Godspeed Mr. Nichols, We thank you for what you gave, and all that you have given.. R.I.P. Shoestring.. ✌

We all love you, Shoestring. Praying that you have many more years of riding.

I just wanna say that it was really nice of you guys to send him those little gifts. they meant a lot to him.

Back in the 60's we lived along a double set of track right behind the house in Cleveland Ohio, along Miles Ave. and about the same distance from that shanty to the tracks. We had a fair amount of Bo's come thru. They must have left a sign saying our house was a good house to help feed the Bo's. We would get a knock at the back door and my Mom would make BP&J sandwiches and pass them thru the "milk chute" next to the back door. We didn't have a lot but Mom still made food for them. Her Father retired from the Monongahela RR yard back in Brownsville Pa. so I'm sure there was a soft spot for RR folks, plus she is just a sweetheart in general. Stay Well....

Been working 20 years out in PNW as engineer, would be nice to see more of your kind out and about!!! I have given a few riders a care package!

One of my favorites damn shoestring rest in peace 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲✌️

I don’t kick off the Bo’s of my trains, especially in the heat/cold. The people that mess with the train are the ones that get the boot. Turning angle cocks, pulling pins, tying brakes, isolating DPU’s, putting the train in emergency and stealing shit out of containers will get you popped. In other words, don’t delay the train or create more work for the crew. I’m impressed with your knowledge of trains and their operations. I can tell you’re been doing this for a while. That’s a mighty fine UP ice bucket you got there. It looks exactly like the one I have. Stay warm out there bud.

I had no interest in trains, nor knew anything about this kind of life before I (accidentally) discovered your channel. I am truly fascinated, educated, and entertained by every episode. Something you don’t get on the regular TV anymore. Wishing you a speedy recovery Mr. Shoestring, and many more adventures to share with us.

I swear ill never get tired of watching your travels!

I'm going to listen to this falling asleep as it's late here. I'll watch it tomorrow. I just love falling asleep with the sound of them trains. Thank you shoestring and stay safe.

I noticed how you always give Glory to God. I could tell you so many times God has Blessed me through trial and trouble. He is so Good.

One of the best things about your videos is how you explain everything around you. You're a wealth of info and I love learning from your experiences. Best of luck with the surgery!

Just got home from work. Perfect timing for a riding vlog. So much better than mainstream tv.

Good to see you on the move Shoestring , hope everything goes well with appointments !! Be safe out there sir !!

Watching your videos from the UK and loving them. All the best to you sir and best wishes for your future health, you are a Legend. You have taught me more about America than any book.

I just discovered your website. I am 87 now and you cause me to recall allot of memories of traveling similar as you but with my family. While living in campers, school bus, etc. Working my way through out part of the country as a house painter. I could pick up employment anywhere. Greetings from Indianapolis Indiana.

Glad you're out, as long as you're safe and comfortable! Take care.

Hang in there, man! You’re more viewed and admired than you think. I’m watching your videos from Romania, Eastern Europe! God bless you, stay healthy and thank you for your videos!

Good to see ya out and about. “All who wander, is not lost “. Stay safe String. You da man!!! We all enjoy riding along with you in this thing we call life. Keep smiling !!! 😀

I live vicariously through your videos Shoestring! To live so free and to see the beautiful land of our country, I just adore you! I could listen to your stories forever..... May the good Lord always watch over you.

A hobo with a youtube channel and 159 thousand subscribers. The American dream is alive and well.

Love your videos Shoestring! Be safe and warm out there!

I just want to say thank you so much Shoestring for giving us these great videos. When I was a teenager, my buddy and I wanted to ride the rails. We had it all planned out, but we chickened out at the last minute. I really appreciate your knowledge and especially showing both the beauty and the danger. I often think abou the days when I thought I could live my life truly free. Your videos bring back that great feeling of freedom. Thanks.

Back in the 1970's I was a kid and I remember being in the car with my mom we had stopped at a railroad crossing in a little town called Moorpark in CA as the train rolled by on a winter's chili sunset evening I seen a man in one of the railroad cars waving at the people as the train went by he was dressed in heavy clothing and he looked pretty Scrappy almost scary looking. He looked happy as a kid I remember my first impression I've seen that person I was shocked and amazed how could such a thing happen and how could he be riding in that train car with that door open and all that cold. And he was smiling and waving at people. Now that I'm older I could characteristically categorize that person I remember as a friendly guy that was just looking for a nice place to stop and have some peace and quiet and enjoy his life. This was a fun video to watch I will share it with my other Facebook family and friends thank you Joey ⚓👍

Sitting in my cold room next to my heater and it just turned into a heat wave . I don't think I could've done that in my youth , I know I couldn't do it now and I'm not 60 yet . Your spacial awareness and knowledge of surroundings is spectacular .

Hope all goes well with your appointments , it's great seeing you out on the rails again , praying for you out there .

