Meet Pachamama and Me: From Heartbreak to the Open Road - Follow My DIY Bus Conversion

Hey, beautiful souls!

I’m Tracy Jo, and I want to welcome you to Pachamama, my unfinished but oh-so-lovable bus and the heart of my journey. And this is my best friend, a Sheepadoodle named Bella.

Let’s rewind to November of 2024 - when my husband left me very unexpectedly, right after we accepted an offer to sell our homestead. Not only did he leave me very suddenly at the worst possible time, but he packed his truck and left the state, leaving me alone with 30 days to move out of our home, all alone without help and with no place to live.

I was faced with a choice: I could sulk around crying and feeling sorry for myself, move into an ugly beige apartment, and work a tedious office job... or I could choose to see the beauty in this gift from the universe, live my life to the fullest, opt for the road less traveled, and create the life of my dreams.

So I bought a bus and moved into it in February—a month when most people are snuggled up indoors with hot cocoa. Not me. Nope. In the freezing cold of North Carolina, I moved into Pachamama without a bathroom, much insulation, and honestly, without a clue. But hey, that’s how the best adventures begin, right?

Why Pachamama?

Named after Mother Earth herself, Pachamama is more than a bus. She’s my sanctuary, my teacher, and my partner in crime. She’s outfitted with a Victron Energy solar setup, an Iceco fridge and freezer, and Raptor truck bed liner paint (because she’s tough like that). She’s not just a home; she’s a dream in progress.

Right now, I’m still living off-grid in North Carolina, finishing her build piece by piece. She’s far from perfect, but neither am I, and that’s the beauty of it. Together, we’re figuring it out—one solar panel, one plumbing pipe, and one freezing night at a time.

What This Journey Means to Me

This isn’t just about building a bus or traveling from North Carolina to Argentina. It’s about healing, growing, and reconnecting with the world. It’s about learning to trust the universe, even when things feel messy or unfinished (both literally and figuratively). It’s about embracing the magic of living simply and tuning into the rhythm of life.

What You’ll Find Here

This blog is my love letter to the open road and to anyone out there dreaming of something bigger. Here’s what you can expect:

• Travel Wisdom: Safety tips, spontaneous detours, and all the lessons the road teaches me.

• Skoolie Secrets: How I’m turning Pachamama into my dream home, one DIY project at a time.

• Soulful Reflections: The ups, the downs, and the spiritual magic of this journey.

• Hippy Hacks: Sustainable living, solar energy, and how to keep it earthy while chasing your dreams.

Who Is This For?

If you’ve ever felt like life gave you a plot twist and you’re ready to write your own story, this is for you. If you’re a free spirit, a wanderer, or just someone who loves the idea of a home on wheels, welcome to the tribe.

Why You Should Follow My DIY Bus Conversion

Let’s be real—this isn’t just about me. It’s about us. It’s about building a community of dreamers, doers, and believers. I’m here to share my journey, but I want to hear about yours, too.

So, buckle up, babes. Pachamama and I are just getting started with our DIY Bus Conversion, and trust me when I say you don’t want to miss this ride. Here’s to the freezing nights, the unfinished projects, and the wild, beautiful journey ahead.

With love, sass, and a little bit of sawdust,

Tracy Jo and Bella