Godspeed Mr. Nichols, We Thank you for all you gave, And All you have given.. R.I.P Shoestring... ✌

If anyone ask if you work for the railroad Shoestring - just tell them you are the Chief Railroad Historical Documentary Filmmaker currently on assignment. What you are doing is historically priceless. The railroads should pay you - period. All your travels should be fully sanctioned by all railroads - in exchanged for the proverbial hold harmless document that we know they would demand. You have lawyers in your subscriber base that would come to your legal aid when requested by you and ask nothing in return except a handshake and short story. Shoestring - your stories and conversations are as welcomed as they are exceptional. May God Bless and keep you safe. Thank you for your efforts and hard work. I love trains and honestly have learn a lot about the railroads from your kind uploads.

Rhythm, patterns and vibrations are the fabric of our universe. It takes a special someone to recognize. God Bless, Shoestring.

I am so thoroughly entertained watching your videos and listening to your commentary. There’s about a million things i could be doing productively but here i sit- watching Shoestring in his element.💙

I'm going through a rough patch right now, and your videos are soothing & educational. I wish you the best ...

Thank you for keeping the hobo life alive. I learned a lot about trains from your videos and how they run.

I understand what you’re saying, rocking motion thing, my son Tim did as a young boy and he was very,highly intelligent, lost him few years back! You also are very highly intelligent, I learned so many things watching you and how your thoughts are very interesting,your a very good storyteller and I appreciate that!happy travels to you

There's something about being in nature that makes us feel more comfortable and at peace with ourselves rather than being indoors. Our adventurous spirit never dies! Wishing you safe and warm travels, Shoestring.

Thank you for posting this ❤️ Having a rough go of things lately and I can immerse myself and your videos and forget all my troubles for a while.

“30% chance of snow today... 70% wrong” perfect!

Oh bugger mate i was getting withdrawal symptoms without your podcast, thank goodness Mark you are looking great my favorite American people. Kind regards Warren from New Zealand.

I wish there was shoestring footage back years ago with the older trains. He’s awesome!

Shoestring, I just recently came across your videos and am enjoying them. I used to hop trains when I was a kid. Never went more than 50 miles. Got stranded a few times too. I'm also an Army veteran from the 70s. Disabled now but I miss traveling. I was an over the road trucker for 30÷years. I like your stories about where you've been since I've been most everywhere you've been. I ran all 48 states, Canada, and Mexico. Stay safe Shoestring. Lord Bless

Gotta go with that documentation thing, they really should pay you to document the whole hobo thing because it changes over time and what is past is truly gone and soon forgotten. You have the knowledge and ability to show it how it really is out there, stay safe bro... and keep up the great videos.

Been waiting on this one! Glad you’re doing okay, Shoestring!

My dad was a 67V Observation/Scout helicopter mechanic, as well. He died in a A/C crash at Fort Bragg in August 15, 1989 due to heavy fog while wearing night vision. Love your videos shoestring. Well wishes.

I understand what you’re saying about the rhythm when you’re on the train. I did two tours with Ringling Brothers and I slept so well when we were moving from town to town. I also loved taking my barstool out into the vestibule between the cars and opening the top half of the door and watching the world go by.

Very nice shoestring. I love these longer videos, hope you continue to accomplish all you set out to achieve. You are really the only train-hopping channel I watch, and you are an amazing person all around, and will always be. Be safe. 😊👍

Guy in truck : "Do you work for CSX ?" String: "Yeah...I'm workin' undercover today "

He's alive!! 👏

"It is what i'm my most comfortable with" ... Same here when I was on ships for 12 years... You are an true life explorer...👍🙏

Love the knife! My Dad gave me a Case for my 1st knife. He passed away 3 yrs ago and I carry it when Im missing him.

Damn it Shoestring. I was busy. Now I have to stop what I was doing and watch your video. :) Hope to find you well and rested and doing what you love. I guess you finally did get out of that last train yard. lol. Already liked, about to watch it now.

