OUR STORY
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We were the typical American family chasing the American dream—until July 2021. We had the big house, nice cars, and more stuff than we needed. Our days revolved around work and shuttling our kids from one activity to the next. We were stuck in the hamster wheel of life.
For years, we dreamed of taking a cross-country trip in an RV. Instead, when we were expecting our fourth child, we did the opposite—we built our dream house in Iowa. It didn’t take long for regret to creep in. We couldn’t shake the “what if” questions: What if we’d chosen adventure instead?
Those conversations became serious, and one morning, a listing for a converted skoolie popped up. Cara nudged Jim awake, and just a week later, we were flying to Salt Lake City to drive our bus home. We went all in and made the leap—selling our house and most of our belongings, and hitting the road full-time in The Hocking Adventure Bus!
JIM
Meet Jim, the fun-loving and adventurous dad who truly does it all! As the bus driver, homeschool teacher, and adventure planner, Jim keeps our family on the move—both literally and figuratively. He’s always up for the next big adventure, whether it’s navigating winding mountain roads or dreaming up our next unforgettable experience.
After spending over 15 years in corporate sales, Jim shifted gears to work for our family full-time. Now, he’s the mastermind behind building partnerships with brands and tourism boards, helping us grow our small business while living our dream on the road. With his boundless energy and love for adventure, Jim is the heart of our journey—and he wouldn’t have it any other way!
CARA
Meet Cara, the creative and adventurous mom who keeps life anything but ordinary! Known for her unconventional ideas—like living and traveling in a bus—Cara is the visionary behind our family’s unique journey.
With over 15 years of experience as a photographer, she’s the talent behind the lens, capturing stunning moments from our travels and piecing them together into the videos you see. When she’s not creating content, you’ll find her whipping up healthy meals, paddle boarding on serene waters, or hiking through breathtaking landscapes.
Cara’s passion for adventure and her love for storytelling are the driving forces behind The Hocking Adventure Bus, and she’s always dreaming up what’s next!
AMAIA
Meet Amaia, the leader of the pack and our creative force on the road! From designing jewelry to helping in the kitchen, Amaia is always up to something inspiring. She even started her own business, @busbeads, where she makes and sells handmade jewelry—a true entrepreneur in the making!
Amaia’s happy place is in the mountains or on the water, whether she’s paddle boarding the Florida Springs or diving into ocean waves. She also brings her love of cooking to our family meals, often lending her skills in the kitchen to whip up something delicious.
With her adventurous spirit and creativity, Amaia is a big part of what makes life on the road so special.
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BECKETT
Meet Beckett, our oldest boy and a water enthusiast at heart! Whether he’s exploring the crystal-clear Florida springs or diving into ocean waves, Beckett feels right at home in and around the water.
When he’s not soaking up the sun, you’ll likely find him perfecting tricks on his scooter or practicing skateboarding moves. His adventurous spirit and determination make him a standout on and off the road.
Beckett’s energy and love for action bring excitement to every stop on our journey.
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STELLAN
Meet Stellan, our easy-going adventurer with a silly streak that keeps us all smiling! Always the first to dive into new experiences, Stellan’s fearless curiosity leads the way on our family adventures.
He has a passion for rock climbing and swimming, and he loves spending downtime coloring and getting creative. Stellan’s fun-loving nature and adventurous spirit make every day on the road more exciting.
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HENDRIX
Meet Hendrix, our free-spirited wild child who brings boundless energy and enthusiasm to every adventure! Whether he’s splashing in the ocean, building castles in the sand, or exploring new playgrounds, Hendrix is always on the move and full of excitement.
He works hard to keep up with his older siblings, often joining in their big-kid fun with determination and a huge smile. Hendrix’s adventurous spirit and unstoppable energy make every day brighter and more fun!
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DENALI
Meet Denali, our wild and crazy “puppy” who joined the family at a skoolie event in February 2022. Full of energy and always ready for action, Denali loves being outside, whether he’s chasing a ball, exploring new trails, or simply enjoying the adventure by our side.
When he’s not playing fetch, you’ll find him on duty, keeping a watchful eye on The Hocking Adventure Bus. Denali’s spirited personality and love for the outdoors make him the perfect travel companion!
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JEMMA
Meet Jemma, our fearless and independent escape artist! Known for her adventurous spirit, Jemma loves exploring the great outdoors—so much so that she wears three trackers to ensure we can keep tabs on her curious wanderings.
She wasn’t exactly thrilled when Denali joined the family and still makes her feelings known with a swat or a hiss whenever he gets too close. Despite her sassy attitude, Jemma is an integral part of our journey, adding her unique charm and sense of adventure to The Hocking Adventure Bus!
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