No more bulls,no more hiding,all the rails are pure gold, all the trains go where you want when you want,the weather is always perfect. Well done Mark,we love you and miss you dearly.
@DaveyJones197126 күн бұрын
Amen
@renegadebt13744 ай бұрын
Godspeed Mr. Nichols, We Thank you for all you have given, And all you gave.. R.I.P. Shoestring, You will be greatly missed.. ✌
@steveshap62192 жыл бұрын
"I got everything I need here". Says Shoestring as he surveys an abandoned scrapyard. Gotta love the guy.
@Emslander2 жыл бұрын
This guy uses words that I heard growing up sixty years ago. It’s a kind of poetry.
@kens.37292 жыл бұрын
Just when you thought 🤔 the Day couldn’t get any Better and then you found a New Hobo Shoestring Video. What a Country. 😬👍
@willyphast25094 ай бұрын
love ya string and i miss ya. you rest in peace now,,
@craigmurphy20462 жыл бұрын
I wanted you to know , in 2019 I came down bad with the covid. I live alone but what helped me was listening to your stories Shoestring. Been a fan for awhile. God Bless.
@ricgal502 жыл бұрын
2019? It wan't until late 2019 that we heard of the covid19, and rare cases coming this way!?
@chuckbrown54842 жыл бұрын
I had it in 21. It was like a cold at worst for me 🤷♂️
@OnTheHorizonSomewhere2 жыл бұрын
Purple flowered tree is a Paulownia Tomentosa I believe. Great wood and fast growing.
@chuckbrown54842 жыл бұрын
Japanese short sapphire maple.
@wvsparkbuster Жыл бұрын
@@chuckbrown5484 Japanese Short Sapphire maple lol
@AS1llyPenguin2 жыл бұрын
Oooh boy a 40 minute Shoestring video is just what i needed to de-stress from the week. Hope you're doing well Mark!
@lorettashepherd.2 жыл бұрын
Shoestring's videos are a great stress reliever. 🙂
@51-FS2 жыл бұрын
Long videos take to long to watch.... I useley bounce out win first add pops up
@lorettashepherd.2 жыл бұрын
@@51-FS you do know that the ads generate income for String right? His ads are monetized. How can you call yourself a fan if you don't watch the whole video? As if you have anything else more pressing at the moment. If you chose to watch the video in the first place at least you can view it to its completion. Sad that patience is a lost art these days
@51-FS2 жыл бұрын
@@lorettashepherd. who said I was a fan? Maybe that's a nother reason I quit watching. I do watch ads on other channels. Don't have to be a fan to watch his videos do it? Is subscribing not enough?
@lorettashepherd.2 жыл бұрын
@JEFF DOGG not desperate or crazy at all. Sorry you feel that way. String is a friend.
@rubicon-oh9km2 жыл бұрын
Shoestring nearly has me convinced to sell my home and all worldly possessions and start hoboing and seeing this beautiful country from the railroad vantage point.
@robertprice72465 ай бұрын
I'm with you on that ! I'd love to forget this bill due, that bill due, paid that, fixed this, get the cars oil changed ....... And go where the wind blows me. I retire I just might do it
@delstanley13492 жыл бұрын
Sleeping under a bill board sign? Now THAT'S what I call room & board!
@ivanw36562 жыл бұрын
The man is not only a historian but a biologist and national preservist as well.
@bigmonmagoomba96342 жыл бұрын
Yes, these videos will be a treasure trove for historians someday.
@143speedball52 жыл бұрын
He is also a registered child sex offender
@NSBlack_Stallion Жыл бұрын
I’d say he’s a Legend. Which is pretty much what you said too. Few and far between are men like this that make a positive impact wherever they go.
@robertprice72466 ай бұрын
You can't beat an evening with Hobo Shoestring ! I've seen more of this country through his videos than a History Book ever taught
@d.s.davenport6105 ай бұрын
Indeed
@mattaylor8935 Жыл бұрын
Gotta Love People who can find Solace in anything It keeps me alive !
@johnwoodall37914 ай бұрын
Rest in Peace Hobo Shoestring .