RIP brother everytime I go to work and pass the train yard you always pop into my mind, love you brother RIP

Great out of the boxcar door footage. Some of your best shots throughout the whole video. Glad you landed safely, Shoestring.

Five years at Fort Rucker for me 1984 to 1989. My MOS was 152G. I enjoy your videos. Thank you for your service.

My wife just said Don't make me hear him, put on your headphones. Hobo, I will be joining you soon.

Jesus was a traveler too. Be sure to invite Him along. Thanks for having me along. 👍🏼🤠

These videos are like we get to just hangout with you, like getting to see a friend and spend time with. I enjoy hanging out with you Shoestring! Thank you for these times we get to share! Stay safe brother!!

Happy happy,Love your attitude, when you’re in Alaska saying “this is the most happiest I’ve ever been in my whole life “

Really appreciate your videos, sir. I'm 66, retired military. A part of me always wanted to be hobo. I can live part of that dream through your vids. Stay safe out there.. Thank you.

If you ever roll trough Springfield MO please film it! I’d love to see the trains view of my town. Stay safe and un-arrested! You represent the freedom we all wish we had!!!

Always amazes me how close the trains are together thank you for another adventure safe travels

I would love to hear more of your story’s of past adventures Shoestring. Thank you for all you do! God bless you.

That damn ad said the battery was included on that digital thermometer. Are you sure it's not enclosed and just needs the tab pulled that's keeping the battery fully charged? Anyway glad you got them instead of your thieving neighbor lady. Thanks for letting me know you got them. I knew that small one would be hard to read but figured small was easy to travel with. Safe Travels Edit: yeah I checked the ad and battery should be included. Also the thermometer you showed has a 3-way LED flashlight I thought would be handy.

Shoestring I love all your videos. You really take me away from the worrys of life even if it's only for a short time. I watch all your videos and find you very fascinating your knowledge and commentary is great. So hear from the UK 🇬🇧 stay safe and God bless.

“No trains really run on a schedule “. Ain’t that the truth

Thanks Raymond!! Handy little gadgets! Loved it Shoestring! You nailed it! Felt like we was with you every step of the way!! The new Case knife is a great color!! Thanks for taking us along! Can't wait for next video! B Safe.............

"Conjunction Junction what's your function?" - Schoolhouse Rock

My dad bought my first pocketknife. A Sabre fisherman’s with scaler. Still got it. Glad you made it out of the yard, sir. Stay safe.

My #2 career rinding back of a Garbage truck. #1 riding the rails hobo style. Guess that makes you my hero, God bless!

Hey Brother . Thank you for your work. For all of us.

When they leave the boxcars open seems like they are sending an invitation to ride.

Takes a true Hobo to ride this time of the year.case is a great brand of knife.i like Case and Buck knives.

Just found these videos. Now I'm hooked.I use train videos to help go to sleep . Thanks for your content and stay safe

Thank you mr. Shoestring I'm from northern Kentucky in Covington I really relate to you and your desires to travel you are a true American living legacy. Thank you again.

It’s hard to explain why I enjoy this type of content, maybe it’s because I wish I could be there having your back and drifting across America with you. 👍🇺🇸

Shoestring says his favorite ride is a double barrel grainer but his face said ‘jackpot’ with that open box car!

Your way of life combines the outdoorsman, historian, documentarian, with a side of Zen social misfit tossed in. I totally get your craving for the physical-audio stim. These days I listen to rail sounds and imagine that physical shaking, helps me get to sleep.

Shoestring, you mentioned in this video freight moves 24/7 - even Sundays. In the late '50's B&O Chicago Div. Had 2 morning freights through Eastbound at Defiance, Ohio: The Pittsburgher, followed by The Dixie Flyer. It was The Dixie Flyer that of a summer Sunday morning would interrupt the Reverend Cleo Roth's sermon mid - sentence with it's passage of 4 F7 EMD cab units in run 8 through the open windows of the church !! At the age of 5 yrs old, I used to love it when the roar got so loud Rev. Roth had to quit !!

