Meet Scout, the 7.3 Liter Thomas shorty (former) school bus. We bought it from a boy scout troop in Pennsylvania, ripped the seats out, and built a custom not-so-perfect interior (we call it character) for us to travel in. Inside, there is a kitchen, a bed, a couch, a desk, and a little bathroom. There’s running water, air conditioning/heat, and plenty of supplies to make lattes. Yes, the lattes are necessary. Everything else is a luxury.
We spent just over three months renovating the interior, and have invested nearly $8,000 into Scout. Our goal was to be able to travel (duh) and see really cool places while still having a place where I can still write and Stacy can sew, knit, and work on building her Etsy business. www.flannelnchubs.com if you want to check out some really cool homemade things!
Last year we were able to take Scout out West for three months. We weren’t prepared for the crazy mountain passes and hairpin twists and turn that the Rocky Mountains is known for. Needless to say, Scout chugged up those 9,000 foot passes like a boss. I’m sure if he could speak he would have had a lot to say about the experience, however. We treated him with an extra special oil change and bath when we were done.
Some of the best place we have been able to take Scout to have been right here in Michigan. We are blessed to be able to have such an awesome state filled with national and state forests, and many places to camp for free. Being out in the middle of nowhere can be a bit scary sometimes, but there’s nothing like being able to see nature at its finest.
All in all, scout has been a complete blessing. We have learned to live with the little flaws and deal with the fact that we have to shower outside (A hot water heater was a recent upgrade this year) in a little tent. Sometimes it is the simple things that are the most rewarding. The view, the silence, the ability to learn how to live in a small space without killing each other…they are all worth experiencing.
If you want to learn more about our travels, or Scout, follow us on Instagram @everyroadleadshome. Also, if you would like to support us in our journey, check out some of Stacy’s cool products on Etsy. If you’d like to, check out Troy’s merch too. Finally, if you have any questions for us (The bus build, Flannel N Chubs, Descendant Publishing, or our overall vision) feel free to contact Troy at contact@descendantpublishing.com.
