Since my last post, I've driven the bus to Tucson, AZ. I then drove my Jeep to Phoenix and shot an abandoned mine with my buddy Jim and looked into a 1950's bus as possible future vehicle (it's just research, I haven't made any decisions or changes yet).
I just finished speaking at PhotoshopWorld in Orlando and I'm now exploring Quito, which is the capital of Ecuador. I'll be spending a few days here before exploring the Galapagos Islands with a group of photographers.
When I return, I'll have about a week to get the bus to San Diego before I fly out to Dubai for a while.
The image above is a shot of the type of bus I looked at in Phoenix (yes, it's the same kind that was used in the movie RV). I'm considering having one restored and using it to promote a future book on Route 66. It's just a dream at the moment and would take a lot more research before I'd know it things would work out.
That bus looks much smaller Ben. Are you finding your current one too big and unwieldy?
Posted by: Caroline Robinson | April 06, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Caroline,
No... my bus is not too big. I've been tempted to trade up to one that is five feet longer as well.
I think I could live with less space though. This type of bus would cost less than half of what mine does, which would give me more $$ for investing and more for a travel budget. But that's not the main reason. I just like the look of them and think it would be a great way to promote a book on Route 66.
-Ben
Posted by: Ben Willmore | April 06, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Hi Ben,
I came across your site because I was just looking into living on a bus. Then I noticed you're in Quito right now! I have been living mostly in/out of a truck for almost six months now (with my girlfriend and our cat), and am currently in Quito... we're exploring South America. If you want to have a beer and talk about vehicular living, local spots to explore, drop me an email before you leave Quito.
Josh
Posted by: Josh Lambert | April 06, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Hi Josh,
I'm available tonight, but might get busy after that. I'll be heading to the Galapagos in a day or so and might have a day or two in Quito on my way back.
-Ben
Posted by: Ben Willmore | April 06, 2008 at 04:23 PM
It was great meeting you at Photoshop World. I've already licensed Photomatix and have been playing with it this weekend. Amazing stuff!
A bus like that does indeed have the right look for a Route 66 trip. It will draw attention, that is for sure.
Terry
Posted by: Terry Reinert | April 06, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Hey Ben, I took your HDR Class at photoshop world and now I'm looking at the photomatix software and was wondering what the deal was with the Photoshop plugin. Is it worth it or should I just get the whole stand alone software? When are you going to post the files to photoshopworld.com/downloads ?
Thanks
Jonathan
Posted by: Jonathan | April 07, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Dang that thing is cool! I think you've got a great idea there using that to promote your Route 66 stuff. It's certainly an eye-catcher.
Posted by: Chad Coppess | April 07, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Jonathan,
If you really want to get into HDR, then get both... otherwise the plug-in should be fine.
-Ben
Posted by: Ben Willmore | April 07, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Hello Ben,
My friend Dave Seah introduced me to your site recently.
I too would like to do something "interesting" with my life. I'm 42, kids are grown up and for the first time ever I can do whatever the heck I wanna do! Amazing. I have all kinds of ideas floating around but there are several roadblocks as I'm sure that you have discovered as well. What I'd really like to do is simply help where help is needed. To build community, kindness, hope and friendship. I don't care about money.. but it is a necessary evil.
I'm currently looking into Teaching English overseas as a way to get my feet wet. My personal problem though is that I don't have a bachelor's degree. But, I do have teaching experience (computer classes).
Don't ask me why I am rambling cause I don't know the answer :-)
But, suffice to say that your story helps me to believe that wacky dreams can truly become a positive reality. Thank you.
Hopefully I can create this sense of empowerment in my blog. Well the teeny tiny beginnings of a blog right now.
Good Luck and please ENJOY!
Erin
Posted by: Erin | April 10, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Dang - that is a cool looking bus. Very very nice.
Posted by: Chris Dunphy | May 12, 2008 at 09:28 PM