This was the perfect way to end the day.. Shoestring Adventure! Awesome as always Sir!...🚂...

When I leave the city, it feels like I can breathe again.

Slowly making my way through all your videos, absolutely fascinated with the fountain of knowledge that is Hobo Shoestring.

Thats cool you were in the Army...great personality and channel

It's a good day when there's a new Shoestring video. Glad to see you're doing well.

I'm Glad To See You Post Again That Show Me You Are Ok !!! After That Vaccine Shot ..

Your the man Shoestring!

An hour long video, what a treat! Thank you for the great footage, I loved the view from the box car.

26:23 the unmistakable sound of slippin & grippin

Feeling about 100x more relaxed and content after this amazing video. Super educational and fun way to study trains. My favorite part is seeing nature. Thanks a million. 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃

If you're ever in Mount pleasant, Iowa there's an antique store on the square that has a lot of old stuff from a railroad company

Shoestring i love your videos. Takes me away from all the other current events in this country. Thanks for doing what you do. Be safe and healthy and keep the the tape rolling.

Shoestring your awesome! I just started watching your videos and have to say I absolutely love them. Love watching you explore America, and learning things from you. I can tell you have an adventurous wonderful soul. Keep doing you man. 🤘🏻

I'm feeling the excitement of making the catch myself. Outstanding video Shoestring!

GET IT SHOE!

Until I found these videos I was watching too much bad news government videos. This cured me completely. RIP and thank you.

67v... crew chief. I was 45750 on air force, old SAC crew chief on refueler jets. I remember helicopter school was the only one longer than mine. I had a whole hall to myself after everyone graduated. I marched alone at 3 am every morning. LOL.. take it easy.

I wish I had $10 for every time that you say “but”. I wish I had $20 for every time that you say “anyway”. But, anyway... I love you Hobo Shoestring!!! - Armchair Traveller

Brother and I been talking about doing hobo camp for the people living in Denver. Put them on the south bound out of town to crew change spot. We pick them up with golf cart and take them to camp for burn barrel fire and hobo camp stories. If you get out of line we sick the hobo camp dog on you. Take you back on Sunday after noon. Give you a stick with red bandana on the end with a bologna sandwich for the trip back to the yard in Denver for their day job.

Shoestring I'm glad to see you making long videos. It doesn't matter if there short or long we love your stories and the knowledge you give in your videos. Stay safe and warm 💚

Love this. I knew a few hoppers that'd make it up to nyc years back. Miss you Joel, wherever or whenever you are.

Just what I was hoping for in this quiet sunday afternoon :)

So later on in my tramp, I found (Sweet) a pair of insulated Carhartt coveralls, I called them my walking sleeping bag. I could get off the train roll them up and have clean street clothes. Even in the hot summer you could get a little protection from the flying blood suckers. When I had wait time I'd "Read the camp trash". I see Bugler packs, OK so there's Bugler near by. I see 40's so there's beer near by.

I'm addicted to watchin' the Shoestring. Gittin' er dun in an educational and entertaining way. Funnier than hell and so knowledgeable. Better than anything on TV.

I really appreciate your opening up to us. Understanding the hows & whys are interesting. I do understand what you said about the vibration frequency as I live on a boat. Don’t think I could sleep without the rocking & the sound of water splashing. Take care

Nice knife Mark! Stay warm

Best wishes for a smooth ride Sir. You are though as a cut spike 😎

This man is the perfect example why you don’t judge a book by it’s cover. So much depth for such a simple life.

Thanks for your service sir! You stay warm and safe out there. Looking forward to more video from this trip. Also love to hear the stories of past rides.

Hey shoestring, when you post your videos, you should tag train hopping like where you post the title it will give you options for tags. That way when people search videos on here yours will come up in the searches with the right tags. Maybe get more views this way. Just a thought.

