I’m 71 years old and retired. My body is pretty much used up & I really can’t do much of anything physically anymore. When I was in my late teens & 20s I rode trains and hitchhiked a whole bunch and enjoyed it immensely. Now that I’m too old to do anything else I can do it all again with Shoestring. He knows a helluva lot more about railroads than I ever did. I do enjoy these videos a lot. It gets my mind out of this chair.
14:28 He said he needed to make a move, because he didn't like the feeling of being "crouched in hole" at the spot he was hunkered down at. Cut to next scene and he is literally crouched in a hole.
I'm an engineer on the BSF railway. Honestly, I have no issues with people hitching a ride, and I'll never turn anyone in or report them as long as they're safe, non-threatening, and don't make a mess of the cab, if they happen to stow on a trailing unit or DP. BUTTTTTTTT PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE if you happen to be hiding in a car, and ESPECIALLY inside a unit, please make some noise to let us know you are there. We don't expect to see anyone inside a trailing unit or DP at 2 AM when we might walk through to "sign cards" or remove hand brakes. I've practically had a heart attack when surprised by HOBO/Trespasser walking through cabs. We just don't expect it and it will have you jump out of your skull from being so surprised and caught off guard. Plus some of us "carry" for our own protection and accidents could "happen" if we're startled and feel threatened instantly. Recently, I was "deadheading" on the 2nd unit on a train. We were running for over 90 minutes when I went down to use the toilet. I opened the door and there was a guy hiding in there. Can you imagine how freaked out I was ??? I ended having the guy come out, and once I realized he wasn't a threat, I told him to ride in the other seat. He told me he was "down on his luck and needed to get back to (location) for a funeral". I BS'd with him for several hours, lent him a vest to climb off (so he wouldn't look out of place), and gave him a ride to a hotel he wanted to stay at. 90% of us out here won't turn you in. But PLEASE try to make your presence known. You may actually save an old head a heart attack and loss of hard earned "railroad retirement". Be safe !!!!!
@@jamesogden178, honestly no. I've come across several illegals looking to get places. I had a guy just 2 weeks ago in Minnesota who was on my train. Didn't speak any English. Just said "I go to Houston. Is this Houston ??". I told him "no. Your almost in Canada, nowhere near Mexico or Texas". 🤣😂😂.
@@hello-ef4bn "turn them in" ??? Why bother. This baffoon in the Whitehouse will simply have them set free, after charging the US Taxpayers for his food, shelter, clothing, and health care. Nope. Calling the police does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. They don't arrest them. Them simply give these trespassers a ride down the street and they're back in the rail yard minutes later. Same guy stayed in the rail yard for over a week. Every day the police are called. They come get him, take him away, and within minutes he's back in the yard looking to jump a train. Nah. I'm not bothering.
I met Shoestring when I was homeless in Roanoke. He cooked some soup and shared it with me and showed me a ring he was given and told me he was a Knight of the Rails. I thought he was one of the coolest people I ever met, super friendly and humble and gracious. Rest in Peace Knight of the Rails.😢
He drowned in the lake behind his house. The medication he was on maybe gave him hallucinations which prompted him to walk out in the middle of the night. He probably didn't realised he was in water, well I hope for his sake he went peacefully as many NDE drownings people talks about.
Hobo if you see this I want you to know I enjoy watching you and your amazing videos even though I’m 75 I still wanna see you do these fun trips and I wish I could join you but I’m worn out after living on a farm all my life and still working on it. I know I may have only one leg due to my service in Vietnam but you always cheer me up and remember we ❤ you thx for reading this.
During the '30's my grandfather rode the rails in Canada looking for work. Envied his freedom when I was younger. Still do. Age, and care giving responsibilities preclude me now from following in his path. Living a dream through your video. Thank you.
I'M A FARMER and 60 yrs old! that works hard to feed people. Meanwhile I'm working like an "illegal" to pay for my ticket and this freeloader get everything for free? I should quit my hard job and become like him. You are promoting irresponsibility. and being lazy. And they say "illegals" are the reason of everything bad. No! is people like you that abuse the system
In 1930, my dad was an 18-year old trying to find work during the depression. He hopped many trains, riding from Maryland down to Florida. While traveling through NC, he found work in a textile mill. He ended up working there for 47 years!
