If Shoestring's videos were a rail and hobo culture documentary series on television, it would win Emmy's. It is the most authentic possible presentation of this unique part of American history and culture-- and the host isn't an actor reading a script, he's lived this and knows it. Thanks for your amazing work Shoestring!
If RUclips didn't exist, we'd probably never to see this kinda shit. It's really interesting to hear your views and input about all this stuff. Stay safe out there, brother.
Your living my old dream. In my teens i loved hiking the tracks around my home in Illinois. I'd carry a pack and my fishing rod a head off down the tracks. But out of high school I joined the air force and then life changed. Now I'm retired and 66 and watching your vids takes me back to those simpler times. Thank you.
At around 12:30 this morning, a CSX train struck a boulder on the tracks near Clinchco, Virginia causing two locomotives and seven rail cars to derail. There were no injuries to the crew. The derailed locomotives and cars are all upright and inline. There were no leaks or spills of any freight.
mind urself don't get burnt But no better man to come up with a solution Wish I was There I Always Loved America especially the good things etc. Brian Ireland
Growing up in Houston during the 70’s - 80’s me and my friends would walk the RR tracks for miles.. After watching some of your videos now, you have explained a lot of the stuff we saw along the way.. You have a new sub, your travels remind me of my youth exploration on the weekends.
Hey Shoestring. Thanks for these posts. It's cool hanging out with you. I have to admit, I got scared when you started that fire then walked away with all those leaves unattended. One got away from me one time in that exact same manner. Scared the crap out of me I really didn't think I was gonna get it back under control. Anyway, be safe brother.
We used to pick those glass marbles up as kids in Zephyr, Texas. That is not too far from Stephenville. That is neat to hear you mention that. Brings back memories.
Coming across this video really sets the mood. It was a great experience to be able to get to know you mark. I miss ya bud i hope youre resting easy and enjoying a good root beer float with the man himself.
Yeah, I believe there is a reason for everything. Lord know how I begged not to wake up in the mornings...but there must be something I'm meant to do because for the past year...I've woken up in the mornings.
Hey Shoestring, just looked on google maps and found the propane tank immediately. Love your travels, my grandparents lived by tracks when I was a kid and they would hire hobos to help on their turkey farm. I also have a Britt Hobo Days t-shirt from many years ago
I gotta say mark i found you a week or two ago and I love the videos! I went way back and watched some old videos when you were drinking...man you are way better making them now! Stay sober my friend and live the life the rest of us dream of! Keep safe and take care of yourself my friend.
Hi shoe string i love you bro , i know that you suffer from Asperger's as i do and like yourself it has affected my ability to make and keep friends , and has tended me to live large parts of my life more solitary than i would ever wish, and i know that you acknowledge your suffering from Asperger's and how it has affected your life too i know that you have made some accommodation's with it , so much so from my observations you come across as such a lovely friendly guy that any one would to know and be friends with, having said that i know none of us ever put all our personal problems in front of the camera, but what you do put in front of camera is absolutely wonderful and so likeable, and really mean that, i know you you work really hard to make these fascinating videos' and i love you so much for it, god bless you, for you are an incredible guy and a blessing to mankind take good care bro. P.S. The United States of America is utterly mind blowing to us to us from the UK, the awesome size and power of America is so hard to take in, my dad fell in love with America when i was young but the authorities turned down his emigration application to the US on medical grounds due to his military service injuries from WW2 which must have devastated him, but i understand why that they could not allow it to happen, I am equally in awe of America too and so glad that we are allies and so thankful forever that you came to our aid in ww2 .
Happy New Year Mr. Shoestring, I'm glad you are well and safe, its a good thing you weren't on that train. I hope you have a good rest of your trip, and its really cool that you found your Dad again. Be safe, and take care of yourself out there. You are more important then these great videos you make, we would all be so sad of something ever happened to you.
Glad you're safe. Heard CSX sound it's horn coming through my hometown and was wondering where you were. Heard about the derailment . Glad you weren't on that one. Stay safe and warm .
Vaseline and a cotton ball,,,, with a little heat (lighter) it'll burn great. When I went to the mountains to hunt elk we took a bic lighter, a candle, and use the lighter to light the candle and then start your fire. Lighters get hot if they burn for a while.
