I don’t want to beat a dead horse (how disgusting, but was there ever a time when that was an actual thing literally??) but covid is irritating. How can life come to such a halt based on data that can’t possibly be mathematically reliable?

Anyway, looks like I will have to keep it local this summer with the bus, I had wanted to take some long road trips but I’ll have to wait I guess. I’ve been out a bit, Jake my dog actually gets annoyed if I take the bus out on the road and I don’t invite him to sit in HIS seat as co-pilot as evidenced by my third son regaling me with tales of Jake-woe, whining and moaning until I get back from a solo trip.

Jake sits in his seat and blows his eyelids wide open with his head out the window. I imagine it looks pretty funny from someone passing me on the passenger side of the bus, with said fluffy white dog joy riding his head in the wind, blinking furiously against the gusts pushing his eyes wider than doggedly possible. All that’s missing is his tongue dangling out of the side of his mouth and he’d be a wee white Marmaduke.

I also recently was riding my cool beans Honda 500x motorcycle with a riding buddy and came across some people who were driving in tandem, one ‘71 VW green bus and one ‘84 westy. I’ve since made friends with these people and we rode to St Mary’s to meet a couple of other bay window bus people.

If covid would go take a long walk off a short pier, I’d say I’ve got some fun times ahead with these cool ‘bus people’. The Bus People… has a nice yet slightly ‘watch out these people are unpredictable and weird’ ring to it. Or maybe it’s just me. 🙂

I had an impromptu road trip which I had planned to only be one night, but it ended up being three. Point Clark was my destination, about 30 minutes north of Goderich. My first trip to this lighthouse proved to be a beautiful surprise as the remote town possessed a prize lighthouse on it’s Lake Huron shore.

The ‘point’ is quite a busy little area for the locals, who can be seen fishing, cycling, or walking their dogs and it’s also a place to visit. On the weekend I saw a tour bus of some kind pull in. It should be noted, this is not an authorized place to park a camper overnight. Should you attempt it, you may be woken by police who will tell you to move along elsewhere.

The sunset here is worth seeing on a clear night, with some stringy clouds (the clouds provide some beautiful refracted light). I had taken in orange, pink, and purplish colours while I was there.

I chatted with a local artist who has retired here from Toronto who came up to me to compliment me on my bus. ‘Seamus’ is a magnet for unique and interesting people and most people who come up to chat with me about this VW relic are those who appreciate the odd and artistic nature of life. Friendly people tend to be the kind who connect with me when I’m in the bus and I realize I am privileged to be a part of an automobile that belongs to such a ‘club’.

Seamus has been the impetus for adventure and a fisher of those who have a curious mind. It should also be noted, not everyone loves an old VW bus. Some people think Seamus is ugly with all it’s rust and weird outer colourings. And it can be quite stinky (of oil and gas). To those people I say, the VW gene is not for everyone!

Well shoot. Covid is a serious drag. It seems I’m restricted to little day trips. And so, my favorite place so far for that is Bayfield Ontario.

I’ve claimed a corner spot in the shade by the water for the day and have done some work and enjoyed the sounds of water and people frolicking (yes frolicking ) in the lake. With Geese.

I love the marina and the pretty sail boats floating around off in the distance. And now for a wee bit of shut eye… with jake.

Well, I’ve been chomping at the bit to get out on the road, watching the salt levels and as soon as they roads are clean I’m out. I have a new co-captain… my 14 yr old dog Jake, a Bichon-Poodle mix.

I’m looking forward to some road trips with Jake since last year I did not take him with me anywhere. Assuming we’re allowed to go anywhere in the midst of Covid19 and all the social distancing that is mandated. If there are travel restrictions in effect this summer, I’ll have to stick to Canada only destinations.

I’m loving the new interior decor and can’t wait to break in my new garbage pail toilet, a big upgrade from last year’s Pampered Chef microwave steamer chamber pot.

Bring on 2020 and all the potential weirdness that may ensue.

Well it’s winter and MAN do I ever miss driving in my gasoline soaked oxygen bus. This year I invested in an outdoor garage to store the bus in so I could keep the ice off it. The locks are old and cranky and really don’t like winter. Aside from the salt on these Ontario roads, the mere freezing air is enough to keep me from driving it because there is no heat to speak of. I have worn ski pants while driving in the spring or late fall though, which works but makes it look weird when I get out of the bus in a busy parking lot and everyone else is dressed in jeans like a normal person.

Anyway, back to my newly interior-decorated upgrade! Oh my, just wait until you see this beauty. The outside still looks like a rusty dogs breakfast (which I love by the way and have no intention of changing), but the inside will be akin to a lovely log cabin decked out in red buffalo plaid.

That’s my wee dog Jake. I haven’t taken him on any long journeys but on a few short ones. He sits like a king on his throne trygin to stick his nose through the screen to smell all there is to smell outside. I sewed all the curtains and made that cool tree pillow cover. Im working on making my own little ‘chair’ from high density foam and covering that as well in a combo of these fabric designs. The front seat cushions (which are just thin patio chair cushions) are currently green but I will cover those in plaid as well. More pics will follow but this is a beautiful interior. The only thing missing is a bearded man carrying an axe.

I’m counting down the weeks until the last salt is washed away from the roads and you’ll see Seamus out there on the roads polluting up the air while driving frustratingly slow. If you’re behind this ol’ bus, you’ll want to pass just to get out of the exhaust stream. But it’s so worth it. If you see me on the road, drop me a line and take a pic and send it. 🙂 Cheers