My cat sits on my lap and we watch this together and I swear she enjoys this as much as I do. With a little imagination we feel like we're riding the rails too. Thanks for bringing us with you, Hobo.
Meanwhile I'm working like an "illegal" to pay for my ticket and this freeloader get everything for free? I should quit my hard job and become like him. You are promoting irresponsibility. and being lazy. And they say "illegals" are the reason of everything bad. No! is people like you that abuse the system.
I'M A FARMER and 60 yrs old! that works hard to feed people. Meanwhile I'm working like an "illegal" to pay for my ticket and this freeloader get everything for free? I should quit my hard job and become like him. You are promoting irresponsibility. and being lazy. And they say "illegals" are the reason of everything bad. No! is people like you that abuse the system.
Meanwhile I'm working like an "illegal" to pay for my ticket and this freeloader get everything for free? I should quit my hard job and become like him. You are promoting irresponsibility. and being lazy. And they say "illegals" are the reason of everything bad. No! is people like you that abuse the system.
That was my life as a young man with little money. I kept trying to live a "normal" life, but kept going back to the life of a drifter. I think it chose me more than I chose it. Then I got married in my 40s, and left the drifter life behind. A deep, heartfelt thank-you to everybody who treated this drifter kindly during his travels, and there were many. I never did have any trouble with the police. If you're a kind soul who's respectful of people, chances are you'll get it back, even if you're a hobo like I was. Not saying everybody was good to me, but when is that ever the case for anybody no matter how good you are and no matter how much of a pillar of society you are.
@@tytytyme33 I plugged my phone into a current bush but they're hard to find have you ever heard of current berries you have to find a current bush and hook a negative and a positive to each limb and then a ground wire:-)
Just discovered the channel. I am 100% hobo at heart. Alwways been struck with wanderlust, just had ants in my pants my whole life, but was never brave enough to take the step. I may never find myself in a position to hit the road like this, but I do appreciated the opportunity to see it done by someone who respects his own lifestyle! Right on brother, thanks for being PROOF that some people choose this life, its not always some dark road of addiction and criminality. It is indeed a life of adventure. Keep on truckin'
My Grandfather who raised me by the way was a Train Engineer for 26 years for Santa Fe... He used to slow the train down so hobo's could get onboard he would also talk to the conducter in the caboose and tell him to look the other way and just let the Hobo get onboard he would even have his fireman walk back to the car that the hobo just got in and give blankets and a Big Grocery bag or two full of Fruit and other food items and a small amount of cash. He worked in the train yards building trains and he also drove a Train over the open road Freight Trains.... anyways when i watch this I feel close to him he died in 1974 he was 62 years old . I was 14 years old then and now I'm 62 years old RIP Alfonso Johnson.
I’ve always dreamed of riding the freight trains ever since I was a little kid. I still daydream about it whenever I hear trains going by. Whenever I watch your videos, it feels like I’m taking a ride with you. Thank you for taking us along for the ride and spreading joy.
Get a job driving these trains. Jesus, you can dream until your coffin has rotten away, and they start digging for the next one in your grave. Just saying. WAKE UP ! DO SOMETHING !
@@voornaam3191 I wish I could my uncle used to do it before he passed away I tried to get him to put a good word in for me even just working the yard but nope the selfish mofo never did
I like the advice by this amazing guy" There is always another train" well he mentioned about comforting yourself by saying this once you are out of luck.... Love it
So sad knowing he’s missing. There have been searches going on here in Johnson City TN for days. Today a body was found in a local lake by a fisherman. I really hope it’s not you Shoestring. It’s so sad just knowing they found a body at all. 😢 Looks like you had some amazing adventures man! Looks like you came just about a half mile from my house more than once. I hear the train often and think of you. What a way to live! Had to be so nice being so free and seeing so much of this beautiful country. Still praying for you sir.
Awesome! Glad you caught a ride! That tunnel and trestle at night was awesome! And then seeing the sunrise! That's the life! Thanks for bringing us along for the ride!
I'M A FARMER and 60 yrs old! that works hard to feed people. Meanwhile I'm working like an "illegal" to pay for my ticket and this freeloader get everything for free? I should quit my hard job and become like him. You are promoting irresponsibility. and being lazy. And they say "illegals" are the reason of everything bad. No! is people like you that abuse the system
I miss you, bro. Like actually MISS hearing your updates and how you’re doing, like I do with family who’ve passed. May the God of all comfort give comfort to your family and friends who are still waiting to catch out.
