John Muir, a famous nature expert, once said, “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
Ben and Mande really love this idea because they enjoy being outside and going on adventures.
Two years ago, they turned an old school bus into their new home on wheels.
They named the bus Fern and painted it a beautiful lake blue, just like the lakes in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.
Now, they travel around in Fern, exploring nature and discovering many dirt paths along the way.
Fern, the bus, is 24 feet long and has a diesel engine with a manual transmission.
Ben and Mande like this because it helps Fern go up and down mountain roads easily without using the brakes too much.
They also built a cedar deck on the roof. This gives them space to keep their paddleboards and to look at the stars at night.
Ben and Mande met because their friends knew they both loved to travel. They started their adventures together in Michigan.
Since then, they have visited Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and even traveled to Canada.
Ben and Mande completely changed the inside of the bus to make it spacious and cozy. Inside, everything looks like the outdoors.
The floors are made of acacia wood, and the walls are a mix of natural cedar and white pine.
The cushions and pillows are blue, matching the sky you can see through the windows.
It’s like having a beautiful painting that changes every day.
The kitchen counters are made of butcher block, perfect for setting down a hot cup of tea while reading a book.
There’s also lots of room to show off keepsakes from their travels.
In their small bus home, Ben and Mande make sure every inch is used well.
For example, the oven also serves as a storage space when they’re not cooking.
They took it from a 1950s RV, and it still works great. To keep it from making noise while they drive, Ben made a wooden cutting board that fits over the stove.
The kitchen counter is used for preparing food and as a dining table.
Ben and Mande say, “Since our kitchen is like a little breakfast nook, we eat at the counter and enjoy the view!”
Ben and Mande love eating outside the most because they think food tastes best there.
After hiking in Grand Teton National Park, they enjoy using their outdoor shower.
It’s heated by a tankless water heater, which saves space inside the bus.
This design also keeps the bus small enough to drive through city streets and up mountain roads.
Ben and Mande say, “Sometimes, we even watch elk graze while we shower with the Grand Teton mountains in the background!”
The mirrored double doors in the bus have several uses. They hide a closet that also holds a composting toilet.
The mirrors reflect the outdoor view, making the space inside feel bigger.
After spending the day outside, the bedroom is the perfect spot for a good night’s rest.
The bed is an extra-large full, as wide as a full but as long as a queen.
They can close the curtains for privacy or leave them open to enjoy the view.
Ben and Mande’s young son, Sawyer, has clearly inherited their love for travel.
As Sawyer explores the world on Fern the Bus, his parents are glad that nature is his first classroom.