BusBuilding

One of my primary criteria in designing Evangelina’s layout was that to the greatest degree possible, every usable cubic foot have at least two uses. I’ll add to this explanation later, but for now here’s the floorplan.

This layout is almost unheard of. I’ve seen quite a few coaches in person and have looked at literally thousands on the web. NObody does it this way, so it is *not* a recommendation, ok?

If you traveled with a family or other groups this would not work at all, but as my travel and living plans only concern one or two people I want to use every region to its highest advantage. I just couldn’t bear the thought of allowing almost 1/3 of the coach to waste away as the sleeping chambers when one doesn’t spend much conscious time there.

The side-hinged murphy bed is by far the biggest contributor to the space savings. This area will double as a study/office when not in evening use. Other features include a countertop which slides over the cockpit area to allow for some 16′ of counter space in the galley, and a sliding countertop on the curb side which doubles as a breakfast counter. There’s also a sliding closet which doubles as a door and lives in the shower area when not in use. (with plans for an air-actuated cylinder to power it just like on Star Trek!)

Oops, I just noticed there’s a chair in the wrong place…oh well…

Our Friend George knows how to enjoy life.

This Sunday afternoon is the beginning of my second week in Santa Rosalia. The week went by soooooo fast, it seems like only a few days have gone by. I am getting so comfortable living here. Everybody treats me so kindly, and are so friendly. Man-O-Man!
I am a very lucky guy!

Scott Burns, one of the five most widely read financial writers in the country, writes in The Dallas Morning News about joining the RV lifestyle:

Millions of Americans are, or will be, facing tough choices. Some will be there because of forced premature retirement. Others will retire on schedule but won’t have nearly enough money. Either way, they face the same problem.

They can try to raise the bridge of investment returns on their nest egg. Or they can lower the flood tide of living expenses. Whether they live in an RV full-time or use it as a low-cost vacation alternative, the RV may be the best tool available for re-examining (and perhaps resizing) the American Dream.

Scott Burns: It’s Only Money
(Registration required )

Ah, to be in the desert in wintertime…
When I get to Quartzsite, you can be sure to find me

at The City Bus Cafe!

[update: the link is broken. That’s a shame because it was a neat site. Maybe it will fix itself soon.]

How to solder
MAKE’s soldering primer, and another for beginners and novices alike from the Edinburgh Engineering Virtual Library.

[MAKE]

A great way to choose a calendar:

VW Photo Calendar Voting just in…

Man, those folks are serious about their VW Vans!