Nah, no problem with damp leaves and twigs. But doing so only about 20 feet away from a propane tank? Mmmmmmm, just a little. It's true that he's been doing this for over three decades, but random fuel leaks or embers don't give a shuttered door about anyone's track record.
I hope u get to see this. But I’m so glad you get to live life freely. I wish you the best in you travels. And from the deepest part of all of us thank you for sacrificing all. Peace and we are always here for you brother✌️
Dude has had his hand run over by a train arrested many times, been in derailments, froze half to death, locked in a boxcar, and still loves to Roll. True to the life.
I like your "hides" in the woods and shrubs. Jack London wrote a book about his hobo days and mentioned that the old-timey rail cars had platforms, "hides," upon which one could ride.
I've been waiting patiently since you posted the update last night saying video on Friday. Thanks Shoestring for the entertaining and educational content. I wish you well!
This is so weird shoestring, I actually had a dream last night, I was on a train with you and it derailed! Im telling the truth! It was weird, we were up front on a diesel pusher and we rolled over, I thought it was going to be worse but it wasn't thankfully..
That’s the original Clinchfield Railroad (now part of CSX), a 277-mile through-freight route and coal hauler that uses 55 tunnels and over 10-miles of bridges to traverse some of the most rugged mountains in the Appalachians.
So happy you missed the derailment! Have you ever rode around the horseshoe curve in Pennsylvania? I’ve gone there twice and it’s so fascinating! Take care and be safe.
Hey Shoestring, I'd be interested in a video of you explaining your protocols & procedures for getting through really inclement weather, if you'd be so inclined. Thanks, & I'm glad you're enjoying your adventures!
Hey shoestring I noticed you were eating Chobani yogurt, I haul the milk into the plant that makes that yogurt here in Idaho! Since I found your channel I look at trains in a whole new way. Love the videos.
I've heard that cabooses are now considered a "rear shoving platform" and they're normally used for shoving back over a grade crossing where a crew person needs to get down and flag.
Great video shoestring!!! Glad to see you back on your feet and riding the rails again. Be safe brother and keep your wits out there it's strange day we live now.
That fire you started at 7:30, no matter how damp it is it's good practice to clear the ground around it to stop it spreading, in the dryer months even more so. In the mean time safe happy traveling. PS For a bit more stealth with a fire try a Dakota fire hole
You may know this already but fritos hold a flame for quite a while. I've not tried other chips but I would assume most do since they're soaked in grease. Great for starting a fire. Thanks for the video and stay safe out there Shoestring!
I was watching trains on Virtual Railroad on RUclips. One train slowed down and stopped for a couple of minutes. I comment that they were letting Shoestring get on. And man, did they get upset. I was was violating their rules and not making the chat family friendly. On well, your first in my book. Safe travels. Lawrence is a good friend
CSX has an old Conrail caboose up here in Rochester NY that we see from time to time. Usually at night on the local delivery trains. However the doors work and the conductor is usually riding inside. Tried to film it a few times but not usually enough light for the camera. Love your videos!
#HoboShoestring That's a awesome video I didn't realize that they were that much stuff in that area, thanks for everything you do for us all , stay safe , stay warm and be happy 😁
Hey Shoestring!!. Love your videos. I looked at this older video because I just happened to derail the first and only time I've ever rode a train. It was Amtrak in 1995 out outside of Phoenix. Hope you are able to do this for the next 30 years. Stay safe brother
Cut the fingers on your gloves and sew the ends on your stubby fingers. You can sew them with the ends out, and run the stitch over the end to seal it rather than turn it inside out to sew it. Good fishing line is the strongest thread
Shoestring, have you ever been through Syracuse NY??? It's right in the middle of the state. I have always loved trains and I actually used to hop them as a teenager and travel short distances. I love your videos. In a way, your lifestyle has more freedom than most people will ever experience. Hell brother if you ever want some company and you're ever in Syracuse NY, I'll pack my gear and take a trip with ya.
