Am I the only one who sits here and wonders how a hobo has the best life of all?

travels the length and breadth of the country and can rattle of which train is going where, walks up a flight of stairs on the ferry and say's 'im lost', gotta love the hobo

Hi sir, this is Prasanna from India...have been watching all your videos, right from the start. I must admit you are an inspiration and a fighter to the core. Whenever I face bad days and feel down, I just hop into your channel and watch, rewatch your journeys. I am not sure how many from India are your subs but I am gonna recommend you in my circle

I know this vid is old but first time I seen it. And I've subscribed for awhile. I can't believe how many travel routes exist in Alaska... Are people working or just checking things out? I been to Alaska. It was 1978. Dad and me used to travel by van, 3 weeks of the year, every year, just me and him. I grew up with just dad and me. He bought a new chevrolet van in 1978 with his earnings from overtime at work, but he wasn't ready to beat up the new van we just took delivery of for this trip. We took the 1971 Chev hippy van on the trip. We loaded extra alternators and water pumps, 2 spares tools out the wazoo, you get the picture. On the Alcan about half way all the sudden the motor just cut off for no reason it seemed... We looked at each other and coasted to a stop. The dual 3 inch exhaust pipes that exited just ahead of the rear wheels on both sides were packed with mud! A long screwdriver pecked it out and ran like a dream rest of the trip. We wrote post cards in August at 11pm with no lights on. Made it all the way back towards Detroit and had a blowout on the left rear in the left lane going thru Chicago at rush hour. Had to dig out the spare from all the other stuff in the van. Made it home and I still got the pics to prove it!

Now shoestring is a true free spirit! Thanks for all the adventures sir!

I have to wonder why people always want to stay in one place there whole lives? I put this on speaker and my wife has no clue how bad, I want to just be free, it gets so old seeing all the same old people all the time, living in the same small town for years and years. Thanks for filming this, it truly is therapy I am loving how happy you are.

The World should view life through your eyes, my friend. Goodness in all.

You inspire me shoestring every time I hear a train blow I pray for the safety of all hobos!

Hey Shoestring! You sound so much happier, now that you are where your heart wants to be.

I'm only 5 minutes in and I can hear and see how happy you are being here in Alaska. You have an Amazing memory!

Dude your adventures helped pull me through alot of crap man, God bless and stay safe!

Good attitude man but I definitely wish it was like the old days when you could get a place to live with a handshake and a check or cash!

It is part of Cordova. The lodge there goes by the name of “Orca Adventures” and has an address of Cordova. Looking at parts of Alaska I never seen while on my RV trip around the state. Thanks for that. Stay safe and healthy!

This is how real tough guys live. Liveing the dream Shoestring

You the man! Still traveling with you vicariously. Love you bro

Goodspeed Mr. Nichols, Thank you for all you gave, And all you have given.. R.I.P. Shoestring You are greatly missed..

As a navy sub vet, I miss being at sea on the surface transiting.. I also lived in the PNW for 13 years and rode many ferries up and down the straights..

Miss you Shoestring! Hope I see you in heaven brother!

Hobo Shoestring You Truly Inspire Me Like A School Teacher Who You Love To Listen To , I Learned So Much About Trains And Alaska Then I Need To know .. Just keep The Good Work .

Maybe somebody out there living in Alaska can put a feeler out to help Shoestring find a place to rent.

Awesome video! Way to push yourself and see the world! Most of us in the USA never get the chance to get out of the state we live in. These are wonderful chronicles of your adventures! Keep it up , best wishes !

This guy.....beautiful simplicity and mindfulness. Truly a lovely and informative film about areas you only ever see on Deadliest Catch/Ice Road Truckers, here in the UK. I had the privilege of working with a true traveller from Yellowknife. She was, unequivocally, the nicest person I have met in my 51 year old life. (except my wife and kids of course!).

It just brightens my day seeing how happy you are being in Alaska Shoestring. Long may it continue.

Been waiting for this video with anticipation since your last one, knowing you'd be taking the Ferry. Can't believe how cold it still is up there. Take care of yourself and stay happy, Shoestring!

A ferry like I've never seen or heard of before! So cool! Thanks for sharing. I have become addicted to seeing what adventure you are into everyday, lol. May the Lord keep Shoestring safe and sound at all times!

My grandfather used to sing me that popeye song 😂 along with, "A peanut sat on a railroad track, his heart in all a flutter... Along came the choo-choo train.... TOOT TOOT peanut butterrr" 🤣 good stuff

Your one of the nicest laid back and respectable people ! I just love to follow you man . You are seriously inspiring to other people to go live life and enjoy the small things. I admire you bud !

What a clean ship. Like to take a trip on her. I really liked your video Shoestring.

Those floors look so clean, you could almost eat off of them. ❤🙏

Shoestring: I figured you rented the ferry, just to have it ALL to yourself LOL! That is the cleanest ferry I have ever seen. Kudos to that crew and ferry line. Another beautiful video. I'm learning more & more from your videos & narrations. Keep them coming. I loved when you said "SH*TEEEEE, the whole ship to myself" LMAO! Stay warm & safe my Hobo friend!

