"What's going on over there?" we asked.
"We have dinner guests and they don't believe we have people living in a bus in our backyard."
We waved again and the guests were convinced.
When we tell others we live in a bus, most are surprised, but supportive. Still, I have wondered if the neighbors around us ask themselves what the heck our hosts are doing letting some crazy hippies (or something worse) live in their backyard. However, a few days ago Steve met one of our part-time neighbors and introduced himself as a bus dweller.
"Oh yes, we call it the Partridge Family bus," said the neighbor.
"Would you like to see inside?"
The neighbor agreed and was impressed with the pleasant interior.
Then she said,"In this day and age, I guess it's good just to have a warm place to live."
She is right. We paid cash for our bus and escaped from our high monthly rent. The bus (and our composting toilet) completely paid for themselves after one year. We don't have to worry about not having a roof over our heads and we can live in a beautiful mountain retreat.
I don't believe that the American economy will return to it's former glory; its need for infinite growth is colliding with the reality of finite resources. Peak oil is no longer the province of conspiracy theorists, it is upon us. Our nation is falling deeper and deeper into debt. The Middle East is entering a new round of turmoil.
So we live in a bus.
In 2004 I stumbled upon a book called "Some Turtles Have Nice Shells". Every since then my husband and I have had this deep seeded need to live in a bus. But such is life that things some times get put on the back burner.
ReplyDeleteWell, I have recently been accepted to grad school in Colorado. Living in WV, a move almost 2000 miles across country seems like quite the undertaking. So we have decided to finally make our dream of being "bus dwellers" a reality. Seems like a sensible way to go really. Rent in the Fort Collins area is outrageous. State and federal parks seem to be pretty accepting to the idea of us camping long term after summer season is over. And hopefully we will make connections that will lead us to a host like you guys have found.
Anyways, here I am looking for answers to questions I might have for this life change. I'm so happy that I found your blog to help out with our new adventure. It has been helpful with some great ideas for our bus conversion. It has help me stick with our decision to do the composting toilet to conserve on water (especially in a state like CO). It has also given me great ideas for storage and lighting. I hope you don't mind, but our bus interior is totally inspired by yours. Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to seeing new post and catching up on old ones.
Have a beautiful day.
That's great Wendy! I hope you have a great experience. Keep us updated. I would love to see pictures of your bus when it is done.
ReplyDeleteRight on, We to are bus dwellers for 15 yrs. now. because I have 4 kids and my wife, Our bus is set up quit differently, We utilized the use of a 22foot hi-lo camper for a full kitchen, And spare bathroom. We use that shower/tub in the winter but we built an outdoor shower house for the rest of the time. Our bus runs great on propane too but we never need to move it ever again, We bought 2 1/2 acres on a ridge we are developing. Thanks for the good ideas you have shown us with your interior, Very nice indeed.
ReplyDeleteJames, Do you mind sharing where you live? I'd love for my family to move into a bus, and I've heard of others doing it with multiple children, but is it only do-able (while maintaining everyone's need for sanity/personal space) if you live in a warmer climate? We live in Ontario, Canada and it's not really possible for a two and a half year old to spend all day playing outside in the winter. What are your thoughts/experiences with regards to this? Thanks in advance!
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