tag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:/blogs/starting-over?p=2Road Stories2023-03-20T14:01:04-04:00Mike the Wandering Bardfalsetag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/71750642023-03-20T14:01:04-04:002023-10-16T11:00:12-04:00I'm bad at this<p>So, the original plan was to keep the site up to date with regular blog posts about my travels, along with a series of YouTube videos, et cetera, et cetera. Yeah, so I haven't done that. </p><p>I've covered a LOT of ground the past few months. Extended stays in Georgia, Tennessee, and California, reconnecting with friends, and exploring all over the country. I've gotten to see New Orleans, Austin, Phoenix, San Francisco, Portland (the other one), and I'm just an hour or so from Seattle. I saw the beaches of the gulf coast, the giant redwoods, and a slew of national parks. I've been working on art and music stuff- less than I'd like, but more than I had been.</p><p>But I haven't been documenting every moment. Some of this is laziness and ADD, but there's more to it. I don't want to be an “influencer”. I don't give a shit how many likes or subscribers I get. I feel weirdly protective of many of my experiences- I went and sought them out, and they're <i>mine</i>, not the internet's. I just want to travel and make art, not “create content”.</p><p>But it's the nature of the beast. To be an artist of any kind, you have to promote. You have to get out there and market yourself and your work. Man, I'm tired of that, especially these days where it isn't enough to just release an album or exhibit a gallery show. You have to <i>be</i> the art. You need to turn it into a compelling series of multimedia presentations styled for TikTok and reels. You need to be at the center, displaying yourself and your craft as a consumer product. You have to be an <i>influencer</i>, not an artist. Honestly, I have neither the stomach nor the ego for that. Not for public consumption.</p><p>I'll try to update things anyway. There's a <a class="no-pjax" href="/music" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Music">couple new songs on the music page</a>. I think I figured out how to release the slew of new material collecting digital dust on my hard drive. And I'm headed home to Maine in a few weeks for the summer- Maybe I'll have more time to do this stuff, maybe less. We'll see.</p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/71115682022-11-27T19:47:24-05:002022-11-27T19:47:25-05:00On the road again<p><em>Here I go again on my own...</em></p>
<p>And it's back to the road. Done with work for the season, moved all my stuff into the bus, and fired up the engine. Working on tons of new art and music stuff, but for the immediate moment, Archer is my priority. Spending most of this week in great company-</p>
<p>Made a wonderful visit to <a contents="A Sacred Place" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/aspnh.org/" target="_blank">A Sacred Place</a> in Canaan NH and then <a contents="Peaceful Harvest Mushrooms" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.peacefulharvestmushrooms.com/" target="_blank">Peaceful Harvest Mushrooms</a> in Worcester VT, where I got some lion's mane tincture that's supposed to help with some of my diabetic nerve issues. </p>
<p>Then it was a quick visit back home for Thanksgiving with family, followed by social calls in MA, CT, and on to my next stop in Pennsylvania.</p>
<p>I'll be spending a month or so working on Archer at one or more <a contents="Wanderlust Waypoints" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wanderlustwaypoints.com/" target="_blank">Wanderlust Waypoints</a> locations as I work my way down to Florida for the Nomads United field trip to All World Acres, where you can see me perform, buy a painting, and who knows what else? It should be a great time, and I recommend you come check it out.</p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/70693782022-09-27T05:12:33-04:002022-09-27T05:12:34-04:00Work season winding down<p>Well, as September draws to a close, so does the hotel season, and I'm making plans for winter. I haven't had as much time as I'd hoped to work on Archer the wonder bus, but she's road worthy and just this side of livable. Solar, toilet, wastewater, and kitchen (minus sink) are up and running, curtains are done, and some more furniture is installed.</p>
<p>I've also got half a hard drive full of half finished songs... As per usual. Eventually I'll release some of that new material.</p>