Your attitude is a blessing. Being grateful and content is the biggest enemy of debt and stress. The beauty in the simply things is realizing that the simply things are priceless.

I love you're videos You live a life most people dream about Bless you on all you're travels brother From the Land of Lincoln

Anyone else jump when that microwave dinged? Haha Worth the trip! Keep your spirits high, Shoestring. You’ll be back.

That steering on the right you were referring to is called a bow thruster. Most of your bigger boats have them especially tugboats. I had bow thrusters on an 1999 23 foot Maxum which was very unique and rare. Makes it really easy to steer. Love your videos String!

Shoestring you Nailed it!! This was a Awesome video!! I couldn't wait to see this one and you sure didn't let me down!! Great footage of Alaska and the waterway! Thank you for taking us along!! Keep your head up!! Good things happen to good people! Time changes everything. You still have a nice apartment to fall back on! God has a plan for you and where you will settle down but for now he has you leading 70k of us and showing us things that we would never have been able to see without you and taught things we would never have known!! We love ya Shoestring! We got your back. Thanks for update. B Safe......

When my ADD and depression kicks in at times, you are my escape. I escape the pain for a bit and live out your adventures thru my phone screen. Thanks for the journey.

❤ miss you Shoestring.

You do better than the History Channel when it comes to videos

Orca Adventure Lodge in Cordova. There is a picture of it on the internet

This was a unique Shoestring video. Water, not rails. Very enjoyable change of pace.

SHROOM SAYS; Couldn't sleep woke up to a Shoestring ADVENTURE. Stay dry and warm.

It's funny Mark, and all, I noticed when you came in off the deck, you wiped your boots. That alone speaks volumes. You're a good man.

"I'm glad I came here for just this". Just found you Shoestring, and I can say the same thing. You're an amazing creature. The first video I watched you were sitting outside the Flathead tunnel in WY...no beard...and just spent the last 3.5 hours watching other videos of yours. Hope you're well. The world needs more people like you.

Thanks for the update. Back in the 90s my wife had a bid job for six months on the Kennecott...flying back and forth to Juneau. I have a Kennecott cap. Nice seeing that ship again.

Huge fan shoestring stay blessed brotha!!!

That's been my very favorite video yet, Shoestring! It reminded me of when I was in the Navy back in the 80s and later working on cranes and tugs on the Ohio River for a few year.

That place outside of Cordova looks to be adventure businesses on the site of an old cannery. "Orca Adventure Lodge" is one of them.

Shoestring definitely has something in life figured out. Great channel!

Nice video String. Thanks for filming that nice guided tour that you took us on of the Kennicott. That is one ship shape ferry 😉 The more you show us of Alaska the more I know that one day I will have to take a trip to see all its majestic beauty. I can see and hear the joy in your heart and soul. Alaska is definitely your dream destination. I'm still not going to quit praying that you may get an apartment. If not this time, you can try again. The Lord has a plan for you and he will let it unfold when it is time

You give the meaning of acceptance to a higher level. Good luck with whatever makes you happy.

Makes me happy to hear you say... I'm happy.

Nothing like living in a place where it snows 18 months a year

As they say better to have tried and failed to have never tried at all and who knows maybe next time you maybe successful in finding a place there fingers crossed 🤞, and at least you have had a good trip , seen some good sights and brought us some amazing content so thank you my friend.

I'm loving these AK videos. I was stationed in Kodiak with the Navy in the 70's and fell in love with the area and it's way of life. Looking forward to more of these, and if they have snow in them , all the better !!

Love the video Shoestring!! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us! I’m glad you’re having such a great time in Alaska! Stay safe!

The ferry has lots of employees to help clients (such as how to prepare your bed, where coffee and the cafeteria are) ASK FOR HELP, YOU PAID FOR IT.

Watching his videos is like being in on a " True Life Adventure!"

Your memory is spot on. You remember highway and ferry names like you were there this morning. Shit I can't remember what I had for dinner last night. You're a great guide. Haze Gray and Underway

15:20 “I haven’t been this happy since... a long time.” That’s all that matters, brother!

I love going along with hobo shoestring and see his journey that he has seen God rest his soul he will be missed 🙏🙏🙏🙏💯

I Live near Bellingham and was going to check and see how much it would cost to take the ferry but now I don't have too. lol

Thanks Ho Bo from the comfort of my living room in Philadelphia, pa.its beautiful.

Holy Smokes that was a beautiful trip! Thanks for the upload my brother. Looking forward to the next adventure 😎

I've taken the Newfoundland ferry lots of times ....I'm from Ontario Canada and decided to take a trip to Newfoundland and loved it so much I stayed there for 10 years!! Safe travels my friend!!

How cool to have a ferry to yourself for this trip especially in these C-19 times. Appreciate all the local commentary and history that you provide.