Blue skies … sunny weather…. crisp and clear. HS’s voice telling us where the trains are coming from…where they’re going…. where he plans to go…and taking us along. It’s fun to hit the rail roads with you again. Be well. 🇨🇦
I'M A FARMER and 60 yrs old! that works hard to feed people. Meanwhile I'm working like an "illegal" to pay for my ticket and this freeloader get everything for free? I should quit my hard job and become like him. You are promoting irresponsibility. and being lazy. And they say "illegals" are the reason of everything bad. No! is people like you that abuse the system
🥲🥲🥲🥲 Rip 🪦 shoestring you was a legend that’s gonna be dearly missed by all of us that watch you’re videos now you can ride the rails in heaven with stobe in the darkest hours of the night ❤️❤️
It's been years since I've rode my last train. Cleveland to Chicago. Very valuable life experience for a dad and soon to be husband. Wouldn't trade it for the world. Not even the time riding dirty face in the middle of winter with freezing rain and snow slapping us the entire ride. That was a ride that could make a grown man cry. Puts hair on your chest 😂 Nice pack btw.
Just got randomly reccomended this video and since I love train-hopping and seeing some cool old dude do it looked awesome to watch. Got through the video, went to check out his channel only to realize he passed away earlier this year... Only having watched one video I already knew this dude was a legend among legends
To any new riders, Sleep is something you need to learn to live without. Even when you are sleeping, You are awake and listening. Best sleep often is when the train is moving. No one can walk up on you when the train in moving.... Mark, I expect knows this run mile by mile, Knows where he is at all times. Good video.
@@cgore4 You're thinking idealistically. If he got hurt he'd slink off in a real hurry. Hobos don't stick around to talk to no authorities who'd just as soon toss them in the slammer for not liking their faces or body odor.
I remember I was 14 years old, living in tiffin at the time, was riding my bike down railroad street and a train was passing by and I saw a bearded folk riding on one of the cars, it was going fast enough to where him and I saw each other and waved. That memory was the only reason why I clicked on this video and hitting the subscribe button lol
I’ve often thought it would be a great way to see some of this country, by simply hopping a train, but there seems to be a lot to know. Thank You for sharing this with us. Take care, keep safe, and may God bless you. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
This is awesome ! I had a grand son recently that said he was hitching trains across country . It scared me to death. So glad I ran into this channel.. I subscribed .
So sad Shoestring is gone. He had more knowledge than most of the people that work for the railroad. Great personality and such a great teacher. Will miss you. RIP brother.
I'm so excited I've stumbled upon Shoestring's channel as I've always been fascinated by and respected this lifestyle. I grew up and still live just blocks away from train tracks, I can hear a train now as I type this... I've always fantasized since young, just packing a bag and hopping on that train and set fourth on a grand adventure. Then about 7 years ago a new hire came along and I trained him. We hit it off and became pretty close for only coworkers, he was young but spent most of his teens riding the rails... Man did he have some stories to tell. He would recount the day to day life and some of the fun times and some of the sketchy times... It definitely sounded hard but somehow extremely freeing at the same time... I yearn for that since of freedom and think about it every time I hear those trains. This coworker couldn't quit the hobo life completely and I think maybe a year later was gone again. I couldn't find a way to contact him sadly but one day he got ahold of me... He was living and working on a farm and invited me out for an evening of beers while he had to burn an outbuilding... It was a great send off as that was the last time I heard from him. I miss that guy a lot, extremely intelligent and wise beyond his years. Thanks for these amazing videos Shoestring! I had only imagined this life prior to stumbling on your channel, it's exactly as Brian said. Stay safe! Peace and Love Shoestring!
