Dartmouth Big Green Bus visit to DAASV 7/18/09

The Big Green Bus from Dartmouth College at the Palo Alto, CA Junior Museum.

Inside there are displays explaining the Bus and the mission of the students touring it.

There are lots of informational displays traveling with the BGB.

There is an opportunity to change the mix of non-renewable energy sources.

The BGB uses biodiesel and vegetable oil from restaurants as fuel.

More energy provided by renewable resources is the goal.

There are many factors motivating the use of alternative fuels.

The interior of the bus was constructed by the crew, with the assistance of some resources at Dartmouth College.

The BGB has comfortable workspaces for presentation and living during the trip.

There are housekeeping facilities included, but some are not fully functional yet. The products displayed are from sponsors of the trip.

At the Palo Alto Junior Museum, the City of Palo Alto also provided displays about more environmentally responsible living.

The BGB is popular with kids, who are welcome aboard.

The opportunity to create a solar fountain was very popular on a warm day.

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The new bus (replacing the old schoolbus of previous trips) has a much more efficient layout for traveling and presentations.

The new bus has storage and access to the below-floor space.

James of DAASV arrives with a special surprise

A genuine Dartmouth with a big D apple pie

Getting a tour of the bus

All of the crew members are well informed about the BGB and can act as ambassadors, although each has a primary responsibility.

There were many interested visitors

The new bus displays responsible living provisions with up-to-date technology, including the compact fluorescent lighting and LCD video with surround sound.

The open, spacious interior supports lots of discussion space.

The cabinets, seating, and counters were installed by the students.

Getting ready for the reception at the Stanford Park Hotel in Menlo Park

DAASV members gathered to greet the bus crew. The bus was parked next door at the Tesla dealership. The crew spent part of the afternoon being introduced to the high-performance, electric Tesla cars.

An opportunity to meet and greet

It looked like everyone had figured out the part about relaxing at the end of a full day.

DAASV alumni meet current students and recent graduates on the crew

There was lots to share, both about the common Dartmouth experience and the trip by the BGB so far.

The bus crew enjoyed the pleasant temperature after the heat from Louisiana through Texas and Southern California

The crew was ready to lay back a bit after getting settled in to the hotel.

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After a while, the crew talked about their experience with the BGB this year. The crew of 15 was selected from 85 applicants.

The crew explained the selection process and each person's class year, responsibilities, and capabilities.

OK, so one member may have been selected in part because he has great hair - go figure.

The bus crew shared some of their experiences on the way to CA

We took a break and walked to the Tesla dealer parking lot next door where the Big Green Bus was parked

Unlike the school bus of previous years, the windows of this vehicle can't be opened on the road, so air conditioning was essential - and welcome.

A great time was had by all and the BGB crew was wished well on the rest of the journey.

Inside the bus networking and information sharing, a Dartmouth tradition.

The bus crew were so appreciative, they changed the destination to honor the hospitality shown by DAASV ;-)