Greetings from Los Angeles. I grew up by Taylor yard and recall the many guys who rode the rails. Back then the bulls were tough. Most of the train crews were hard living, hard drinking types. I used to say it was the only job that had a two-drink minimum. They say a life well traveled is a life well lived. I enjoy watching your adventures. Be safe!

Hey Shoestring, lovin all your videos. I’d really love to see some video of the Northern lights on one of your trips up North. What great adventures and new things you have seen. Thanks again!

Mr. Shoestring you are a inspiration man 🤜🏿🤛🏻

I enjoyed the video very much! My favorite part was seeing all the fresh snow illuminated at night. What a fun and beautiful way to ride!

Shoestring you sure do know a good bit about the railroad, my hats off to you

Glad you're back riding again Shoestring. I pray that you stay healthy, and all goes wells for you.

I pass through Hagerstown, Frederick and Hancock many times . Really awesome ride along Shoe , thanks . Stay warm my friend 👍👌🚂

Shoestring, I hope the medical stuff all turns out well. We love watching your videos, but your health is most important.

Oh my God why haven't I seen this before. Sir you are one of the last few. God bless and much respect 🙌 🙏....

Thank you for sharing the ride. Don't worry about the surgery, you'll be so glad you had it done when it's over and you're all better Mark. 😁

Glad you got a ride in! That snow definitely absorbs the sound.

Awesome trip Shoestring! The snow sure makes a scenic video! Praying for you to get that surgery behind you and the best results! Stay warm out there! Awesome video!

Your snow rides are some of my absolute favorites!

I can't get enough of your videos, your narration is perfect. I hope all goes well with your medical appointment. Stay safe!

Glad to see you getting out. You tagged 1/14/21 🎉 It’s 2022 lol Hope you have a great ride🇺🇸

It's cool to see guys are still living this kind of life and keeping the hobo legacy alive.

Your the example of a survivor! Look forward to you getting all repaired and rested up. ✌️🙏🏻

These videos are great to watch on a cold windy day when you want to sit back and relax.

Being honest is hard work. Im proud of you Shoestring. Thanks for all of the good info.

Doing what you love is some of the best medicine! Happy trails out there and good luck with the operation.

Shoestring, your trips make me smile.

I DID ENJOY WATCHING...I WAS A FAN OF STOBE THE HOBO...I ENJOYED WATCHING HIS ADVENTURES

Apparently this trip is some good medicine for you brother. It's getting your head on straight and making you mentally stronger. Keep leaning forward no matter how hard the wind is blowing at you Mark.

There are not too many things that make a person Smile 😃 on a Snowy, Cloudy, day but a New video from you does it for us Every time. 😬👍

Could be one of the most Live by your wits people you'd ever meet. Love watching him make his way.

My son and I went for a walk in the tail end of this storm here on Cape Cod. It was lots of wind and rain. When we got near the tracks I figured you were out in the same storm. Safe riding Shoestring and we're pulling for a good outcome for you here in Massachusetts. These videos help get a lot of us outside when we otherwise wouldn't.

Can’t believe your hopping in this weather! Got 8 inches of snow in asheville. Hope you stay warm and Be safe !

So good to see you back in your element. You gather strength doing what you love to do. Safe travels to you Shoestring. We are all happy for you!

Heya shoestring. Just wanted to say hey bud. I unfortunately haven't been able to ride for the last 3 years due to injuries so naturally your videos mean the absolute world to me. Pretty positive we crossed paths on the east coast years back just not sure exactly where. Thank you for sharing. If you see the "brush yo teeth" tag that's mine.haha I appreciate you brother.

So weird/ cool watching you catching out in a snowy winter, meanwhile I am chilling with a beer with my feet up here in Melbourne Australia on a 110 degree summers day. Cant wait to get back to the US. Safe travels mate!

Great vid Mr. String ...There's just something relaxing about watching them ... Thx and stay safe ...

Thanks Shoestring and wish you the best on your doctor visit next week. A neat ride with the snow, really liked it !

At 30:20 you can see in the window that it says for rent. I would rent it for a few days if the heat worked. lol . Yesterday I was filming in Kentucky and my fingers froze after filming a two mile train. Watching your video makes me want to get back out and film some more. Snow and trains go together pretty well

Rip, shoestring,I miss you my friend.

Shoestring be safe out there. Enjoy your travels. Praying for you on your medical stuff. Hope all goes well. Take care.

My day has been shit. Got laid off from work. But at least I got a notification that Shoestring uploaded a new video. 🙂

I'm hoping and praying for all the best for you in your upcoming appointments, Shoestring. Thankyou for everything you do for us, your audience.

Hahah, a "Saskatchewan Screamer". I've never heard that one before. And I live up in Regina Saskatchewan so I know how cold it really gets! Thanks for the great video Shoe String, have a good one!

Good to see you’re keeping warm, safe travels Shoestring!

So happy to see you out riding we all now how much you enjoy it and love the videos. Stay Safe my friend

It amazes me with your general knowledge of anything everything train related. I love you videos brother.. stay warm and stay healthy Shoestring!!!