<p>I think I'll be headed out mid November for points south. Stay tuned,</p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/70147162022-07-14T12:44:16-04:002022-07-14T12:44:17-04:00Just another update<p>So, I had a <a contents="Reddit post go somewhat viral" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/antiwork/comments/vy7l6i/this_generation_must_work_twice_as_hard_for_what/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">Reddit post go somewhat viral</a>. 35k upvotes and made the front page. Other than that, I've been working on a little bit of bus stuff and some music, but my day job is keeping me busy.</p>
<p>I did manage one fun project- I needed some specific hardware for the curtain rods in the bus, but I'm not sure whether it actually exists. So I fired up Blender, loaded the 3D printer with some gold silk PLA, and woke up to the parts I needed ready to install. No matter how many times I do this, it's still absolutely mindblowing to me that I can literally come up with an idea, send it to my little robot factory, and have a solid object in my hand by morning.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/555825/806c212fc4521f75b62d082537997cc5df2fe103/original/img-1106.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_none border_none" alt="" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/555825/511b69d052e72549e9c298bf95bfa77fbcf98afb/original/screen-shot-2022-06-25-at-11-51-21-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_none border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/69646632022-05-05T19:04:04-04:002022-05-05T19:04:04-04:00Thus ends the off season<p>Realized I haven't posted in way too long.</p>
<p>Georgia was great. Spent several weeks working on the bus at <strong>Cobbtown Acres</strong>- A DIY workshop and grounds for a couple dozen of us all working on our skoolie projects. I met some amazing people who have become surprisingly near and dear to my heart in such a short time- Check out <a contents="BuzuAzul" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/buzuazul/" target="_blank">BuzuAzul</a>, <a contents="Escahpay" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/escahpay_life/" target="_blank">Escahpay</a>, and <a contents="Daddamantium" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/daddamantium/" target="_blank">Daddamantium</a> on Insta. Finished the subfloor and laminate flooring, built my bed, kitchen counters, got solar hooked up, mounted storage bins and water tanks underneath. Good progress.</p>
<p>And then, Cobbtown had to shut down. They're presently seeking out a more suitable space to restart, probably in a different county. But for now, everyone had to leave.</p>
<p>A bunch of us- like the folks I mentioned above- decided we wanted to stick together, so it was time for a convoy. The four of us landed and regrouped with a couple other friends at <a contents="Wanderlust Waypoints" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wanderlustwaypoints.com/" target="_blank">Wanderlust Waypoints</a> in Tennessee- While they're still getting the place finished, Johnny and Ash were nonetheless able to squeeze us in for several weeks.</p>
<p>I installed and finished plumbing my toilet and wastewater tank, did some more interior framing, and painted a mural in the clubhouse there.</p>
<p>And before you know, it's that time again, and I'm back on the Maine coast for the summer. Archer is parked at a friend's house, where I am continuing to make progress- This week it's the couch framing and more underbody storage, courtesy of a handful of old metal filing cabinets. We'll see how much gets done over the summer.</p>
<p>Besides that, it's back to work, and very likely you'll see me at a few Friday Art Walks in Portland, and maybe the occasional gig or open mic. I'll keep you posted.</p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/69120482022-03-02T19:53:39-05:002022-03-02T19:53:39-05:00Progress at last!<p>So, I have made it to my destination in Georgia, where I am working on finishing Archer.</p>
<p>In the last couple weeks, I've managed to install water tanks underneath, build in the bed, kitchen counters, and frame the shower and toilet enclosures, as well as cut a huge horkin hole in the side skirting to mount the two big steel boxes I got for storage.</p>
<p>I'm hoping over the next week or two to get solar and plumbing hooked up and operational. Tonight, Papa Joe the storyteller is at the campfire, and I'll be accompanying him with some percussion.</p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/69022452022-02-19T20:15:37-05:002022-02-19T20:15:37-05:00Repairs, repairs, repairs.<p>YUP, it's a part of skoolie life, and I'm kind of throwing Archer to the wolves here with a 1200 mile maiden voyage. It's not surprising that anything that was going to go wrong, <em>is</em>.</p>