@C2K7772 жыл бұрын
If this is the quality of your 'B-Roll' then tbh Shoestring I think I speak for us all when I say: Feel free to share more of it anytime!
@TheTubejunky2 жыл бұрын
This is an example of a old American vacation. This seems more relaxing then a 9 - 5 job any day.
@tobe12072 жыл бұрын
Most things are more relaxing than a job. This video is about the "highs" of the hobo lifestyle, I'm sure it's less relaxing in winter,when there's no food,money in your pocket, restricted hunting and no way to quickly make money
@richardcook41932 жыл бұрын
After a day at work I can't wait to pull up your videos and unwind. Your amazing Mark, the knowledge you have about life and being free. Thank you
@louscannon74932 жыл бұрын
A lifetime spent camping, in between riding the rails, something magical about it! Hobo, you could/should write a book about your experiences.
@jonwatt6782 жыл бұрын
I'll second the motion that Shoestring writes a book! The knowledge you posses is far beyond what any college education could ever provide. Plus you probably understand more about the overall rail systems in this country than anyone on a RR payroll!! Your wealth of information should be recorded in books in conjunction with all these videos. Safe travels fellow veteran. I look forward to the next one!
@user-kl4tj5xy3m6 күн бұрын
Rest easy mark we sure miss you 🙏💙🙏 thank you for your service,🇱🇷❤️🇱🇷💔💔💔we all miss you ❤️
@elpocoloco81232 жыл бұрын
Great views - thank you! Those butterflies were actually taking moisture out of that damp soil. Along with the water, they’re getting minerals from the soil too. The butterflies are called Spicebush Swallowtails.
@froggy41u2 жыл бұрын
That's a Paulownia tree at 30:44 Shoestring. The blooms smell like grape kool-aid. I had a house & property next to the CSX North Mountain Sub near Greenwood Va. a few years back and those trees grew all over the mountainside along those tracks. Wishing you the best of luck with your surgery bud! [Dave]
@ashevilletrainman69892 жыл бұрын
Sheooooot. It’s a dream of every hobo to meet ya on the rails and enjoy what stories you have to tell around a campfire. What a shining light you are in this world shoestring. Time to sit back and relax another great production. - A.T Edit; wow I never would of thought Kentucky to have such pretty scenery
@C2K7772 жыл бұрын
I'd got farther. I'm not a hobo, I live in the UK and I'D love to share a beer or two ( alcohol free for Shoestring of course) in a bar or sat round a fire. I could happily listen to this guys stories for hours on end.
@illustriouschin2 жыл бұрын
@@C2K777 Why torture him with the smell of alcohol?
@C2K7772 жыл бұрын
@@illustriouschin He's a big boy and is around the stuff plenty. You ever seen a video of the Hobo Convention where they crown the King & Queen each year. Also it's not like i'd be wafting it under his nose ffs.
@turtleraiderttv10102 жыл бұрын
It does, I live in Mt sterling which is about a hour from ashland
@doubled14252 жыл бұрын
I am from Kentucky, but I think Tennessee is even more beautiful. Glad you think my birth place is a beautiful scenic place too🙂
@testosteroneinc.38002 жыл бұрын
It's not a Shoestring video, unless there's camping involved. 👌
@toddfraisure17472 жыл бұрын
I enjoy seeing you and Ken spending time together. He seems like such a good young man and I can tell by his voice that he loves being with you also. I think he needs you also, just as you need him, and believe me when I say that you'll never regret the times you spent with him and you'll wish someday that you'd have spent more. Those are very important times for the both of you. You're a good man Mark Nichols.
@Hippiestyle20072 жыл бұрын
Such a knowledgeable fella. Knows his game that’s for sure.
@veggiepowered2 жыл бұрын
Iam Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos John In Florida
@kevinsmith95022 жыл бұрын
I love this dude.When I was a young guy I always walked the tracks.Never got the nerve to jump a train though
@tommyc96592 жыл бұрын
Same here
@wilson5612 жыл бұрын
A 3.5 hour drive to go camp with you and give you a ride home. That's a rare friend you've got there. Thanks for sharing this video.
