunch of "born-again hippies."
After a bit of thought and reflection I thought your undertaking was rather interesting. I do want to extend my respect to you for what you are doing. As a constructive comment, why do you "need" a school bus? The bio-fuel means increased hardship and hunger for someone else on the far side of the planet. Why not just build a log cabin or get an old shack in Vermont and fix it up? Get a few used bicycles for local transport. After all, travel is a complication of life. Simplification is the key!
I read about your new lifestyle in the International Hereald Tribne. My first reaction was that this family is just another bunch of "born-again hippies."
After a bit of thought and reflection I thought your undertaking was rather interesting. I do want to extend my respect to you for what you are doing. As a constructive comment, why do you "need" a school bus? The bio-fuel means increased hardship and hunger for someone else on the far side of the planet. Why not just build a log cabin or get an old shack in Vermont and fix it up? Get a few used bicycles for local transport. After all, travel is a complication of life. Simplification is the key!
Hiya folks!
Me & my hubby raised our son traveling in a bus, then bought land parked the bus in 2001. To find good busses, you go to a place which sells new busses & look over their stock of trade-ins...you should be able to find a good 90's model for under $5000. I'd be happy to offer tips, but you'll have to catch me before I leave for the Kerrville Folk Festival on Tues. May 21. You can find me at www.myspace.com/hippiestead Also, we have one of our non-mobile bus conversions documented at www.picasaweb.google.com/hippiestead
Best wishes for many wonderful travels!
I love what you're doing! And linked to you on my blog today!
Gail Konop Baker
I read your story in the NYTimes and I wish your family best of luck. I just finished living for a year in Burlington, VT, and I found you don't need much in the way of material possessions as long as you are a part of your community.
I have no magic bus, but I can point you towards the Intervale, a collection of community-run/driven organic farms, and City Market, the local co-op which supports farmers from around the state. (http://www.intervale.org/) Lots of people in those communities know about eco-friendly living and can offer advice about how to adapt from Texas to Vermont-- especially how live with few possessions while not living at risk in Vermont's incredibly cold and snowy winter.
I'm very inspired by your journey and I hope everything works out for you!
Have you considered building a Tumbleweed type tiny house on the back of an old off-rental uhaul truck? I've been noodling over it and it seems like a good way of getting the most bang for the buck. The 26' diesel (svo) trucks seem to cost about $5K and have 200K miles. To build the house costs 10-30K if you do it yourself. With some careful inspection and maintenance the truck would probably last a good while longer. The house would be brand new and as small and nice as you like. Good Luck! You are an inspiration!
Here's a link to what Mike is referring to:
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/
Don't get a school bus and this is why..
School buses were designed to take little children to and from school, run no more than maybe a hundred miles per day on average, and be driven at about 45-50 mph. Then, after maybe after 5 years they sit around and only get used as a back up bus one one of the newer buses in the fleet break down. So another 5 years or so goes by with only minimal use before they are finally sold at auction, where they are used for another 10 years or so as perhaps a prison bus, or a church bus or something like that, again with minimal use and minimal stress or weight load. Then finally after many years of being used in this way some hippie comes along and wants to take this now 25-35-45 year old bus, load it with more weight than it has ever seen in its life, drag it across the country on the freeway at speeds it has never seen, and drive it more miles in one day then it has ever seen on any trip that it has ever taken. DON'T GET A SCHOOL BUS.
My husband and I have in the past, and plan on, again, hitting the road after I have finished school. I am a writer currently and am also studying to be a nurse so that we can eventually go to Central America where we can live a simple life. We want to be in a place where we can live off of the local economy (i.e. all produce, lifestock, eggs, etc. bought, raised and sold amongst the local peoples and in the village market). I want to use my nursing degree to help the people, offering my services for little or no compensation, or perhaps barter like used to be done in the old days (i.e. "All I can pay you with is a chicken.")
Anyway, to get back on track, if you are going to invest time and money into a bus you need to find an old Diesel ex-greyhound coach. These we're designed for long distances and to haul a lot of weight. And get something built no later than like 1975. Anything newer is harder to convert to bio-diesel. There is something in the way that the engine is built that makes the older diesel engines capable of burning regular diesel fuel, or say, Corn fuel, without having to change out the entire thing. My husband knows more about it since he is the one that has rebuilt the ones that we've had in the past, I've just heard him talking about all of this so much over the years that I can pretty much quote most of it from memory now.
Please, I repeat, don't get a school bus.
We've had both school buses and diesel coaches in the past and even with all the mechanical stuff new in them they cannot handle what it is that you are expecting them to do because they just weren't made for it. Yes, diesel coaches do cost a little more to intially purchase and to rebuild, but when you get them right the odds that they will blow up and leave you, or family and everything that you have inside that bus stranded on the side of the Kansas Interstate are very low.
Look around. Do some research. I've seen diesel coaches sell as cheap as a few hundred dollars to as much as a few thousand. Some better deals than others. A friend of ours just bought a Buffalo, half converted already for $4000.
Keep in mind. Buses do eat money faster than a drug habit, diesel coaches and school buses both, but I'd rather spend a little bit more initially to ensure that my children will be safe then to risk losing everything on a machine that wasn't made to do what I am demanding of it.