<p>Spent the last two weeks with friends in Pennsylvania while half the DEF system got replaced. Today I noticed that my rear axle was hemorrhaging oil, so I'm waiting for the mechanic at a truck stop to put on a new seal tomorrow. Looks like I'm spending the night at a <a contents="Love's" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.loves.com/" target="_blank">Love's</a> in North Carolina.</p>
<p>Speaking of spending, HOLY CRAP has all this gotten expensive. Now's a really good time to buy some downloads, paintings or prints, or some random stuff from the Amazon links below.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B09CGF4V2B&asins=B09CGF4V2B&linkId=63fe038286f66e93806a7e643946749a&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B08CX7HQML&asins=B08CX7HQML&linkId=362cf5044ff6b60d255515e2743c3556&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B08YDQSDC4&asins=B08YDQSDC4&linkId=87a07d00530048ca008210f22e6cccf7&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B07Z5BTL5Z&asins=B07Z5BTL5Z&linkId=c54fbbd4a0bd92370f70bcdfa59a5f1b&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B09369T7F1&asins=B09369T7F1&linkId=de98982a03d7ea2c3bcb6789f1b4e46a&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0765392763&asins=0765392763&linkId=10d0d7b9b6d80d1ef4cac8941edc9ca1&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B06Y1KBJ8Y&asins=B06Y1KBJ8Y&linkId=601e11d7f1664b832e987c9ecb608c85&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe></p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/68911832022-02-07T16:02:39-05:002022-02-07T16:02:39-05:00At least Pennsylvania is Nice.<p>So, no luck in beating the storm. Archer had an engine issue and we spent the night in a rest stop in Pennsylvania waiting for a tow truck. I'm staying with friends until the mechanic gets the part in.</p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/68870872022-02-02T20:31:07-05:002022-02-02T20:31:07-05:0012 Hours to Liftoff.<p>Bags are packed. Farewells have been said. Archer, despite her incomplete state, is sitting in my driveway, patiently waiting for her voyage. Tomorrow I leave Maine for the open road… And what looks like two solid days of driving in nonstop rain. That’s okay, if I time it even remotely okay I should miss the snow that would keep me here another week. </p>
<p>My destination is Cobbtown Acres in Georgia- A community of folks who are all there to work on their own school bus conversions. There, I’ll finish Archer and hopefully, be able to barter some painting in exchange for help with welding and the other couple needed skills I’m lacking in. </p>
<p>After that, I’ll be headed towards New Orleans, Memphis, a few other places. We’ll see how it goes. I’ve abandoned my hopes for the left coast, but with Archer finished and a trial run under my belt, I should be able to travel for a full six months next year instead of two or three. Time. There’s never enough, and yet there’s always more. </p>
<p>For tonight, I’m at home with an empty fridge, a sea of totes and boxes, and a sense of anticipation. On a related note, my internet was shut off today- Technically in “seasonal mode”, and I’m working while tethered to my iPhone. I’ve got a solid data plan through T-Mobile and even with a sparse 1-2 bars of subprime signal here in the boonies, I’m able to update the blog and even stream video- Which gives me high hopes for working on the road. </p>
<p>Stay tuned. It’s about to get interesting.</p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/68805752022-01-26T22:01:15-05:002022-01-26T22:08:32-05:00New Music, Storms, and More<p><em><span class="font_small">Running from the cold up in New England<br>I was born to be a fiddler in an old time string band<br>-Wagon Wheel</span></em></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Well, my plan to leave this weekend for warmer climates in which to work on the bus has been hampered by an oncoming storm- Sounds like it's gonna be a big one, too. Hitting the Carolinas on Friday and heading up the coast into Maine.</span><span class="font_regular"> So it's looking like I'm probably going to end up leaving around the middle of next week instead.</span></p>
