Blue Dream The Bus: A 28 ft International Skoolie
Meet Alexis & Adam: Living in a 28FT International Skoolie
Quick Rapid Fire:
Full Names: Alexis Broderick & Adam McGuffey
Pronouns: she/her, he/him
Hometowns: St. Pete, Florida (Alexis) & Helen, Georgia (Adam)
MPG: 9-12 mpg
Total Rig Cost (Pre-Build): $10,700
Total Build Cost: $30,000
Power Source: Solar system and shore power
Water Capacity: 100 gal fresh water, 67 gal grey water
Toilet System: Nature's Head compost toilet
Social Media: @BlueDreamTheBus on TikTok
Alexis’s Store: www.elementalcreation.store
The Inspiration
Alexis and Adam's journey to life on the road began from different points but converged beautifully. Alexis, originally from Florida, discovered the allure of van life while attending college in Tahoe, California. She bought a 2005 Dodge Sprinter van after graduation and hit the road. A serendipitous meeting in Santa Cruz brought Adam into her life, and they decided to travel together. A tragic accident that totaled their van led them to seek a sturdier, more spacious vehicle, and thus, their Skoolie dream was born.
Adam, who always had a burning desire to travel, moved to California from Georgia at a young age. Meeting Alexis turned his dream into a shared vision, and the Skoolie became their perfect mobile home.
The Rig: Their Cozy Home on Wheels
Their bus is a 2012 International school bus, 28 feet long, with a diesel engine and 120,000 miles when they bought it. They transformed it into a cozy, functional home, reflecting both their personalities.
Interior Design: The interior is a blend of their tastes, with natural wood for live edge countertops, a pine board ceiling, and light colors to keep it bright and airy. The bus itself is painted light blue, reminiscent of the ocean.
Living Space: Upon entering, you're greeted by colorful tiled stairs. Inside, a pull-out couch faces a large kitchen. Alexis's art desk, where she creates sterling silver jewelry and pinecone pendants, is neatly organized next to their shared closet.
Bathroom and Shower: The separate bathroom and shower rooms are highlights. The shower, designed like a tiled bath, has light green tiles and an accent wall, creating a serene, forest bathing vibe. The bathroom features a Nature's Head composting toilet and a small sink with storage underneath.
Bedroom: At the back is their queen-size bed on a lift for easy under-bed storage.
Favorite Features
"Our favorite feature is the tiled shower/bath tub," says Alexis. "We were previously showering at Anytime Fitness, but having our own shower is a game-changer. The hot water for baths and dishes makes life so much easier."
Adam adds, "We cannot live without our AC, especially in the summer. It runs off our solar, so we don’t have to be hooked up to shore power. It keeps our pup and cat cool and comfortable."
Their 6 ft pull-out couch is another favorite. "It's great for guests, and it feels like we have a separate living room from our bedroom," explains Adam.
Choosing the Vehicle
After their van was totaled, they wanted something safer and more spacious. "We did some research into school bus conversions and decided this was the best option for us," says Alexis.
Travel Companions
Meet Onyx, their 3-year-old Blue Heeler mix, and Puss, their adventurous cat. "They are the best travel buddies," says Adam.
Essential Items
"A big fridge is crucial for our love of cooking," says Alexis. "And our espresso maker makes mornings in the middle of nowhere perfect."
Staying Connected
They rely on Starlink for internet access on the road.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
"The biggest challenge is finding mechanics willing to work on a school bus," says Adam. "We often have to drive over an hour for repairs."
Advice for Newcomers
"The bus build will take longer than planned," laughs Alexis. "Expect ups and downs, both emotionally and physically. Not all projects are smiles and laughs, but it's all part of the journey and so worth it."
Memorable Experience
"Our favorite memory is our first trip together," says Adam. "We saw the desert, snowy mountains, and the ocean all in one day. It was magical and unforgettable."
Go Support Alexis & Adam
"Bus life can be challenging and expensive, but waking up to new scenery every day and slowing down to enjoy the moment makes it all worth it," says Alexis.
Making money on the road can be tough for some nomads, the best way we can support our community is to shop from the community:
Go Support Alexis’s shop!
Follow: @BlueDreamTheBus on TikTok
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