BY: ALEX BROWN
A young Californian from Long Beach has captured the imagination of prospective full-time vagabonds and those looking to pursue a 21st century spinoff of the trademark Chris McCandless dream. His name is Patrick Schmidt, and he’s equipped with a 1990s school bus renovated to the effect of a ’70s living room on wheels.
The school bus itself cost a mere $4,500, with an additional three months and $9,000 to transform the bus into a fully-functioning, mobile, off-grid home.
The school bus came with 68,000 miles on it, completely gutted, painted and road-ready.
After the renovations were complete, Schmidt took off on a 10,000-mile excursion from California to Florida, traversing 30 states in between.
The major costs, according to Schmidt’s blog, were the $400 solar panels, $400 mattress and $2,000 to hook up the electricity.
Solar panels are spread out across the roof, and the bus comes with a functioning shower, sink and toilet.
He pays the bills by selling home-made wax candles, accepting odd-jobs, and is currently looking into “work camping,” where one provides temporary work for a campground in exchange for pay and free board (parking on the property).
Schmidt insured the bus under the title of “Reconstructed Motor Home,” allowing him to pay a significant reduction compared to the costs of car insurance. Taxes are low too, at only $200 a year.
The gas, however, is not cheap. Schmidt claims that he spent something close to a painful $3,000 dollars in gas between Florida and California. However, he says, “I would have spent that much in rent alone if I still lived in my apartment. It’s all a matter of perspective.”
As Schmidt told metro.co.uk, “My plans are to stay in Florida until March, then most likely find my way back slowly to Vegas, and up to Seattle to live again for a while. Find some land to park on. That’s kind of the life I’ve imagined for myself. Ride around, travel, find temporary work, and see where to go from there.” You can follow Schmidt’s adventures on Instagram here.
Image sources: dailymail.co.uk