That heater is actually for when it is snowing to keep the snow from building up in the switch points so the maintenance guys don't have to clean the snow out of the switch. I work for a railroad. All I am going to say is be careful brother. I love your videos
If Shoestring's videos were a rail and hobo culture documentary series on television, it would win Emmy's. It is the most authentic possible presentation of this unique part of American history and culture-- and the host isn't an actor reading a script, he's lived this and knows it. Thanks for your amazing work Shoestring!
Amen
Let's nominate Hobo for an Emmy!
Facts
This is most certainly a culture.
A harmless one at that.
Yep, God bless him.
25 thumbs-up and no views....lol
how have you been
I thumb up as I watch it
It takes a while to sync the views . Wish we had the hobo culture/lifestyle over here in the u.k ! Stay safe man 👍
Hard not to like these videos lol
@@jacksrccars347 good ole southern u.s.a
14:35
Hobos 100 years ago: "I felt a sprinkle, might rain"
Hobos 2021: "Felt a sprinkle, better check the Doppler radar"
LOL
"Better check the live weather app and get a satellite image."
More like hobos in 2000 and hobos in 2021
If they had doppler radar and craigslist to look for work they would have used it 100 years ago too... Just saying
That's funny.
If RUclips didn't exist, we'd probably never to see this kinda shit. It's really interesting to hear your views and input about all this stuff. Stay safe out there, brother.
RUclips has made the world a much smaller place for sure....
Yeah I mean where else could we see a guy camping out hidden in a briar bush about to hop on a train and telling us all about his life on trains?
Your living my old dream. In my teens i loved hiking the tracks around my home in Illinois. I'd carry a pack and my fishing rod a head off down the tracks. But out of high school I joined the air force and then life changed. Now I'm retired and 66 and watching your vids takes me back to those simpler times. Thank you.
Change the state to Missouri and it's just like me.
Same in Iowa actually hopped a couple trains but no more than a mile or 2 ride lol
What a nice guy 👍🏼
Patient, honest, knowledge and tons of grit
It'd be an honor to have him for a friend 👍🏼🦅🇺🇸
At around 12:30 this morning, a CSX train struck a boulder on the tracks near Clinchco, Virginia causing two locomotives and seven rail cars to derail. There were no injuries to the crew. The derailed locomotives and cars are all upright and inline. There were no leaks or spills of any freight.
👍🏼
The good Lord is looking out for you brother. Your ride was not to be at this time...
Yeh Big Time Lord Continue to Bless this truly free man Brian Ireland Keep on Trucking Sl'an Abhaile Irish for safe home
mind urself don't get burnt But no better man to come up with a solution Wish I was There I Always Loved America especially the good things etc. Brian Ireland
hi Well Done on ur tx Brian Ireland
A free man don’t need a lord, only cheep do.
This man has forgotten more in the past week then I will learn in my next 50 years.your knowledge is amazing.
Growing up in Houston during the 70’s - 80’s me and my friends would walk the RR tracks for miles.. After watching some of your videos now, you have explained a lot of the stuff we saw along the way.. You have a new sub, your travels remind me of my youth exploration on the weekends.
Nice fire making skills. It's nice making a fire whenever and wherever you can. Glad you're safe man!
Aye hopefully its not got out of control after he left it lol
Hey Shoestring. Thanks for these posts. It's cool hanging out with you. I have to admit, I got scared when you started that fire then walked away with all those leaves unattended. One got away from me one time in that exact same manner. Scared the crap out of me I really didn't think I was gonna get it back under control. Anyway, be safe brother.
I expected him to rake away all that duff and leaves, not good
We used to pick those glass marbles up as kids in Zephyr, Texas. That is not too far from Stephenville. That is neat to hear you mention that. Brings back memories.
I love that caboose! Yesterday I filmed a CSX bay window caboose with a remote control locomotive
I was hoping it'd be unlocked but it wasn't.
Just waited on the porch during the hardest part of the rain.
It's well used locally
Dont u have a master key for them? If not i can send u some
Welded shut.....
Well i dont have a key for that
Yeah usually them shoving platforms are welded or blocked off considering they don't have much inside use
Glad you weren't on that train, warm and safe at home. Looking forward to the next adventure
R.I.P. Mark!!! It is now my mission to re-watch every Shoestring video and make sure I have Liked them all.
