my story
Hello skoolies,
I joined this forum to learn, ask questions, and make new friends! For that feeling of belonging to a niche community. Those of you who are also full timers know the loneliness, frustration, but mostly the exhilaration and freedom of living in a school bus. A member here described the sound of rain hitting the roof and how it made her feel. That post stuck with me and it is a feeling that I cherish now. I want to thank all the members here for their stories and input. I have learned a lot from "y'all" and without your knowledge I would not be living free as I am now...rent free anyway!
I am currently parked at about 10k ft altitude on national forest land, in Colorado, near a major ski resort, my passion!! The weather outside is 20° and snowing. A few days ago it was 6°! I have a 3 tile home depot propane heater that keeps my bus around 55 - 60 on low. On hi its like a sauna and I crack a cold beer! I have a few days worth of low amp 120 and im lucky to have a hot shower and bathroom at work, very close. The bus runs great however it has no heat and the tires are smoother than a babies ass. It will have to stay here for now, as the road is steep, icey, and covered with 3ft of unplowed snow.
My town is very seasonal. This year the housing is very limited and very overpriced due to the shortage of availability and also because of some major events coming thru. If you have a dog, like me, forget it. Or dip into your trust fund and prepare to drop a grand or more per month, plus utilities, for a small room. I was looking for housing all summer, living out of my car, becoming more and more depressed and frustrated. I found this site randomly and for many weeks researched all the what ifs and daily issues I deal with. The answers were all right here! Everything else was down the street at ace hardware. This way of life is certainly challenging, but its more enjoyable than anywhere ive ever lived and I can crank her up and take w my lil room with me!
Lastly, but by far the most pleasant and unexpected surprise for me was the amount of support I recieved from the local community. The nearest home is a few miles down the road but my spot is regularly traveled by hikers, bikers, and now skiiers, and dogs! I have more neighbors, new friends, dog friends, and regular visitors here in the woods than at any apartment or home ive ever lived in and all because the school bus makes them smile! They see it as a clever escape from the over hype of this season. A guy and his dog on an adventure. But to me, its home and I couldn't be happier!
Thanks for the inspiration fellow skoolies!
-Patrick
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