Dr. Meldmann: Does Dr. Pinchelow have Aspergers? Lloyd: Probably. I know he doesn’t wipe very well.

Love your stories! Stay safe, healthy & warm. God bless ya!

Shoestring is so knowledgeable.i think we all get to live a little by watching your videos.keep up the good work brother!!!

Well my birthday is close, July 14th... Must of been a COLD November...!!!

57:59 is a long video. I watched it all, Shoestring is that fascinating...

I feel the same way you do about trucking. There are more of us that drive truck than ride rails around the country but it still more that won’t then will. Like you said, about “it takes a particular mindset or the way you process fun and n pain”. Most people drive truck for six months or so and give it up. It’s like a paid camping trip everyday. I’m a 20 year veteran and I scratch my head some days as to why I do it but when I’m away from it I miss it. Something about being out on your own doing your own thing watching the scenery go by getting a sense of freedom and then realizing that you’re doing a small part in something that is bigger than me. What other thing, you are correct that freight never stops moving. During Covid when I was out on the highways I would travel through big towns in there because no cars whatsoever in the middle of the day. Only trucks. It was a great sense of awareness that was going on and all of us drivers. It was surreal and we took notice it had great reference as to what we were doing to keep the country going while we were on lockdown. No trains, no trucks,no eating. Oh! I’ve taken a few pictures I think you would like on my travels I’d like to send you. How can I send you electronic pics?

Hello from Nelson New Zealand. Love the raw honestly of these videos shoestring when I was a kid we used to ride the log train from kinleath to putaruru to see our Grandma log trains are the nz equivalent of lumber in the us

All in.

Partly cloudy = pessimistic, partly sunny = optimistic.

I can’t lie my dude, I watch your videos while I’m doing tedious little things at work, I wear headphones and one of the best little secret bonuses to you videos are the little camera creaks and other noises. I love them.

Thank you for your service Shoestring. I was a 19d trained at Ft Knox Kentucky. If you ever hit the Seattle Tacoma area I will take you out for lunch and we can talk. I bet you have the best stories. God bless you brother.

What I want to know is, have you ever met a lady hobo?

Oh yeah, an hour long video!

Good to see you again Shoe !! Glad you're stay in healthy. God bless 💖

Im from NYS..My mom moved to Riverton Wy in 2011. We visited all those places along that feeder into Worland after following the UP along I80 for a long time drivin out there...Her father had hobo'ed to California and joined the Coast Guard in 1928 he was stationed in Hawaii for 4 years. Then after that moving back to NYS, getting married and having my uncle, he was off again and joined the Army in 1940-42. Had mom in 42' and aunt in 46'..timing couldnt have been more synchronized with major events in his(and Americas) life.. lol..mom talked about his escapades and adventures often..so your story hit home...✌

Damn hobo you had me worried. I was just telling my wife I better see you soon

💯 I'm gonna train hope one day

Really a smart guy knows his stuff

Hey Shoestring. Great video. I am as well a Nam Vet. Rotor wing Uh and Chinooks you were talking about Rucker and Eustice. WS stationed st both. Your comments about rythem was so very right on I recall the feelings of the rotors spooling up and how the felt. Good luck brother stay safe and warm.

I have to say, using slightly autistic as a way to justify why you do it, it's funny. You do it because it's fun to do and you have the funds and time to do it. Nothing wrong with it, you talk old times of riding and how you don't like younger riders but they are the ones who live it. They don't have checks or cards, they have to Hussle and panhandle and deal with the actual hard parts of the life style . Being able to have an apt and make videos is much much easier. I love the videos and you seem fine, but sometimes you go for the romantic route and how times were and it's like, you got it made dude. For someone who just wants to ride but still is capable of going home or dealing with medical issues. You have a good retirement :) this isn't hate, this is just calling it how I see it.