You are sadly missed.🙏🙏🙏
Coming across this video really sets the mood. It was a great experience to be able to get to know you mark. I miss ya bud i hope youre resting easy and enjoying a good root beer float with the man himself.
There’s a reason for everything Shoestring, you just weren’t meant to catch out today. There’s always tomorrow. Stay safe there buddy.
Yeah, I believe there is a reason for everything. Lord know how I begged not to wake up in the mornings...but there must be something I'm meant to do because for the past year...I've woken up in the mornings.
Hey Shoestring, just looked on google maps and found the propane tank immediately. Love your travels, my grandparents lived by tracks when I was a kid and they would hire hobos to help on their turkey farm. I also have a Britt Hobo Days t-shirt from many years ago
Never a disappointment, everything happens for a reason.
Stay safe out there ol' buddy!
I gotta say mark i found you a week or two ago and I love the videos! I went way back and watched some old videos when you were drinking...man you are way better making them now! Stay sober my friend and live the life the rest of us dream of! Keep safe and take care of yourself my friend.
Respect for this Man and his life....
Hi shoe string i love you bro , i know that you suffer from Asperger's as i do and like yourself it has affected my ability to make and keep friends , and has tended me to live large parts of my life more solitary than i would ever wish, and i know that you acknowledge your suffering from Asperger's and how it has affected your life too i know that you have made some accommodation's with it , so much so from my observations you come across as such a lovely friendly guy that any one would to know and be friends with, having said that i know none of us ever put all our personal problems in front of the camera, but what you do put in front of camera is absolutely wonderful and so likeable, and really mean that, i know you you work really hard to make these fascinating videos' and i love you so much for it, god bless you, for you are an incredible guy and a blessing to mankind take good care bro. P.S. The United States of America is utterly mind blowing to us to us from the UK, the awesome size and power of America is so hard to take in, my dad fell in love with America when i was young but the authorities turned down his emigration application to the US on medical grounds due to his military service injuries from WW2 which must have devastated him, but i understand why that they could not allow it to happen, I am equally in awe of America too and so glad that we are allies and so thankful forever that you came to our aid in ww2 .
Hope you staying warm shoestring. Love your videos man, stay safe out there.
Happy New Year Mr. Shoestring, I'm glad you are well and safe, its a good thing you weren't on that train. I hope you have a good rest of your trip, and its really cool that you found your Dad again. Be safe, and take care of yourself out there. You are more important then these great videos you make, we would all be so sad of something ever happened to you.
Cold damp gets to me worse than anything. But we thank God for another beautiful Day! Great Video
Glad you're safe. Heard CSX sound it's horn coming through my hometown and was wondering where you were. Heard about the derailment . Glad you weren't on that one. Stay safe and warm .
A good substance to use as a fire starter is the lint from a clothes dryer
Or lint from your navel. Lint from clothes isn't always good as a lot of fabric is
fireproof.
Cotton balls with Vaseline smeared on them.
yes, pack dryer lint in toilet paper tubes, works like a charm
Good to see/hear you again Mark...Keep Safe!
Been watching you since about 17k subs and in about a year your channel really took off. That is a nice thing to see brother keep up the good work
Anyone else get nervous for him watching him light a fire surround by leaves and twigs?
The man has over 30 years experience. He knows what's going to burn.
Well, I would have BUT, he's sober now 🙌😝
What doesn't come across well on video is the dampness. It had been raining, so not exactly likely to start a fire.
Vaseline and a cotton ball,,,, with a little heat (lighter) it'll burn great. When I went to the mountains to hunt elk we took a bic lighter, a candle, and use the lighter to light the candle and then start your fire. Lighters get hot if they burn for a while.
Nah, no problem with damp leaves and twigs.
But doing so only about 20 feet away from a propane tank? Mmmmmmm, just a little.
It's true that he's been doing this for over three decades, but random fuel leaks or embers don't give a shuttered door about anyone's track record.
I hope u get to see this. But I’m so glad you get to live life freely. I wish you the best in you travels. And from the deepest part of all of us thank you for sacrificing all. Peace and we are always here for you brother✌️
Love your channel Shoestring!! Keep warm.