@torque-aholic50392 жыл бұрын
My family and I love you. Been watching for a few years now, so inspired and a tad bit envious.
@bebeandjohnnotsonomadiclif52872 жыл бұрын
we got wild Honey suckle here and it grows as a large as 12 ft shrub, small tree. Loved the ride, thank you.
@a6619922 жыл бұрын
Having some medical issues and being home for two weeks almost.. these videos help me relax and take my mind off things Keep on making ‘‘em and I hope your medical issues are resolved quickly Shoestring!
@Watchdoc652 жыл бұрын
Beautiful country up there! The butterflies looked like pipevine swallowtails!
@sararedfearn46912 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the information on the type of Butterflies. From a fellow Shoestring admirer . Mr JR/UK
@philsalvage2 жыл бұрын
Damn, you sir are living life right.thank you for letting us tag along
@christiaanmeadows90812 жыл бұрын
Shiny blue butterflies were Pipevine Swallowtails Enjoyed watching this video, born in Huntington WV....been down by Ashland and the old Mansbach metals so many times
@danielbatitsas Жыл бұрын
Remembering Lionel and American Flyer steam trains in the 50's. My friends and I would set up the trains in my front room and be entertained for hours. They had little white pills that you put in the chimneys of the steam engines that made white smoke come out. Don't know what they were but they didn't last long and smelled like aspirin. Who cared? No computers, no games, no headsets. Just us, the trains and our imaginations. A lot of water has run under those bridges since then but I still remember cheap orange drink, popcorn, Dennis, Bob, John, Eddy, and trains that went wherever we wanted them to go.
@laurac.b.devlin86052 жыл бұрын
it's the compendium of information you have and your humble delivery. been such a friend to us, bringing us along on what you love. now I love it too through you.
@DrGonzo-jl9wq Жыл бұрын
Exactly, well said.
@danbelzile42032 жыл бұрын
Shoestring is the king of train hopping . Go Shoestring go.👍
@revelationakagoldeneagle80452 жыл бұрын
Great Content! Beautiful Scenery... Great campsite too! Safe Travels Brother ✌️😎
@unumnut22 жыл бұрын
this dude the best
@travelingwithrick2 жыл бұрын
The spectacular bridge at New River Gorge National Park. Stobe the hobo went through there and so did I. Wonderful area of WV.
@Joe301012 жыл бұрын
YES YES A train set up. your now one up on this old man.
@shaunrichardson23462 жыл бұрын
hey Shoestring, not that it was brought up or that anyone asked,, just wanted to congratulate you on your continued sobriety. Youre looking great. Love to check in and see you doing well.
@josephwoehlerii28552 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the excellent video and thank you Larry for coming to the rescue too!
@torque-aholic50392 жыл бұрын
I moved my family from Conroe Texas to Washington State. It's beautiful here have you spent much time here other than van crazy LOL
@Oldpolcat2 жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed your "hodge podge" video! Seriously, it was so good it felt like it was only ten minutes long. Left me hoping for more. Take care Shoestring.
@mt-14572 жыл бұрын
Shoestring, am sittin at the table having a cup of camp coffee! And enjoying the new SS flick! Here s to you SS enjoy while you can pushing all joy and energy to you👍😇🐈
@gonagain2 жыл бұрын
You pieced together some scraps and it ended up being a great video! I enjoyed seeing Ken operating that train at the end. It took me back about 65 years.
@1neAdam122 жыл бұрын
@ 33:50 Larry seems like real good people too. Look at that spread he provided. That took lots of planning and care.
@Slipahaulic8 күн бұрын
This was a damn good one
@philliplittle43352 жыл бұрын
If the blooms on the "honeysuckle tree" were bright orange, it could have been a wild azalea, also called a flame azalea. The flower does not have the smell of honeysuckle, but does look a lot like it.
@shac91312 жыл бұрын
I haven't tasted a honey suckle since late 70's or '81. We'd find a few wild trees around town.
@Prop_2112 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Phillip because we have one here in Scottsburg, In and I always wondered what that tree was. Just like you described but as a pretty good size tree !
@louieysursa59962 жыл бұрын
Cool how you know the tracks,what a well lived life your living.
