Beast goes East — Something More Project

You heard right - us crazy peeps fired up trusty Rubes and hit the road again!

We've actually been out here a few days now - getting back into #roadlife, remembering how annoying finding parking without a plan can be, but mostly just enjoying the freedom and beauty of it all. We have a much shorter timeframe we are working with this time and a fall color mission, but it feels less stressful, less committal (&more vacation), and less of a learning curve. We have done this before, and just like riding a bike, the tips & tricks you once picked up come right back to ya! We were able to fully pack Ruby up in a few hours & and didn't even have any major disasters once we started moving (like the fridge being unlocked or pictures flying off the walls) 🤟

Pictured: Ruby hanging on a campsite right off of Lake Superior in Munising, MI. #happyplace

Over the past few months, we haven't really been using Ruby, but we have been doing a few great upgrades to her. Check out her new & improved additions!

Mini split - we replaced the old window AC unit with a mini split (heat/AC system) that can be used while we are driving and takes much less energy to run. This is exciting for us & gives us much more confidence in keeping the doggo in the bus when we go adventuring to places she can't.
Underbody box - we found an old truck tool box & got it welded to Ruby's underside, so we now have some outdoor storage! It's AMAZING & probably our favorite upgrade. We use it for things like our dirty grill, outdoor rug, camp chairs, etc. And it saves us SO much space inside.

Bike rack! Due to mounting the mini split compressor on the back rack of Rubes, we had to find a new solution for our bikes (also due to me crashing our bikes into a meter post last trip…). S/O to Josh & Elvira for getting us a sweet set-up for our wedding gift! A quick hitch weld later and we were all set.
Storage solutions - simple, but life-changing things like adding cubbies for our laptops and mounting a few organizers to the walls. It's been great and freed up SO much counter space!

Shore power - smarty-pants Jakers did some electrical work so that when we do have access to an electrical hookup, we can easily convert from solar to shore power. And then we charge ALL OF THE THINGS.
Plumbing - not glamorous, but a more functional fix, Jake & Papa O worked on a new gray water tank out valve - switching from a PVC valve to a ball valve that just hooks up to a regular garden hose. Previously, the valve was TOUGH to get open (I couldn't muscle it) and was just a pain all around.
Couch makeover - out with the giant futon mattress & in with some foam cushions with cushion covers. MUCH more fitting for Rubes - physically and mentally.
OUTDOOR table - and last but not least, Galen came in clutch with building Rubes an outdoor table. This is simply the best thing we have added to Ruby in my mind. It's HUGE when we are off-grid camping or just pulling off in random parking lots or parks. Big enough for the grill and perfectly standing height.

Simple stuff, but things we are really excited about. That's one fun thing about the bus and doing DIY work, you are never really "done". The second you finish something or spend a couple days in it, you already have a list of what to do next. So the life mantra goes - always growing, always learning, always evolving. Same Rubes, same. <3

ONTO THE 2021 MISSION!

This trip, we plan to be out for ~4-5 weeks - which sounds like a lot, but we will BOTH be working 3 days/wk which definitely changes the pace in which we can move. Our original plan was to get to Acadia NP in Maine - a spot we have had our eyes on (along with everyone else on planet Earth) for a long time. However, after calculating out some of the mileage, 1800 miles, one way, it's seeming less likely we will actually get all the way to the Atlantic coast. SO, our current plan is to start driving that way and see where we get :) Our first goal is to make it to the Green Mountain area - Vermont, New Hampshire & see where we're at and then take it from there. Along with finding all things fall, we are on a mission to meet up with my girlfriend Jacko and her man!

So you're working…?

Yes; we have both been majority remote for a while now (well I just started this job 2 months ago), so this doesn't affect that part of things too much. We are however, only working ~3 days / wk. We had planned to go to Peru around this time frame for like 3 weeks, so really, we just transferred to a different trip (partially due to some COVID restrictions, partially due to not being prepared, partially due to wanting to take Rubes out). And now, we just have some days we need to guarantee cell signal! Mobile hotspots coming in clutch! The difficult thing to get past will be when we are BOTH working (vs just Jake last trip)…and on calls…in one little space. Let’s pray those days don’t come with rain! Local coffee shops may be our best friends :)

What's the route?

We are thinking (never committed to a route on these trips) of making a loop - starting towards the UP of Michigan (where we are now) and attempting a border cross into Canada - from there, head east until ~Montreal area where we will then bop south into the Vermont/NH area. :) Get a little taste of upstate NY, Niagara Falls, Green Mountains, and more. We plan to circle back on the US route where we will take the south side of Michi back home! We are really hoping to keep seeing the fall colors out east still; in the UP, and I wouldn't say colors are YET peak here, but getting close. We are also on the lakes which I think makes the colors happen a little later. Either way, hard to go wrong with Apple orchards, sweater season, and PSLs.

How's it feel??

Just peachy! Moving back in and heading out was blissful. Although it was a little sad saying goodbye to a house we just moved into 2 months ago, we were very excited to hit the road! Most things have come back very naturally - the street parking, the tiny space, the securing of our belongings. It's felt really nice so far, except I don’t really miss the whole “rinsing my body outside in public spaces” thing. Simple, freeing, and satisfies some of my roaming roots. <3 And Ruby has been doing awesome. The fall we really love too because campgrounds and the roads in general are less busy. Many things are first come first serve this time in the season, trails are less busy which makes for easier navigation of this kind of lifestyle. PLUS, it’s gorgggggg.