Dude has had his hand run over by a train arrested many times, been in derailments, froze half to death, locked in a boxcar, and still loves to Roll. True to the life.
I like your "hides" in the woods and shrubs. Jack London wrote a book about his hobo days and mentioned that the old-timey rail cars had platforms, "hides," upon which one could ride.
I've been waiting patiently since you posted the update last night saying video on Friday. Thanks Shoestring for the entertaining and educational content. I wish you well!
This is so weird shoestring, I actually had a dream last night, I was on a train with you and it derailed! Im telling the truth! It was weird, we were up front on a diesel pusher and we rolled over, I thought it was going to be worse but it wasn't thankfully..
I'm glad u weren't on it.
That’s the original Clinchfield Railroad (now part of CSX), a 277-mile through-freight route and coal hauler that uses 55 tunnels and over 10-miles of bridges to traverse some of the most rugged mountains in the Appalachians.
Love the videos! Just know every video you make, lots of people are enjoying it
So happy you missed the derailment!
Have you ever rode around the horseshoe curve in Pennsylvania? I’ve gone there twice and it’s so fascinating!
Take care and be safe.
I am from Altoona. Used to ride our bikes up to the curve in the summer.
If you're ever in South Georgia and need anything I'm here for you my Brother.
i started binge watching you about 2 days ago just wanted to say hello from Sheffield England subbed keep in there big man
Im not exactly sure how i came across your channel but really happy i did. The name is Danny and reside in Florida. Great meeting ya Shoestring!
Stay warm as possible and safe. Love you videos. All these so called survivalist need to hangout with you for a few rides so they can learn something.
Hey Shoestring, I'd be interested in a video of you explaining your protocols & procedures for getting through really inclement weather, if you'd be so inclined. Thanks, & I'm glad you're enjoying your adventures!
Everytime I have a question on something before I get it out you explain it. You sure know your surroundings and much more.
I'd love to buy ya some lunch if you're ever in Huntington.
Great content as always, love seeing his prospective on everything.
Keep up the great work 👍
I’m sure glad you have friends you can call when you run into situations like this 👍 Stay safe 👍
Tennessee loves Shoestring!!
Hey shoestring I noticed you were eating Chobani yogurt, I haul the milk into the plant that makes that yogurt here in Idaho! Since I found your channel I look at trains in a whole new way. Love the videos.
Enjoyed the video Shoestring. I always pray for you and will continue to do so. Have a good one!!! 👍👍👍❤️
May god guid your soul to blessing!
The scary part of a fast-flowing river is that it is always flowing faster below the surface of the water.
What stands out to me is for a guy that spent his live riding the rails. Shoestring is very knowledgeable about a lot of subjects...Smart Guy !
Stay safe brother I'm praying for you while your out there on the rails .
I've heard that cabooses are now considered a "rear shoving platform" and they're normally used for shoving back over a grade crossing where a crew person needs to get down and flag.
Its been that way since the early 90s.
Shoestring...here in Central MA...really like following your experiences out there, been a lifelong fan of the railroad since childhood...
Thanks for picking up the trash when ya can, I do the same when I'm out backpacking or just hiking. Wish more people were like that...
Shoestring: I'm a railroader out of Chicago. Let me know if you come through, I'll hook you up with some crew packs, water, and fusees.
Safe travels, could binge watch your vids...thanks Shoestring!
Great video shoestring!!! Glad to see you back on your feet and riding the rails again. Be safe brother and keep your wits out there it's strange day we live now.
I’ve been wondering if you were ever on a train when it derailed. Glad to hear it wasn’t too bad in TX!
That fire you started at 7:30, no matter how damp it is it's good practice to clear the ground around it to stop it spreading, in the dryer months even more so. In the mean time safe happy traveling.
PS For a bit more stealth with a fire try a Dakota fire hole
Love watching your, VIDEOS.!!! GREAT JOB.!!!
You may know this already but fritos hold a flame for quite a while. I've not tried other chips but I would assume most do since they're soaked in grease. Great for starting a fire. Thanks for the video and stay safe out there Shoestring!
having vaseline around is more useful than a bag of fritos
@@SuperAWaC Sure, and a windproof lighter is even better then vaseline. It's not a contest.