@musclecarmitch9082 жыл бұрын
Awesome video Shoestring! Packed full of beautiful places and great stories! Great one! Great to see you and Ken having fun with the model railroad! Thanks for sharing!
@brontobytesdm9003 Жыл бұрын
Man I am all giddy to se that scrap yard
@robertclubs99082 жыл бұрын
Awesome show. Thanks be safe.
@Jloosphoto Жыл бұрын
Just came across your channel and I'm enjoying your videos! The black swallowtail butterflies were taking up minerals in the mud
@mickymantle32332 жыл бұрын
You sure am happy & in your element Shoestring ! Makes me happy too !
@jimmyjames65662 жыл бұрын
Hey there shoestring.... Been waiting for this video
@mr.notsure96794 ай бұрын
The more I watch shoestrings videos, the more i see him hang out near where I was raised. I am pretty sure I've talked to shoestring once upon a time.
@eldergnome63112 жыл бұрын
The butterflies 🦋 are puddling. Licking up salt and minerals.
@jonskinner28642 жыл бұрын
shoestring rules!!!!!
@timothyxv171mmmpertinentgamer2 жыл бұрын
Welcome friend I'm proud you uploaded another special video in ashland. Awesome job filming a video at the abandoned rail sighting friend. WOW right where the grass grow on the track.. Look at those old rail tires are all lined up!!! It's a big steam engine track. RJ Corman is a big company for CSX, Norfolk Southern. I need good cold water, so good.!!!
@Mpompadour2 жыл бұрын
It's always a pleasure for us to go on virtual trips with you Shoestring. The interesting places you go to, the riding on the trains and taking us through the U.S.A. most of of will never get to see. You capture the freedom loving spirit in us by showing all the beauty and wonder of nature. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
@EH-nw6bu2 жыл бұрын
Brother, what a great adventure. I grew up in WV. I go through Ashland every month going home to check on my parents. I have been to Thurmond, and true to your video, there is nothing there. However, Amtrak continues it's service to Thurmond which is part of the Cardinal Route. FYI, Thurmond is the second-least used Amtrak station in the country. The least used station is in Sanderson TX. Thurmond was established in the 1870's and incorporated in 1900, by 1950, it was practically a ghost town. Today there are only 5 people living in Thurmond. There is always talk of trying to build a hotel just to increase the tourist numbers, however no one wants to commit to the cost of doing that. The New River Gorge Bridge is located just outside and to the North of Fayetteville, WV. The bridge was constructed as part of the Appalachian Highway System. Construction was started in 1974 and completed in 1977. U.S. Route 19 is the highway that crosses the bridge. Route 19 runs from Sutton WV to Beckley WV and is considered corridor L within the system. The bridge is the 3rd highest bridge in the US and the longest single span bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Every year, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce closes the South bound bridge for one day in the fall for what is known as bridge day. Traffic is re-routed by closing off one lane of the North bound lane and allowing South bond traffic to use that lane. During the festival, it is not uncommon to see over 100,000 people show up and watch the jumpers. Last year there were over 400 jumpers and just over 100k spectators. A little known fact. In 1973, GMC shot a commercial where they actually launched a GMC Jimmy off the bridge. Here's the link to that video. 1993 GMC Jimmy - KZfaq Just to the North of the Bridge is a location known as The Summit on Bethel Reserve. This is the permanent location for the US National Boy Scouts of America. It has become the Nations leading training center for scouts everywhere. It is so modern, that the scouts can practically allow the scouts to gain all challenge badges in one location. The site was the host for the World Scout Jamboree in 2019. From July 22nd through Aug 02 of 2019, there were over 40,000 scouts from all over the world that came and participated. Here's the link to that video. 24th World Scout Jamboree Update - 24TH WSJ IS OPEN - KZfaq Have a blessed day brother.!!
