Ventana Vistas

Some people in our world-wide audience may not be familiar with our bus, so here’s some background to give you some idea of how we’re “roughing it”.

We bought our bus in 1996. It is a 1957 PD 4104 that was a Greyhound in Florida in its previous life and was already converted, but we have slowly changed almost everything. I have replaced the engine with a newer 671 4 valve turbo.

Dropping in the piston and cylinders

Putting some time on the new engine before installation

Our electricity comes from solar panels on the roof. We have large water and sewer tanks on board, so can be self-sufficient for weeks at a time.

Inside, the bus is our haven with all the comforts of home. Many of its features have been designed and built by Calvin, so are unique to us and our bus. It is also cat-friendly, because we have brought our cat Spike with us on this trip. The advantage to having a bus with all the understorage is that we do not need so many interior cupboards that often make other RVs appear closed-in. We actually find it quite spacious and don’t feel like we’re in each other’s way; the bathroom door opens into the hallway, separating he who wants to stay up late watching TV from she who wants to go to bed and read for awhile. Spike has learned there’s a tunnel through the opened closet doors that allows him to visit Mama or Daddy when the bathroom door is opened. He knows how to access his litterbox in the understorage via a catdoor under the couch. Well, we all really enjoy our bus-house. It’s cosy, comfortable, functional, easy to clean, and appealing to the eye. We’re proud of our space, and generally welcome visitors to come see it. Here are a few photos to give you an idea of what the fuss is about:

Modified dash with extra gauges for the new turbo engine

Multi-purpose oak desk custom made by Calvin

Retro 50s Formica countertop with aluminum trim and backsplash; Console on upper right monitors “sun juice and stuff”

The catdoor leads directly to Spike’s covered litterbox, accessible from outside for cleaning

A view of the hallway closet without the sliding doors

Plenty of storage under the bed, which is covered by Leanne’s quilt, and in Calvin’s custom mahogany cabinets

About the only thing our bus-house lacks is a dishwasher, but that’s me