update on the BUS

Nessie, our big black bus is parked in my sister's rv driveway in the backyard.  We walk past her everyday and so does every client that comes to my sister's hair salon.  Every time I walk past her, I touch her hood and say something to her about how much I love her.  I love my bus.  I know my kids do too.  I think my husband is getting there.

I haven't written an update on the bus because we haven't done ANYTHING to her since day one.  She still remains an empty shell with a few seats up by the driver.  The only thing we've done (besides keep her clean and move big furniture inside) is put a pink seat cover on the driver's chair.  People want an update, but there isn't one, yet.  She's the same as she's always been, and she's still pretty.

I thought I would paint her the first weekend we got her.  I definitely thought we'd add a bunk bed or turn around the benches to face each other (dining area.)  When coming back from our last trip, I thought for SURE we'd at least rip out the flooring and add something smooth and shiny before we take it out again.  And even though I spend a lot of time going over blueprints and plotting out how we want to rebuild her, I haven't had the urge to start yet.  I am not sure why, exactly, but I just don't think it's time to start.  At first I thought I was waiting for my husband's permission to spend more money on her, but he isn't stopping me.  I am just waiting for inspiration to hit.  I mean, I think I know what I want, but I am waiting for it to overpower me.

Another reason I haven't started is because my plans for the bus are big.  After all of my reading and researching, the number one regret people had when converting their bus is that they didn't replace the windows and raise the roof..  and that's what I want to do.  I also want a deck up on top for the kids to sleep outdoors.  I want a party bus for these soon to be teenagers of mine and I that's what we're going to build.  But I don't feel a rush to do it.  It will come with time and money and inspiration..  

Until then, we are going to travel in it as is.  Our experimental trip to Moab & the Grand Canyon proved to us that we don't need much more than a comfy mattress and some good books to have an awesome vacation.  What we DO need is better documenting equipment... a nicer video camera and mobile internet access so I can update when I want.   

So, here are a few pictures of what we want to do with the bus.  Raising the roof will be first--  

Carpinteria CA State Beach also known as HEAVEN

Five years ago, we happened upon Carpinteria, CA and we've been addicted ever since. We've made an annual trip back (yes, even during my pregnancies and even during the summer my husband was on crutches.. you must understand that camping and beach walking on crutches is basically impossible, but this place was worth it!  and that's saying a lot...)

I kind of hate advertising how to book this campground because it fills up fast and the more who know about it, the less chance we have of going back to our favorite spots.  But I'm gonna spread the word because it's just too amazing to keep to ourselves. Really, we've been to a lot of beaches and this is top-notch.. and apparently, the safest.

my thirteen year old son makes the prettiest mermaid.

Address: 205 Palm Ave, Carpinteria, CA, 93013
Phone: (805) 968-1033

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=599

http://www.californiasbestbeaches.com/carpinteria/carpinteria_camping.html


Where to book:  http://www.reserveamerica.com/  You'll need to enter in Carpinteria SB CA (it's outside of Santa Barbara.)  Our favorite loop is the Santa Cruz.  Best spot is site 37-- it's isolated and huge and shaded and right on the beach.  But we love 28 &29 (awesome if you book together and go with another family.)  And really, all the sites on that loop are good.. This last time we were able to show up the day of and book a GROUP site for the price of an individual site because it was open.  We stayed in Plower and it was amazing.  The back side of the Plower site has a bridge and river that flow into the ocean, super fun for the kids!

When to book: 7 months in advance, the month opens up at 8 am.. yes, you need to be on the site early enough to book because they fill up.  But campgrounds open up, so check back often if the week you want is booked!  Also, if you want to go last minute, they do open up the campgrounds the morning of and have a "lottery".  We've ALWAYS been able to show up and get a good spot... however, we go during the week.  Weekends are busy and weekends during the summer are probably not available.  Off season weather is still awesome!  We've been in March, May, June, August and September.  It's basically 80 degrees year around.  The best water temp was in August or September, but our whole family was in the water in March and it was fine!

Cost of the campgrounds: $45-$55 per night.  Beach front are $55 and we love them, but have been equally satisfied with our $45 campsites.  There are flushing toilets, warm water, sinks for bathing babies, coin operated showers, bike trails, fire pits, camp hosts, very close to supermarkets, restaurants and cute shops.. Downside-- there is a train that runs during the day and into the even hours.. it's right by the campground, so that could be annoying for some people, but it was a highlight for our kids.. they love the trains!

The beach is so great that it's worth the $10/day just to park and visit, even if you don't stay the night.  There are plenty of picnic tables on the sand and awesome views of the sunset, year around.  We love the soft sand, tide pools and mild temperatures.  This place has really become our little slice of heaven.

This tree is right where you check in and just at hill of campsite 28.  The picnic table under this tree is where we like to make dinner and watch the sunset (or just hike up and sit to watch it.)  We've done several silohette pictures under this tree over the years..  It's always there to greet us when we arrive and the sunsets are always beautiful, year around.