Just ran across your vid. I rode the rails a few years many years ago. I liked it. Even when the yard bulls came after me. They used to knock us around when they caught us. Had to run once and ended up swimming across a river in January. Hope your health issues don’t stop you.

Thank you shoestring for all the work it took to record this for us. Keep warm tonight where ever you are.

Train noise help me fall asleep. Great video as always. From one Veteran to another.

This is one of my favorite videos besides the Dalton highway one. Great work Shorstring. All Your videos give me peace.

Shoestring done blew up on the YT streets lol Good seeing a good dude get rewarded for sharing his life with all of us.

Glad ya got out , hope you can get another good ride and of course good luck and fast recovery after the surgery!!! CATCH ON !

Really enjoyed your latest video Mark, I love seeing the snow we don't get much of it over here in Gatesville lol, and always like hearing your stories from past travels your railroad knowledge is incredible I've learned so much.but just wanted let you know I'm praying for you and sending Texas sized positive energy your way! Take care and keep on doing what you love to do!

thanks for a great video you take care my friend best wishes with the surgeon.

This is my first time watching. I didn't want the video to end . Watching you makes me comfortable. What an exciting life you have.. Thank you for sharing. Prayers sent to you from myself ,,and so many others.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🥰

Good God dang! It's fantastic to see you out on the rails again Mark. 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃 Enjoy the ride brother

I’ll be praying for you sir. Wishing you a speedy recovery and a safe return to the rails!

Shoestring I came upon your KZfaq page and I find you the most interesting and very intelligent man as you know so much about everything. I just pray for your safety on the rails and off. Please stay safe and healthy.

Your a real genuine person, i love your videos, stay safe, and god bless you.

Glad to see you out doing what you love brother.. Be careful out there, Can't wait for you next video.

Hi Shoestring. Great video but it made me cold just watching you out there. I’m saying prayers for your health. Take care!!!

When I was a kid we had a flat tire in the snow. My Dad changed it and when he got back in the car he told my Mom he had made up a poem, “snow, snow, fupk you”. He said it was good for all kinds of weather, “rain, rain, fupk you” and so on. He didn’t cuss much but I will never forget his wonderful poem.

Thankyou my mate, this is what's real, most of us are only one missed paycheck away from this freedom, love you my mate.

Just what I needed. A new Shoestring video. Good to see you out and about. I know it makes you happy too. Glad to hear that the medical appointments and impending surgery are going so much better now. Take care out there. Be safe and stay warm. God bless and God speed

String, I am so sorry that you are gone. Your videos were so interesting and fun. I pray that you are safe with Jesus, that you accepted Him before this horrible event. I pray that find out what happened. RIP Mark.

@ Hobo Shoestrings I truly enjoy your videos..been watching a while now. Being a model railroad builder your videos have been a huge help to me ,as i have been able to better detail all of my rolling stock and scale structures,lol. God bless you sir and stay safe!. :)

Glad to see you riding again Shoestring. Prayers for you brother that all goes well with surgery. Give a holler next time up here in Cleveland. I live not too far from Rockport yard. Be safe and warm

We just knew you couldn’t stay off the Rails. Cold 🥶 and Snowy ❄️ Weather never stopped you yet. 😬👍

Thanks Shoestring, Ima bout wearing out allof your old videos starting to know them word for word. We are praying for your health issues to have a good outcome. Central California Watching

Enjoy your videos. It's good to see these different "slices" of America. That thick cardboard is handy, I use it as a cushion to kneel / sit on when I work on my car. Good luck with the medical stuff. Stay safe & take care.

Hats off brother .. lived near train tracks when I was a kid always fascinated me

I would like to think that I am a "man's-man". I do alpha-male things. I am a pilot. I like to fish and hunt in the least traveled areas, and I'm only really afraid of tornadoes and my mom. lol. But then I take a look at a video from Shoestring. This guy is tough as diamonds, and he shines just as bright. The info stored in his noggin could fill volumes. To be honest, I would be there to read every single word. I pray to our maker, higher power, God, that he reach in and fix whatever is wrong with our friend Shoestring. I am 54 years old and he is an inspiration to me. I like the world with Shoestring in it. Healthy, happy, and making videos for us all to enjoy, and to remind me what a real "Man's-Man" looks like. Clear signals Shoestring.............

I enjoyed the funny thought you had about getting caught and your hands being so frozen they would shatter when cuffed 😆

Stay Warm Brother! Good luck on the all the medical. Keep on ridin', appreciate you. You give us Vast amounts of solid gold knowledge!

The window of the shack had "for rent" carved into it 🤣

You need a scanners so you can listen to the rail crews and what’s going on with the train you are hitching a ride on , as a retired railroad engineer your video is fascinating

In South Korea back in 2004 -18°F, I would use my army green wool sock and put my canteen in it to keep the water from freezing.

So refreshing to see someone enjoying what they do, without stressing about everyday life. I'm gonna miss your new adventures Shoestring. RIP.

Gotta be one of your best videos, Mark that footage from the boxcar with the snow falling, really great.