The newest aspect for most of us on this tour is the bus. All of last year for the Carolina Chocolate Drops was spent in vans; two different 15-passenger Fords, a Sprinter in the UK and Europe and couple of mini-vans when our transmission ate itself on the way to the West Coast. Though the long drives across prairies, mountains, and deserts could be grueling, I knew what to expect.

Though there were some initial apprehensions, we’ve all adapted pretty quickly. Though the bunks are rather small, its great to be able stretch out completely, which is virtually impossible in a van.

Most of the driving happens at night, so in the mornings you can get out, walk around town a bit, get some exercise, find a coffee shop, etc. I feel refreshed before a gig instead of achy from sleeping in sitting position.

I can be weird  sleeping while on the interstate though.There’s a lot of irregular motion and vibration. Something might rattle in a way that makes it hard for you drift off or a sudden bump can pull you out of a dream.

Still, on the whole, it’s a great way to travel. Having a fixed point in your life when you find yourself in a new town everyday with new faces and a new environment to learn is very comforting. A rolling home-away-from-home.