Repent and follow Jesus my friend! Repenting doesn't mean confessing your sins to others, but to stop doing them altogether. Belief in Messiah alone is not enough to get you into heaven - Matthew 7:21-23, John 3:3, John 3:36 (ESV is the best translation for John 3:36). Contemplate how the Roman empire fulfilled the role of the beast from the sea in Revelation 13. Revelation 17 confirms that it is in fact Rome. From this we can conclude that A) Jesus is the Son of God and can predict the future or make it happen, B) The world leaders/nations/governments etc have been conspiring together for the last 3000+ years to accomplish the religion of the Israelites C) History as we know it is fake. You don't really need to speculate though because you can start a relationship with God and have proof. Call on the name of Jesus and pray for Him to intervene in your life. - Revelation 3:20 Revelation has been unfolding since Jesus died. The Popes have claimed to be equal to God and set themselves in Jesus' place (antichrist(s)). Vatican City (Which is its own nation BTW) have risen up to fulfill the role of the false prophet Regarding the man of lawlessness or antichrist, 2 Thessalonians 2:4 says “Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” The restrainer that the Apostle Paul was referring to in 2 Thessalonians was the Western Roman Emperor, who held back the Popes from taking power. Once the last Western Roman Emperor was removed from power in 476 AD, the Pope was given civil and ecclesiastic authority over Rome; healing the deadly head wound of the beast in Revelation 13, as they took the Emperors title of Pontifex Maximus, leader of the church and state. “We may according to the fullness of our power, dispose of the law and dispense above the law. Those whom the Pope of Rome doth separate, it is not a man that separates them but God. For the Pope holdeth place on earth, not simply of a man but of the true God.” (Source: “Decretals of Gregory IX,” Book 1, chapter 3.) Pope Pius V blasphemed, “The Pope and God are the same, so he has all power in Heaven and earth.” (Source: Pope Pius V, quoted in Barclay, Cities Petrus Bertanous Chapter XXVII: 218.) Pope Leo XIII declared, “We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.” (Source: Pope Leo XIII Encyclical Letter, June 20, 1894) The antichrist sea beast of Revelation points to the office of the papacy, the Popes of Rome, who controlled the Roman beast for 1,260 years, from 538-1798 AD. Daniel 7:25 says “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” The Popes of Rome spoke against Elohim and proclaimed to be God. They reigned for 1,260 years, from 538-1798 AD. during which they caused tens of millions of saints to be killed. The Pope’s title is Vicar of Christ, which in Latin is ‘Vicarius Filii Dei’, and equates numerically to the number 666
What a life you have. Longtime follower here. I am 72, with all the great things a successful career can bring, big home, nicer cars, money ..etc But guess what…..yep, you know what I am thinking.
My grandma rode trains all throughout I remember she sent us a picture all the way from Alaska she was ice fishing ... when she got sick she came home to transition into the next level she was free ❤️ she stayed free ... she is free ... her name was Emma ❤️
Grew up on the farm born in 1946. Times were still influenced by the Great Depression/WWII. Hobos would stop by once and a while. They would stand in the yard at a distance with their hat in their hands. They would asked my mom for something to eat. They made my mom nervous but she never turned them away. She would make them a sandwich or bowl of homemade soup. They go a beer to drink or lemon aide. You could tell these men were hungry. Some neighbors would turn them away and send them over to my mom. We were a little better off them our neighbors but not by much. My mom & Grandma would can chicken, sausage make lard bake bread. You name it they made it including cloths and quilts. I ran barefooted all summer and in the fall new shoes for school. My teachers were wives of farmers. Did not have to lock your home or your car. Evil was not a way of life in the 50’s🤗🇺🇸
evil most certainly existed but I am glad your life was so enjoyable and simple. I understand the sentiment however it’d be foolish to ever say evil was not a way of life - at any point in human history. We’ve always had it.
Hey string , this is my sign I'll be heading out tonight for a all over the entire country journey ✌️✌️✌️going to enjoy me some good ole hobo freedom 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
I was just over there filming a couple days ago. That bridge that you showed that goes to Huntington at Big Sandy Junction, I filmed a train going over it. I have a video coming out tomorrow showing 3 trains at Catlettsburg, Ky on that multiple track main where you showed the train switching tracks. I just missed you. lol
I driven and hitched across country. I never knew enough about the rails and avoiding the bulls. I live near hoosick now. I know you’ve taken the tunnel under the Hudson. If you ever make it to Hoosick Falls-they still have an active line, I’ll buy you dinner and a place to overnight if you want
He's full of it and makes shit up constantly,he has no idea where trains are going and coming from ,too the lay person he sounds knowledgeable but it's all bull.
