Follow Our Progress

December 21st 2003

It's been really a challenge for me to keep the web site up to date lately.  My motivation level has dropped quite a bit and I have not been working on the bus all that much because of the holidays.

We did get out to the bus for a few hours in the afternoon despite the heavy traffic and huge number of psychotic grandmothers on the road. I worked on sealing up the cracks along the base of the interior walls.  I used expanding foam insulation along the bottom of the wall and rubber caulk along the top.  That should seal up the air leaks caused by the gap between the insulation and wall paneling.

Becky and I are more determined than ever to make it to Quartzite this year.  We did some soul searching and decided that if we do not try to make the trip that we will most likely be stuck in our current situation for another year...  We also will most likelynot have the opportunity to travel along with our friend Alan for quite some time.

That being said, we came up with a "criticality list" so that we can concentrate on the most important things that need to be done in order to make the trip as successful as possible...  Here's the list so far:

1. The fresh water tank and pump need to be installed so we will have running water
2. The gray water tank needs to be installed so we have someplace for the water to go
3. We need to have the propane tanks installed so I don't have to monkey with them while we're on the road
4. We need batteries for our electrical needs
5. We need to remove the upper windows so we can vent the refrigerator and stove
6. We need to seal up the upper windows so that rain will not leak in
7. We need to seal up the hole in ceiling of the the kids bedroom (the old escape hatch) so it won't leak
8. We need to install a few ceiling vents so we can have fresh air in the bus now that the windows are all sealed up.
9. Have the engine checked for safety
10. Have the brakes checked for safety

There's a secondary list of things that would make the trip a lot more comfortable:

1. Install a tow hitch for the Jeep so we can pull it behind and all ride together
2. Install the canopy
3. Replace the suspension to resolve the rocking back and forth problem
4. Get the front windshield re-sealed
5. Get the side windows sealed up
6. Insulate the condenser compartment in the kids bedroom
7. Replace the rear tires
8. Install the solar panels