<p>In the meantime, here's a new song for you- You can <a contents="listen for free on Soundcloud" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/mike-dolan-10/sam-hall-12022-458-pm?si=c6468dd41ab04d2682733c5f70003c21&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing" target="_blank">listen for free on Soundcloud</a>, or <a contents="download here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mikethewanderingbard.com/track/2971599/sam-hall">download here</a> for .99 cents. </p>
<p>Stay tuned, I'm packed and ready to hit the road with my guitar, my painting supplies, and new- Matted prints of some of my artwork. They'll be up on the store soon.</p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/68697032022-01-14T23:05:40-05:002022-01-14T23:05:40-05:00Stalled out, heading South.<p>Been a while since I've updated, but then again, it's been a while since I've gotten much done. It's been cold in Maine, and I've been depressed about a friend who passed away and the general situation with <em>=gestures wildly at everything=</em>. Floor is mostly in, so there's that....</p>
<p>Anyway, it looks like I'm going to head down to Georgia in a week or two. There's a skoolie camp with some experienced folks might be able to help me finish this beast of a project. I'll be keeping y'all posted.</p>
<p>Also, I sat down and did some actual recording today. Just a simple and relatively faithful cover tune, but back in the swing of things a little, so that's something.</p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/68285182021-12-02T21:35:36-05:002022-01-26T21:54:35-05:00Work on the Bus Continues!<p>Well, I’m way behind where I’d like to be, but I’m pretty sure I’ll still get in a couple months travel time this winter. It also occurs to me that I haven’t been as comprehensive as I had planned on being, so here’s what’s going on with the big build…. </p><!-- more -->
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/555825/5377f0359c80f1de1fc9d970c3b928aaa1a4fedf/original/f13aa87e-ec8a-4ff4-96bd-a7eedfa4f544.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" />I had a minor mechanical issue with an oxygen sensor that cost more than I’d have liked to replace, but I think we’re now in good shape. The exterior is mostly painted with a hunter green lower and almond top, with a black line between. This space will be filled with a matte gold knotwork pattern. I’m not really liking the vinyl design I’d cut- It’s too small and detailed, and gets lost at a distance. So I think I’m going to cut a stencil for a simpler weave pattern. </p>
<p>Inside, I’m getting the subfloor down. It’s 1x2 lumber in a 16” grid, topped with OSB. I had originally planned to do foam insulation inside of the grid squares, but opted instead for something more open to help avoid moisture issues. The air gap will provide at least a little insulation on it’s own. Over that will be a nice hardwood laminate for the living and bedroom areas, off-white vinyl in the kitchen and bathroom, and an industrial carpeting for the front couple feet and steps that should catch most of the dirt before it gets tracked in. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/555825/8c25228f30b83eda72d90a295941dd768e8666ea/original/d0f6a708-63de-4043-82de-2b9ef13df499.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" />I’ve also ordered all the major components for the plumbing system- Water tanks, pump and pressure tank, tankless water heater, filter, and heating pads to keep the holding tanks liquid if I end up in a sub-freezing climate. For the bathroom, I’ve gone with a <a contents="Separett Villa" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3QSLZK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N3QSLZK&linkCode=as2&tag=mikethewander-20&linkId=be0692d2f282c8d6a9850504a9cabda1" target="_blank">Separett Villa</a> composting toilet, which should be both lower maintenance and more eco-friendly than a septic tank. </p>
<p>Next step is framing out walls and furniture before I run the pipes and tubes for all that plumbing stuff. </p>
<p>I’ve been doing the bulk of the work at the <a contents="Port City Makerspace" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.portcitymakerspace.com" target="_blank">Port City Makerspace</a> in Portsmouth NH, partly just for the space, but mostly for the facilities, and to no small measure, the community there. I’ve met at least two people who are working on their own van conversions and loved seeing the setups they’ve gone with for solar and plumbing. I’ve also been able to take classes on the laser cutter/engraver and CNC machines, which expands my capabilities for fabrication. I’m hoping I can still get into the welding class, but it’s extremely popular and fills up fast. It’s a great space, and they do public tours every Saturday afternoon if you feel like checking it out. </p>
