Bus life update. Here it is the end of March, and 2025 is running wild as promised. The American Spring is upon us. The global order is realigning, as our wannabe techno feudalist kings play the worlds biggest game of FAFO.
Meanwhile life goes on in the trenches. I hope everyone is doing okay in these times. I have recently had an option presented to me. Not one I necessarily want to take, but one that gives me further options.
Bus Life Update
After making some tough and not so tough decisions, I am not going to build the bus I have. To build it into a reasonable living accomodation is going to cost a minimum of $10k. That figure is for most any bus build.
This bus is a slow and steady type. No turbo. And because I’ve used it as a storage unit for years, it needs a little extra work. Our New Mexico winds have done a number on the paint. Window gaskets are dry and cracked. And it needed tires when I bought it. They do still appear to hold air after 15 years though.
I plan to get this old bus running and then likely put it up for sale either as a starter builder or storage.
Going Forward
After my moms estate settled, I was presented an option and worked out a deal with my Dad for a small part of it. This gives me a few options.
Currently, I’m scouring marketplace, Craigslist, and auctions for a decent affordable RV I can live in at least until I have my next disability hearing in April. There are a few gems, I just haven’t found the right one yet.
My definition of RV is pretty loose at this point. While I really want a bus, I’m looking at class A and class C RVs. Looked at a couple of box trucks, a hearse, and some vans.
Saw great deals on a couple of limos too. One looked real clean but was on 22 inch rims. Way to low to get to the best rockhounding spots. The other was an 80’s model that looked like it plausibly could have a mob body count.
The Plan(s)
Plan A: Buy an RV. Travel to rockhounding spots and gem and mineral shows. Make content. Sell rocks supplemented by website design, hosting, and consulting. RV will bridge the gap until I can hopefully get my disability approved.
Plan B: Same except without an RV. Instead buy an acre or so. Move my bus there as a base camp, and travel in my SUV for work and recreation. My disability hearing is in April. If approved at this time, I’ll have a more options.
Rockhounding Tours
I will be updating the website shortly. I’m going to pull the calendar and booking form. I will add information to contact me directly about rockhounding tours for rosebud agate. I don’t really expect to be more than a day or two away at any given time, but arrangements will need to be made.
Rock Sales
The plan is to carry at least some inventory with me, but the supply flow of rosebud agate will likely slow some. Being away from the ranch means I can’t just go pick more if I need to fill an order.
I will continue to trade and look for deals so I can offer other stuff on the website. This stuff packs down pretty well, and will generally be with me so I can ship it.
Bus Life & Rockhounding Content
As I make this transition in my life, I will be documenting road life and making new rockhounding and other content. My YouTube channel is a primary focus and will have new content very soon. From trips to rockhounding spots, to gem and mineral shows, and everywhere in between, I will be sharing my bus life adventures.
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