@@mimmiethemoocher5943 he has a phone and has access train schedules (most lines post schedules) and a GPS. Not hard these days. Also, as a seasoned railroader of 30 years, I'd say he has quite a grasp on the operation and terminology we use.
I'm 75 now. I used to do some hitch hiking but never rode the rails, other than when I bought a ticket to the Indy 500 when I was 15. I really enjoyed coming along with you Shoestring. I'm not sure I'd want to do it in cold weather though. My old bones wouldn't tolerate it now. Be safe my friend and God bless.
Shoestring these videos are mesmerizing... you make me want to try ONE RIDE before I kick my bucket. I'll be 81 in January but still have some spunk left. ( you are my new roll model) 😁
All Good Rides come to those with experience perseverance , and Shoeshine Attitude... blended with age, patience, and excellent knowledge... Congratulations
I think I've been on a car very similar to that one. A grainer with a well-protected porch w/ about 3ft+ high walls around it. It meant I could lie down on the porch during the day and not worry about being seen. The only time I was able to fall asleep on a train while it was moving 😆. Unfortunately I slept so hard when I woke up we had changed directions!
Any way, shoestring is the man with a plan lam thankful that 99.9 of the good people took care of Mark you just can't stop 🛑 watching the videos they are so interesting and intriguing a wonderful person
I just met shoe string in Ashland Ky walking up the road. Lol my wife didn’t believe me I said hell yeah it was an IT WAS!!! Thanks for the Picture Shoestring!
Your voice is SOOOOO Soothing!!! Love your videos! Me and my puppy listen to you do your job your passion! And we fall asleep listen to you! I don't know how you do it!? You're a soldier brother and we love you may God bless you and take care of you all the days of your life!
Your video brought back memories of my 20's when I hitchhiked and hopped freight's especially the large hole to crawl in. Rode in one from Blain WA down to Seattle in the middle of the night with a baby opossum in my pocket one time. But then a year later lost both legs in Jax FL rail yard to a train. So don't get overly confident it can happen to the best of us. Be careful out there.
@@EwFatppl By being young and stupid and thinking I was invincible. It was Feb 1986 and I had just got off a freight train from Miami rode it all the way up the coast of Florida. I was walking on the overpass to go get some breakfast when I saw a train coming slowly out of the rail yard, so I run down under the bridge and throw my backpack on a flatbed car but by then the train was going too fast for me. So when I grabbed the metal bar it threw me to the ground and both my legs went under the wheels. And 36 yrs later I'm doin ok, can't complain.
This dude knows his game. Personally I drove truck in life. 2 million miles. It's lonely I refuse to live this way. I traveled the world I'm over it. 50 year old marine Vet, I'd sure take one more ride
Boy. That was a real treat out of all of the train riding videos I've watched. That by far was definitely the smoothest sounding thanks for the adventure!
I'm a RR contractor. I'm always watching the passing trains and hoping to see you lol. You need to get stickers made like your keychains. I would love to put one on my hardhat!
Mark left us all wonder memories his videos I bet his family is thankful for the videos to see & hear his voice we all miss him prayers for his family 🙏❤
Great way to start a Monday with a Shoestring video on the rails. Keep a squirt can of oil in your pack to lube the howling flanges. That squeal makes my teeth ache.... not to mention the tinnitus that's always there. Be safe Mark and give us an update on your health issues when you can. Best Regards from JW in Maine
I just found your channel and I love it 👍👍. I was born in Huntington, WVA. I'm 54 and I had a stroke and 5 heart attacks. I have a defibrillator in and so far I am still kicking. I can still get around some in the house with my walker but that's about it. I really wish I could go back in time and do a lot of things differently. I'd love to be able to do what you do and travel all over the place. I wish you well and stay safe. hope you have fun and safe travels 👍👍.
I rode freight trains in the early 2000's .. From California to Utah, Colorado, Texas and in between. It not only helped me to physically escape California and all my demons there from childhood, but it was an emotional escape as well. No smell in the world like that of the rust and grease of boxcars, grainers.. If you're lucky you catch a ride in a rear unit 🙏🙏 To this day my fience and I play on trains. Glad I found you Shoestring. If you're ever around Villa Rica Georgia area hit us up, we have a meal and bed for ya in between stops my friend..