@wvsparkbuster Жыл бұрын
You put a lot into this comment which is great because you're not like a lot of commenters, just spouting off a bunch of bull. The only thing I noticed that I don't agree with is the direction of traffic that's closed during bridge day. The northbound lanes are closed to traffic and the southbound side is the side the traffic is rerouted onto, also the Summit is south of Fayetteville. I live in Fayetteville less than half mile from the NRG bridge Also, when Shoestring is standing on Stonecliff Bridge (where he's talking about the purple flowered tree "Paulownia Tree") (not the second bridge he's standing on which is the Tunney Huntsaker Bridge under the New River Gorge Bridge) is directly over the hill from the Summit Boy Scouts place (I used to hunt mushrooms and ginseng where the Summit is now, used to be called "The Garden Grounds" but they will arrest your butt now for going in there)
@EH-nw6bu Жыл бұрын
@@wvsparkbuster Thanks for you comments. I was sure that they closed off the South bound lanes on the last bridge day. But I will take your word for it being that you live there. I worked the Summit ever time they have a jamboree. I have heard about people trying to harvest Ginseng off of the Summit grounds, you again are correct, they will arrest you.
@dannyfoshee62392 жыл бұрын
hobo take good care of yourself.i just don't know how you hoist those heavy backpacks like you do.i want you to hang around as long as possible.it amazes me how you've learned so much over the years..if i had known i was going to live this long i would have taken better care of myself.lol.my passion was always john deere tractors.now i can't even climb up on one even with 3 people pushing me.
@Daevoz2 жыл бұрын
blue butterfly’s are usually the most rare to see
@cmeador23712 жыл бұрын
Really glad you got out. The weather is getting nice. A great video please keep em comin. Ole Ken is a great engineer.
@michaeldrevdahl22922 жыл бұрын
great train set
@oneteaminbristolbcfc2 жыл бұрын
Great vid shoestring thanks ✌️❤️ as always from the 🇬🇧
@DirectCurrent4u2 жыл бұрын
Thats a very beautiful area there Shoestring! Really love the history and stories You always give us. Keep up the great work and stay safe. 😎👍
@TheDaveCave012 жыл бұрын
Shoestring, nice to informally meet ya for now.
@ElunearaStarsong2 жыл бұрын
I love your videos, Shoestring
@flfun16842 жыл бұрын
RJ Corman engine 8718 is a SD40T-2. T is for tunnel motor used to increase dynamic brake cooling in mountains..SP,, Cotton Belt, DRGW used these units
@David-pv4yl2 жыл бұрын
Mark, thank you so much for bringing such important knowledge about the railroads. Another insightful video that you have presented here on KZfaq.
@olafjensen45082 жыл бұрын
Luv it Pops
@tallglider63132 жыл бұрын
keep on keepin' on Hobo Shoestring! you do great vids...always entertaining...
@Hercules7182 жыл бұрын
Good to see you supported America and finally bought an iPhone.
@clearlycaribbeanreb71762 жыл бұрын
I grew up not far from the massive Russell yard during the Chessie era. Sad to hear the state it’s in now
@vincekelly142 Жыл бұрын
32:14 Spicebush swallowtail butterflies: the sand is damp where you vidded them. I believe they were drinking. My understanding is that they are not blind but see different spectra than humans. They use their vision to help them locate the flowers they fertilize in exchange for the nectar they feed on.
@FloridaJack2 жыл бұрын
Great video. Enjoyed all of it.
@supericeman12 жыл бұрын
Wow Shoestring, thanks for sharing, impressive railroad knowledge!
@larryf73142 жыл бұрын
Some great fishing bud
@carlsonb202 жыл бұрын
You the man shoestring. 👊🏻
@alkennedy11242 жыл бұрын
They look like bat butterfly 🦋 lol nice thanks, I don’t know 🤷♂️ lol thanks BigAl California
@warrenlindner29802 жыл бұрын
Just railfanned there last November. As you look at the flood wall and Ohio River, left is west. Right is east. There is a huge CSX yard in Russell. Lots of mothballed coil cars and hoods that go on them.
