Forgotten rail yard/Larry meeting me at camp

[@jesse-gz1ri]

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.

[@DaveyJones1971]

Amen

[@renegadebt1374]

Godspeed Mr. Nichols, We Thank you for all you have given, And all you gave.. R.I.P. Shoestring, You will be greatly missed.. ✌

[@kens.3729]

Just when you thought 🤔 the Day couldn’t get any Better and then you found a New Hobo Shoestring Video. What a Country. 😬👍

[@Emslander]

This guy uses words that I heard growing up sixty years ago. It’s a kind of poetry.

[@randywilson6068]

RIP Shoestring. You are truly missed.

[@steveshap6219]

"I got everything I need here". Says Shoestring as he surveys an abandoned scrapyard. Gotta love the guy.

[@willyphast2509]

love ya string and i miss ya. you rest in peace now,,

[@rubicon-oh9km]

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.

[@robertprice7246]

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

[@OnTheHorizonSomewhere]

Purple flowered tree is a Paulownia Tomentosa I believe. Great wood and fast growing.

[@chuckbrown5484]

Japanese short sapphire maple.

[@wvsparkbuster]

@@chuckbrown5484 Japanese Short Sapphire maple lol

[@delstanley1349]

Sleeping under a bill board sign? Now THAT'S what I call room & board!

[@craigmurphy2046]

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.

[@ricgal50]

2019? It wan't until late 2019 that we heard of the covid19, and rare cases coming this way!?

[@chuckbrown5484]

I had it in 21. It was like a cold at worst for me 🤷‍♂️

[@mattaylor8935]

Gotta Love People who can find Solace in anything It keeps me alive !

[@AS1llyPenguin]

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.]

Shoestring's videos are a great stress reliever. 🙂

[@51-FS]

Long videos take to long to watch.... I useley bounce out win first add pops up

[@lorettashepherd.]

@@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-FS]

@@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.]

@JEFF DOGG not desperate or crazy at all. Sorry you feel that way. String is a friend.

[@veggiepowered]

Iam Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos John In Florida

[@johnwoodall3791]

Rest in Peace Hobo Shoestring .

[@elpocoloco8123]

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.

[@froggy41u]

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]

[@C2K777]

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!

[@mr.notsure9679]

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.

[@louscannon7493]

A lifetime spent camping, in between riding the rails, something magical about it! Hobo, you could/should write a book about your experiences.

[@jonwatt678]

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!

[@christiaanmeadows9081]

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

[@tariqsimona]

It was always so relaxing to watch your videos… something about your calm demeanour and your storytelling would bring me right into your world 😢

[@JeanieMills-l1e]

Rest easy mark we sure miss you 🙏💙🙏 thank you for your service,🇱🇷❤️🇱🇷💔💔💔we all miss you ❤️

[@Hippiestyle2007]

Such a knowledgeable fella. Knows his game that’s for sure.

[@ashevilletrainman6989]

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

[@C2K777]

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.

[@illustriouschin]

@@C2K777 Why torture him with the smell of alcohol?

[@C2K777]

@@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.

[@turtleraiderttv1010]

It does, I live in Mt sterling which is about a hour from ashland

[@doubled1425]

I am from Kentucky, but I think Tennessee is even more beautiful. Glad you think my birth place is a beautiful scenic place too🙂

[@Bmg009]

Playing with that kid you couldn’t tell he was in his 50’s. What a loss we suffered, he overcame alcoholism it appears, wish I would have met him. God bless shoestring.

[@Watchdoc65]

Beautiful country up there! The butterflies looked like pipevine swallowtails!

[@sararedfearn4691]

Thank you for the information on the type of Butterflies. From a fellow Shoestring admirer . Mr JR/UK

[@kevinsmith9502]

I love this dude.When I was a young guy I always walked the tracks.Never got the nerve to jump a train though

[@tommyc9659]

Same here

[@danbelzile4203]

Shoestring is the king of train hopping . Go Shoestring go.👍

[@TheTubejunky]

This is an example of a old American vacation. This seems more relaxing then a 9 - 5 job any day.

[@tobe1207]

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

[@richardcook4193]

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

[@Joe30101]

YES YES A train set up. your now one up on this old man.

[@wilson561]

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.

[@testosteroneinc.3800]

It's not a Shoestring video, unless there's camping involved. 👌

[@shaunrichardson2346]

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.

[@travelingwithrick]

The spectacular bridge at New River Gorge National Park. Stobe the hobo went through there and so did I. Wonderful area of WV.

[@bebeandjohnnotsonomadiclif5287]

we got wild Honey suckle here and it grows as a large as 12 ft shrub, small tree. Loved the ride, thank you.

[@torque-aholic5039]

My family and I love you. Been watching for a few years now, so inspired and a tad bit envious.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

Hello from Missouri...have you ever rode the MKT railroad in Missouri in the past..most of it now is a bicycle trail..thanks

[@a661992]

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!

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

Great Content! Beautiful Scenery... Great campsite too! Safe Travels Brother ✌️😎

[@mt-1457]

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👍😇🐈

[@rooster68able]

You live like most other people only dream , much respect shoestring (that would be a perfect place to trip!

[@jonskinner2864]

shoestring rules!!!!!

[@jimmyjames6566]

Hey there shoestring.... Been waiting for this video

[@philsalvage]

Damn, you sir are living life right.thank you for letting us tag along

[@mathisk8life]

Saved this video for today. It's my 49th birthday today🎂🎉....

[@bobbyjones8752]

Just recently started watching these videos never heard of you shoestring. My friends and I hung at the tracks below the mill hill we grew up on. Fished at the creek beside of them. Walked to high school my first 2 years, couldn’t ask for better walk way.

