by Linda Solomon
Manson's Landing---Luke, who lives in a gypsy school bus year round, and drives with his 8-year-old son between Cortes Island (summer residence) and Mexico (winter chill out joint), said he doesn't mind the rising price of gas. "So my rent has gone up 20%," he said, standing in front of the beige and brown home on wheels. He shrugged and smiled. "I go to one place and stay there. I get on my scooter. Whether it costs me $300 to get where I'm going or $500, it's not too big a deal. I'm not commuting. I'm making the trip twice a year."

In fact, the rising price of oil had its advantages, Luke said. It appeared to have cleared the roads.

"There are definitely less people driving between Canada and Mexico. All through California, I used to be in traffic jams. Now the roads are much less traveled."

Living in a souped up school bus might not be for everyone, but the low energy/low cost lifestyle Jim enjoyed looked appealing on a hot summer day in late June with oil prices poised to rise to $178 a barrel. And smart.

Take it all with you, leave a small footprint, park in the shade. A bit like a tortoise.

Over the last decade Luke and his gypsy school bus, parked at various gorgeous locations on the island, looked downright funky; even eccentric. Today, with his son swimming in the nearby lake, Jim seemed both carefree and savvy.

Photo above: Hubcaps, by Brian Powell