@DrMurdercock Жыл бұрын
Found your channel two days ago and have been hooked. It reignited my dream of riding a freight train down south. I have been trying to do as much research as I can on this and your channel is priceless. Thanks so much for making these videos and sharing them with us man. Really appreciate ya
@saddletramp18602 жыл бұрын
1. Pipevine Swallowtail they're probably eating minerals. 2.Paulownia tomentosa (common names princesstree, foxglove-tree, empress tree or kiri) 3. wild honeysuckle. Have to call RJ Corman to clean up that train wreck 😂🤣
@jasonbentleybrown2 жыл бұрын
butterflies can taste with their feet. I agree, they are after the minerals.
@mt-14572 жыл бұрын
SSThank you!👍😇
@devinsword57772 жыл бұрын
shoestring, your such a charming fellow. you have a simple, yet concise way of seeing things
@denniswilkins45142 жыл бұрын
I'm a new subscriber from Trinity Texas. Sure do enjoy your videos. If you ever hop off in Trinity I'll cook you a home cooked meal and make you feel welcome. I'm an off grid prepper. Have safe travels and the good Lord bless and keep you.
@chox20012 жыл бұрын
I love how your teaching us all the time but we don’t notice because it’s so enjoyable. Thank you
@mikemaslanka37862 жыл бұрын
I enjoyed the videos of the waterfall and river because they are so relaxing and peaceful.
@nnis_guy16092 жыл бұрын
Tree with purple flowers is Princesstree, invasive exotic plant from China. Great video, thank you for sharing your trip!
@rodsmith39112 жыл бұрын
Good to see you having some fun. That's the most important thing in life. Enjoy every day and make it count, that's what I learned from my cancer treatments. I've been lucky enough to have had another 20 years from my first treatment so I reckon you should just keep positive and enjoy life as much as possible. Glad you enjoyed Thurmond, it's a spot I'd like to have gotten to but at 75 I've not much chance of travelling to the States nowadays. I've seen a fair bit of the world in my time and have lots of good memories. Still enjoying watching mother nature turning out another springtime and enjoying the return of leaves and flowers. Also still enjoy watching trains go by. If I had my time over again I'd still enjoy working on the railways. Retired a long time ago but I still want more of the fun of the steel rails! Never could get enough of trains. Keep on travelling and stay safe son, and keep the video rolling.
@nealgold84422 жыл бұрын
Great video and great to see you in good spirits.
@georgejackson77522 жыл бұрын
I like the New River Gorge bridge they Parachute off that once a year they block off one side and have Bridge Day about 25 minutes from my house
@janastegall50152 жыл бұрын
Thank you Shoestring, I enjoy the rural pictures and the history lessons. Take care and stay safe.
@shawnamericanrebel56762 жыл бұрын
Great Video Shoe, thanks.🇺🇸❤
@JawTooth2 жыл бұрын
Loved the video! Sometime this summer I will bump into you.
@chuckbrown54842 жыл бұрын
Nope
@Marcuswelby-nx2te2 жыл бұрын
no bcuz you film trains
@lorettashepherd.2 жыл бұрын
@@Marcuswelby-nx2te Jawtooth has bumped into String before so it can happen again
@Marcuswelby-nx2te2 жыл бұрын
@@lorettashepherd. YA I WAS JOKING WITH THEM I ENJOY THEIR VIDS.I CALL HIM SHOESHINE SOMETIMES AND TAW JOOTH
@lorettashepherd.2 жыл бұрын
@@Marcuswelby-nx2te glad to know you're one of the good guys
@mevrammcoyoteV8f1502 жыл бұрын
Hello from Missouri...have you ever rode the MKT railroad in Missouri in the past..most of it now is a bicycle trail..thanks
@bobosan2 жыл бұрын
Hello from Indiana! If purple flower are tulip shaped and have a sweet smell, it could be Paulownia. Next closest choice would be Rhodadendron but you know those.
@granny41902 жыл бұрын
So glad Larry could join you. Nice to have a friend along. 😉
@cheaplaughkennedy23182 жыл бұрын
The river shots are really beautiful Shoe , man there’s nothing like springtime. Yea I read once where the Appalachian mountains were much higher millions of years ago. Those butterflies like to seek out nutrients from the soil. Really enjoyed this episode, keep on traveling Shoe 👍👌
@chox20012 жыл бұрын
You got it right on springtime is the most enjoyable season of the year