[@mickymantle3233]

You sure am happy & in your element Shoestring ! Makes me happy too !

[@eldergnome6311]

The butterflies 🦋 are puddling. Licking up salt and minerals.

[@timothyxv171mmmpertinentgamer]

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.!!!

[@torque-aholic5039]

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

[@danielbatitsas]

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.

[@gonagain]

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.

[@1neAdam12]

@ 33:50 Larry seems like real good people too. Look at that spread he provided. That took lots of planning and care.

[@dannyfoshee6239]

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.

[@Oldpolcat]

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.

[@josephwoehlerii2855]

Thank you for the excellent video and thank you Larry for coming to the rescue too!

[@toddfraisure1747]

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.

[@oneteaminbristolbcfc]

Great vid shoestring thanks ✌️❤️ as always from the 🇬🇧

[@supericeman1]

Wow Shoestring, thanks for sharing, impressive railroad knowledge!

[@Brenda-rx4wk]

Nothing like a good nature's shower . Just heaven.m

[@vincekelly142]

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.

[@louieysursa5996]

Cool how you know the tracks,what a well lived life your living.

[@tallglider6313]

keep on keepin' on Hobo Shoestring! you do great vids...always entertaining...

[@cmeador2371]

Really glad you got out. The weather is getting nice. A great video please keep em comin. Ole Ken is a great engineer.

[@FloridaJack]

Great video. Enjoyed all of it.

[@godsservantofky7538]

Shoestring I love seeing your videos. I am praying your upcoming surgery goes well.

[@carlsonb20]

You the man shoestring. 👊🏻

[@AnonyMous-gv9nz]

I'm from Fayette County West Virginia At 32 minutes of in your video I've been there many times swimming fishing etc it's beautiful there

[@monmixer]

Have you considered writing a hobo's handbook? Crossed that New River Gorge bridge many times. Working mostly so one of these days I'm going to southern WV to relax and spend a week holed up on the new river. The eastern redbud's bright fuchsia blooms are often the first color you'll see among the still-naked trees in early spring. This tree grows to 40 feet and fares best in moist, rich soils - so much so that the early settlers often looked to the presence of redbuds as a sign that the land was good for farming crops. These trees can get 40 to 50 ft tall and flower in the spring in southern WV

[@ivanw3656]

The man is not only a historian but a biologist and national preservist as well.

[@bigmonmagoomba9634]

Yes, these videos will be a treasure trove for historians someday.

[@NSBlack_Stallion]

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.

[@robertprice7246]

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.davenport610]

Indeed

[@revharrycwigmoreiii5787]

Fully enjoy you Video Shoestring. Thanks.

[@atheistsince1210]

32:16 so so beautiful I wish I was there I never have enough butterflies in my life you are blessed ! 👑🌎

[@Cdog92704]

Great video..Shoestring..love all the different shots and information you gave us.Thanks for sharing..Cdog 👍👊

[@flfun1684]

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

[@nealgold8442]

Great video and great to see you in good spirits.

[@alkennedy1124]

They look like bat butterfly 🦋 lol nice thanks, I don’t know 🤷‍♂️ lol thanks BigAl California

[@rja9566]

Thank you for posting shoestring! I always enjoy your videos. You be careful and stay safe brother.

[@bobosan]

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.

[@granny4190]

So glad Larry could join you. Nice to have a friend along. 😉

[@Alco16-251F]

Love the RJ Corman Tunnel Motor 6 axles!

[@Jloosphoto]

Just came across your channel and I'm enjoying your videos! The black swallowtail butterflies were taking up minerals in the mud

[@musclecarmitch908]

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!

[@unumnut2]

this dude the best

[@brontobytesdm9003]

Man I am all giddy to se that scrap yard

[@DirectCurrent4u]

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. 😎👍

[@dominicwroblewski5832]

Interesting video. Those RJ Corman locomotives look like old SP SD40T-2 tunnel motors made by EMD with a different radiator configuration so that they wouldn't overheat in the tunnels of the Sierra Mountains and shut the locomotive down. The butterflies on the ground were taking in salt, like deer at a salt lick.

[@benjaminmartz1775]

Nothing like a new shoestring vlog after a hard day's work.

[@anilsamaroo2038]

Excellent

[@A2Z14U]

Awesome Video thanks keep on railroading :)

[@j.l.daltoin2238]

the tree you thought looked like a honey suckle there is a honeysuckle bush that gets pretty big with flowers just the same as the vine has in looks

[@charliewinkler4853]

Shoestring, you're the best!

[@ROCKY-in2mg]

OH FOR 😃 SURE....NICE AND PEACEFUL.....LOVE IT .... BE SAFE ALWAYS 😉🙏 XÇ COOL

[@EH-nw6bu]

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 - KZbin 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 - KZbin Have a blessed day brother.!!

[@wvsparkbuster]

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]

@@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.

[@CrepitusRex]

Sounds like good time. Camping with your pal. Away from it all I'm jealous!

[@charleshamilton346]

Your informative and entertaining great work!

[@karenatha7890]

Wisteria. Smells super sweet like bubble gum.

[@Hercules718]

Good to see you supported America and finally bought an iPhone.

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

Have a great new week 👌👌

[@terrybellar7661]

Sure do respect you! I lived in the woods for six months! Experienced things I would never have experienced! Still just sayin it would be an honor to cross your path!

[@mikemaslanka3786]

I enjoyed the videos of the waterfall and river because they are so relaxing and peaceful.

[@nnis_guy1609]

Tree with purple flowers is Princesstree, invasive exotic plant from China. Great video, thank you for sharing your trip!