Our kids are 3 and 5 and they have spent much of their lives on the road too, so I wish you all the luck in the world in your endeavor. Like I said, we've only settled down for the time being so I can learn a skill that I can use to help others with.
Again, good luck. You'll have the time of your life, but please...if you're going to the Rainbow Gathering, be careful. It is mostly harmless, the people are mostly pretty cool and there is a lot of useful knowledge floating around if you know where to look. But, because the Rainbow Gatherings are open to everyone you will also find addicts, "certified" nuts, and people fleeing from the law, amongst others that I'd rather not mention. It can be a wonderful, beautiful and spiritual place and I hope it is a good experience for you. Just be safe and careful. Lock your things up, or get a good watch dog. There are theives in the woods.
If you want to know more, please don't hesitate to ask.
Peace, Love and Anarchy.
Julia Thorne.
Hello,
Just a few thoughts concerning your bus. Have you considered a 5th wheel RV and Diesel Pickup combination? The advantages over a bus are quite numerous and possibly worth looking at. The versatility that comes from being able to separate your propulsion unit from your living quarters,is immense. From a timeliness standpoint, the RV is already designed to be a home now. I would go on and on about the virtues of the 5th wheel RV /Truck combination but will refrain unless requested to do so. I am not an RV dealer nor do I have one for sale. Having said that, a few hundred thousand gypsy retirees can't all be wrong!
God Bless You All,
Steve Brock
sb79t@yahoo.com
Very good point. In fact my retired gypsy baby boomer in-laws are hanging out with us today because their diesel RV is in the shop. Separating your house from transportation is a very good idea... you'll always be able to upgrade the transportation part without disrupting your home.
OK... I was just talking with my baby boomer full time RV gypsy father-in-law and he had some good advice (bus/rv vs. trailer) that you might find useful.
If you go onto any RV message board you tend to find 3 common controversial topics, trailer vs. RV, diesel vs. gas, and walmart parking vs. anti-walmart.
The bus/rv vs. trailer issue is usually answered by how you live and travel. If you move your home around a lot and do little driving the trailer might be better. But it you park your home for longer periods then you're probably better off with a bus/rv and tow a small car for getting around. Trailer people have to drive giant pickups and if you plan a lot of local trailer-less driving you may end up burning up a lot of fuel, more than the minor inconvenience you experience when the bus/rv is in the shop.
He also suggested buying a used bus/rv since they are super cheap right now and they are all setup and good to go.
Hope it helps. Good Luck!
That has to be one of the best photos EVER taken of a young family. Love it! Best of luck to you in your new adventure!
I might have your magic bus, 12 row Wayne school bus, and I live just outside of Austin. Also have Trace Inverter, Honda generator, new rv range, new very large RV refrigerator, roof mounted AC. Inside has been framed with lightweight metal studs, with pvc electrical conduit and boxes, insulated with laminated layers of styrofoam, and finished with stained beeded ply board (looks like the interior of a sailboat). Bus ran great 5 years ago when parked, highway gears, (will do 70 on highway). 12 Row Wayne bus Powered by GM 369 industrial, Allison transmission, anti-lock air brakes. Gas tank needs to be drained, maybe carburetor rebuilt if too much varnish has been built up. If interested email twystd3at yayhoo.con. (change the at, yayhoo, and con).
This was a project that I just ran out of money and energy on. Hope someone can get good use on it. With a little TLC should make a good bus, like I said, ran fine. Needs holding tanks and plumbing, and a few other things, but is most of the way there. I'll make a deal on all or part of the stuff. Wish you all the best in your endeavor. In a few years I plan on selling my property and getting to the simple life myself.
Good Luck,
Roe
Hi,
Our family (husband + toddler)has traveled long term, 5 months, in our VW adventure wagon. It has two bunks, a stove, fridge,
sink and gets 17 miles to the gallon. A few things to keep in mind when on the road; if you keep the vehicle small (small RV, sprinter van etc..) you can get away w/ gorilla camping if you forgo state parks. Pack light! We always bring way too much stuff.
You can always downsize along the way but you'll find you won't use half the things you think you "need". Consider how many miles per gallon your vehicle will get. Yes, a bus might be more spacious but the outdoors become your home when on the road, it really is the case. It sounds like your new life will be filled w/ adventure and your kids will be the better for it. I grew up in the suburbs of Long Island, NY w/ my mom always warning me, "Don't trust anyone".
She was so wrong...we have trusted many and I can't even begin to list the endless amounts of kindness and
generosity we have found traveling around this country and the world.
Live, love, learn! We look forward to checking in on your blog.
If you make it to Taos,N.M. in 2009, give us a shout.
We would be happy to let you park on our land. Hopefully by then we will be off of L.I. and building our small (850sq ft - mortgage free)home.
Good Luck!
Warm Regards,
Margaret, Peter and Kai
Luckey-Helenius
http://homepage.mac.com/photau/Menu17.html
Have you been checking Craigslist for rvs? I saw a very nice 32Ft RV not long ago for 17,000.
My wife and I have lived in a 32ft Bounder for 5 years, and loved it. We too mostly parked.
I read the RV ads in Craigslist just from curiosity and because we're thinking we'd like one again to live in parked on some land.
The one I'm thinking of was either in Seattle or Vancouver BC. A great deal.
Best wishes on your journey.
Justina Hayden
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