@@jpvielleux no i mean vaseline is used as a skin barrier too for things like chapped lips, chafing, rashes, burns, scrapes and cuts.
Maybe I missed it where you at in this great world? Glad you didn’t get caught in the derailment
Should figure out how to go live and let us ask you questions about your adventures! That would be slick! Keep on keepin on!
Lovin' that Alaska decal! I used to haul a tanker wagon into Eastman Kingsport with Matlack Inc. way back when.
I would rather be overdressed than underprepared because Extreme Cold🥶will cause Frostbite.👍
Not to mention death!
I grew up very close to Clinchco, probably 10-15 minutes away. Enjoy your videos.
Dang! Glad to hear you're safe and wasn't on that one.
Vaseline an cotton balls ill have to remember that
Ferro rods, if you don’t about them get familiar and never go without a fire.
Those round cotton pads work better in my opinion. If you pull them apart and fluff them a bit, they work real well
Candles or candle wax is great stuff too!
Really enjoy your videos Shoestring. Safe travels to you.
I was watching trains on Virtual Railroad on RUclips. One train slowed down and stopped for a couple of minutes. I comment that they were letting Shoestring get on. And man, did they get upset. I was was violating their rules and not making the chat family friendly. On well, your first in my book. Safe travels. Lawrence is a good friend
I was going to ask if you ever. Thanks Shoestring,
Love your insight and info
Be safe.
Central California Watching
I love watching your journeys. Safe travels shoestring.
I use cotton balls coated with vasaline in my bug out bags and camping bags for good fire starter. And a good piece of lightered knot.
Question, have you been to the Casey Jones railroad museum and homestead in Jackson TN ?????
What kind of snuff do you use? I like Grizzly Wintergreen pouches. I used to use long cut but it has ruined my teeth over the years.
CSX has an old Conrail caboose up here in Rochester NY that we see from time to time. Usually at night on the local delivery trains. However the doors work and the conductor is usually riding inside. Tried to film it a few times but not usually enough light for the camera. Love your videos!
I thought I’ve seen that come through here in Chili Ny
#HoboShoestring That's a awesome video I didn't realize that they were that much stuff in that area, thanks for everything you do for us all , stay safe , stay warm and be happy 😁
Glad you weren't on that train... Stay safe out there Shoestring and God bless!
Hi Shoestring.....glad you are fine.
Hey Shoestring!!. Love your videos. I looked at this older video because I just happened to derail the first and only time I've ever rode a train. It was Amtrak in 1995 out outside of Phoenix. Hope you are able to do this for the next 30 years. Stay safe brother
I just love watching videos like these there aren't many channels like this
Goodspeed Mr. Nichols, Thank you for all you gave, And all you have given.. R.I.P. Shoestring You are greatly missed,,✌
Yeah train struck a bolder on the tracks
We love you Shoestring. Stay safe!!
Well, glad you weren't on the train when it derailed! Hopefully the next one stays glued to the rails, lol. Safe travels brother Mark!
Excellent adventure none the less!
Thanks for the walkabout 😎
Yeah, that was nice heads-up by the fella who commented on the derailment. Technology is so neat. It is good to have friends.
Cut the fingers on your gloves and sew the ends on your stubby fingers.
You can sew them with the ends out, and run the stitch over the end to seal it rather than turn it inside out to sew it.
Good fishing line is the strongest thread
I use dental floss too, nice and strong!
I enjoy very much the stories that you tell. ( Jim, Northern New York)
Love your videos! Stay safe out there.
Shoestring, have you ever been through Syracuse NY??? It's right in the middle of the state. I have always loved trains and I actually used to hop them as a teenager and travel short distances. I love your videos. In a way, your lifestyle has more freedom than most people will ever experience. Hell brother if you ever want some company and you're ever in Syracuse NY, I'll pack my gear and take a trip with ya.
That heater is actually for when it is snowing to keep the snow from building up in the switch points so the maintenance guys don't have to clean the snow out of the switch. I work for a railroad. All I am going to say is be careful brother. I love your videos
Shoestring have you been through Southeast Missouri? Chester, Hoxie or Desoto sub. All UP.
I have wondered and worried about you guys being on a train during a derailment.. Glad you missed that ride!