Absolutely beautiful Shoestring..Thank uou for taking us along on another incredible adventure..I wish you good luck in finding a permanent place up there...you deserve to be happy like that all the time..Safe travels back to Tennessee my friend..HUGE..HUGE L&R And Thank You again!

When they say ship shape that means this ship, amazing how clean it is.

Such a great video. Glad you go to visit Alaska. Is so beautiful to be on the water, especially during winter. Look forward to your future videos. Thank you so much for filming and sharing your experiences.

I felt like I was on that ferry with you taping it!!! Awesome

What beautiful cold raw water and landscape. Thanks Shoestring! I lived on Whidby Island for a while. Some similarity

I can't even imagine how terrible it would be living in Alaska. I grew up in Illinois, and after my military hitch was over I relocated to Florida. 48 years later I am still here. In all those years I've only seen snow 1 time. And it was gone the next day. You can have the snow, gray skies and dirty snow on the side of the road in June. I'll keep the sunshine, blue skies, and warm weather year around.

They say life that if one can reach a stage in life where they realize where "less is more" you have achieved a level of true contentment. Mark has definitely demonstrated this.

Another good job bro, that 5 dayer sounds like fun. It’s 5 days of videos,that would keep you busy. Any 5 days mask free at sea sounds good. Be safe. Medicine Hat.

Hey Shoestring, here's an update on the MV (Motor Vessel) Joseph and Clara Smallwood: On August 11, 2011, it was announced that Joseph and Clara Smallwood had been sold to Merrion Navigation S.A. of the Marshall Islands (in the south Pacific; part of Micronesia.) Her name was shortened to Smallwood and she sailed to Alang, India and was scrapped along with her elder sister Caribou. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Joseph_and_Clara_Smallwood. Scrapped is another word for 'recycled.' Her steel may now be part of a giant container ship plying the world's five oceans.

I grew up in Cordova and it was nice to see it again via the "blue canoe". When I finally left Alaska I took the Kennicott to the Lower 48. Thanks for the memories.

People love watching this because we all want to adventure. I know I do. I already have been on many adventures myself. I am 40 years old. I'm about halfway through raising my child to adulthood. Once they are on their own I am going to head out. I'm going to make it a point to go on the same routes that shoestring went on. I can't wait man. Hobo Jank will emerge from Ohio.

Sailed 4 days from Skagway to Vancouver late in the fall ONCE! Queen Charlotte and Dixon entrances were WILD sleepless crossings!!!! 40' waves!! Never again!!!👍😉🇨🇦🐟

Shoestring..they have found boxcars of illeagals on the trains down by border..imagine they will be tightening things up because of the crisis on the border...have a good ride..its same temp and we got snow in mt last night

Man you have a memory! Wow! Thanks fo sharing you memories, Shoestring.

Who needs the late Charles Kuralt when we are blessed with Shoestring!

It is a pleasure to watch your videos. Thank you for sharing!

Right before Stobe passed, he'd talked about making new type of content away from the usual train hopping stuff he posted. Wonder if he would've been up for a collab with Shoe up in Alaska

Shoe string love your show keep up the good work

Very good feeling good luck will come your way ... ✝️

Lived in Alaska for 7 years, and when I transferred out to Nebraska in 2011 I took the Kennicott from Juneau to Bellingham. That was a nice trip.

Canadian Province - Nova Scotia is Home to Alexander Graham Bell Museum on Cape Briton Island.

Shoestring what an amazing video!! Thank you so much for taking us along. I was a commercial salmon fisherman on a Purse Seiner back in the 70's. Traveled from Washington to Southeastern Alaska many time.

That docking took longer than the actual voyage!!! ✌️❤️

Whoever waxes those floors deserves a raise!

God bless you bro!!

Fingers 🤞crossed for ya fella. It’s a fine old mess of a world when a man is judged by a blooming credit score, we’ve all been there and then travelled onward towards our goals in life. It’s great to see these far flung places from the other side of the globe 🌍👍

The ass side of the ship. 🤣 Cool video. Sometimes it's cool just to getaway and have some adventure. See how big the world really is. Tennessee isn't too bad a place either.

Really neat so clean and beautiful boat very interesting Thank You for sharing. Good luck on your Apartment hunting.

man i love these long videos dude... i bet allot of us subscribers would love to watch you take trains, ferrys all over and travel lol... you should try and do some amtrak or somthing like that.. the ferry is super cool i love watching videos of ferrys from russia, japan, etc

Great video ,that ship is pristine clean ,beautifull ! Compared to the hardships you routinely endure that ship prtobably felt like the Hilton! God Bless brother.

Ho'buoy Shoestring! Living the dream👍

Talk about lifting your Spirits! Just watching this video I feel more comfortable with my own inherent wanderlusts. At almost 72 yrs. old with a humble-purse "watching" is about the only way I wander these days.The Vagabond lifestyle is where it's at!!!!!!

😎 i see those M & Ms

Excellent video as always Shoestring. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures!

Thats a big boat to have almost nobody onboard!!