<p>Here are the components I went with (I get paid if you purchase through these Amazon links):</p>
<p><iframe align="left" frameborder="1" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01N3QSLZK&asins=B01N3QSLZK&linkId=77539dc1a49eb0f94d3719dc2edba07f&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="1" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B09C1W44M9&asins=B09C1W44M9&linkId=d00fc4b46b25afb5e1bfa14fc22f7a55&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="1" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B097ML93ZD&asins=B097ML93ZD&linkId=e73e6b62ac8f17d524940fd8870d2aa2&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B085HY48G7&asins=B085HY48G7&linkId=129ffd94be88cddc1af562dfaa9aa2bf&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B07GBZ83HH&asins=B07GBZ83HH&linkId=96a78b9274853c4b713bedcd941e6c6e&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0989NQDYN&asins=B0989NQDYN&linkId=5b662300e7f5fbd734e15d9da6e359fe&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B07M8HSNJQ&asins=B07M8HSNJQ&linkId=93dff552e2c4d01da2ad28b7c0d68f93&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mikethewander-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B081544YH8&asins=B081544YH8&linkId=24d18d47529cd18fd5d369b7c7427af3&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe></p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/67711772021-10-09T18:02:18-04:002021-12-02T20:02:14-05:00Maiden Voyage<p>Took the bus on the road for the first real drive today, from the mechanic to it's temporary home, a bit short of a half an hour's drive along Rt 35. </p>
<p>It runs like a beast. lol. Handles much easier than I had expected, although the air brakes are going to take a little getting used to. It accelerates, stops, and turns nicely. I was a little nervous around tight corners because it's so tall it feels like it should be top heavy (it's just the opposite- the center of gravity is quite low). But all in all, it's not too different from a 30' UHaul, which I've driven a few times. I think I'll get the hang of it easy enough. </p>
<p>Thanks to my buddy <a contents="GreyWolf" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.oceanmooncreations.com/" target="_blank">GreyWolf</a> (who drove big rigs for years) for escorting me and giving pointers. </p>
<p>This week, I'm going to start ordering some of the components for the electrical and plumbing systems....</p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/67230612021-08-21T00:29:32-04:002021-11-02T14:13:59-04:00Progress is being made<p><span style="color:#999999;"><span class="font_small"><em>When I awoke today, suddenly nothing happened <br>But in my dreams, I slew the dragon <br>And down this beaten path, up this cobbled lane <br>I'm walking in my old footsteps, once again </em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#999999;"><span class="font_small"><em>And you say, just be here now <br>Forget about the past, your mask is wearing thin <br>Just let me throw one more dice <br>I know that I can win <br>I'm waiting for my real life to begin</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#999999;"><span class="font_small"><em>-Colin Hay, Waiting For My Real Life To Begin</em></span></span></p>
<p>Much slower than I'd like, but some progress is being made. Got a quick coat of primer on most of her, and all but one seat are now out, and ready for me to start working on the floor. Still need to do some rust removal and Bondo, and get the stop sign and the flashers removed.</p>
<p>I'm WAY BEHIND SCHEDULE, but I do have a backup plan. I was hoping to be 75-80% done by November, but realistically, I just need it legally driveable by then and I should be able to make up for lost time if all goes well.</p>
<p>I've also started to feel a little bit more inspired to do some studio work- It's just a matter of carving the time out from my insane summer schedule. I'm working so many hours that it's next to impossible to do basic stuff like laundry and grocery shopping, let alone the important stuff like art and music! But, that's the sacrifice I've chosen to make so that I can have winters free to travel. We all do what we gotta do.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/555825/447cc4b52451df30858a7af082b217ed351d9d66/original/dba7481c-3769-4eab-90a1-ca75aebc7ca0.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/66486922021-06-03T16:25:58-04:002021-11-27T10:54:27-05:00Work Begins<p>So, I've finally begun ripping the seats out of the bus. What a delight that is.... I've got all summer and fall to do this build, so I'm pacing myself. Next couple months should look something like this-</p>
<p>June- Remove seats, flashers, stop sign, and paint with primer, so I can do the title/registration stuff to get it classified as an RV. </p>
<p>July- Floor, Rough framing for walls and furniture, Install camera system. Run wiring for 12v and 120v circuits. Order tanks, toilet, and other plumbing stuff.</p>
<p>As always, I'll keep you posted.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/555825/cb78244b15acd7f13f0f82a80c04cceb15be9164/original/img-0322.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/66392512021-05-24T23:54:10-04:002021-11-27T15:31:27-05:00A New Chapter<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/555825/dc1fb66ca9aafad99dba14b4c80e29f272546662/original/a6d73f06-177b-4e66-b4c5-ccc7cddcd6ee-1-105-c.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" /><span style="color:#999999;"><span class="font_small"><em>Ever since my childhood I've been scared I've been afraid<br>Of being trapped by circumstance and staying in one place<br>So I always keep a small bag full of clothes carefully stored<br>Somewhere secret, somewhere safe, and somewhere close to the door</em></span></span><br><span style="color:#999999;"><span class="font_small"><em>Frank Turner, The Road</em></span></span></p>
<p>30 years I've been dreaming of this. Today I bought a bus. She's a 2013 Thomas Saf-T-Liner, 35 feet long with a Cummins diesel and Allison transmission.</p>
<p>Over the next few months I'll be converting her into a home, and this winter, I'll be taking her across the US making music and art and visiting some of the amazing and talented people I've met over the years.</p>Mike the Wandering Bardtag:mikethewanderingbard.com,2005:Post/65733942021-03-14T12:40:01-04:002021-11-29T12:11:33-05:00Reboot, Refresh, Recycle, or Not.<p>It's March of 2021, and first signs of spring are beginning to show as the vaccine starts rolling out in full force. After a year of frozen solitude, the world is ready to come out of it's cocoon. I'm starting fresh, having reached the strange equilibrium of accepting just how little control I have over the world. I'm pursuing a lifelong dream, and the life I've always wanted- A life of travel and art and music and nature and discovery.</p>
<p>For those looking for inspiration, I'd like to say that it's the result of a newfound zeal or hope, but in fact it's just the opposite. I've given up. We are a dying nation on a dying planet, and there isn't a goddamned thing we can do about it.</p>
<p><em>Right <strong>now</strong></em>, we have the capacity to eradicate hunger and poverty worldwide. We can heal the planet, restore endangered species, provide limitless clean energy and sustainable infrastructure to every corner of the globe. We can see that no human ever wants for shelter or medical care again. We can spread humanity throughout the stars. But we won't.</p>
<p>We have more vacant foreclosed houses in this country than we have homeless people. One tenth of our population goes hungry while we throw away 40% of the food we produce. The only reason we haven't solved our greatest problems and ushered in a golden age of humanity is that we <em>don't <strong>want</strong> to</em>.</p>
<p>I appreciate those who are still fighting the tide of hidebound apathy that keeps us locked into these patterns, but I'm out. <em>I'm</em> <strong><em>tired</em></strong>. I just don't have it in me to fight the pyrrhic and sisyphisian war against stupidity and ignorance any more. </p>
<p>So I'm just going to try to enjoy what little time I have left on this earth doing what matters to me. I'm gonna play music, and make art, and I'm going to travel. I'm going to share whatever I make here on this page, and I'm no longer worried about how it will be packaged or promoted, how it will fit a particular genre or aesthetic, or whether it will appeal to a target audience. I'm going back to my roots of street performance: Here's what I've got, and I'm sharing it for free because it's just what I do. If that's worth something to you, throw a few bucks in the hat. If not, I'll still have spent my time bringing what little bit of joy or catharsis I can into the world.</p>
<p>Anybody that wants to come along for the ride, let me know.</p>Mike the Wandering Bard