Meet Hobo Shoestring!

[@704hauserstreet]

What a story...a true character. God rest his soul. His life story is a movie just waiting to be made.

[@JC-pu1ej]

I broke bread with Shoestring and Rabbit in Montana 25 years ago. What a memory!

[@DarlnDar]

***RIP M'BEAUTIFUL HOBO*** You will ***FOREVER BE SORELY MISSED!!***

[@BigKevsPlace1]

Hobo Shoestring makes you feel like you are there with him in his videos. Thank you, gonagain for sharing. RIP Shoestring.

[@billkramer1853]

You will be missed

[@JesusisMySavior581]

God Bless all Hobo's

[@Erica_Brenda]

I am sorry for your loss....

[@TheHoboShoestring]

Love it!

[@gonagain]

Glad you liked it, Shoestring! It was a pleasure and honor to meet you. I wanted this video to meet your approval....

[@dawnmtwild5409]

Hobo, Glad to see you still out there... Next time my brother contacts me I'll ask him what his rail name is... He's 64 now and he's been out there riding rail since he was 15. He has a sister in Montana, And used to have grandparents and other family members in Washington State. He's about 5 5 skinny 130 lbs Waist length blonde hair, goatee. Always always wears black pants and black lace up boots. Army duffle bag, plays a flute, he also plays a beautiful guitar when he comes across one ,knows the Bible by heart. I know there's many of them out there ,but just maybe you know him. I am glad to hear that you have an apartment. I wish my brother would settle down and get an apartment somewhere.

[@wvbonbonqueen]

@@dawnmtwild5409 Why, why would you want your brother to not be as happy as he is on the rails? His life is what he makes of it, just as yours is. Your brother is to be envies as is Shoestring and his life. They are happy doing what they do, in their own time on their own. Most people can't understand how anyone could be happy doing what they do, but they are happy, that is what we all should strive for, happiness. May you see your brother soon!!!

[@tcc187620]

@@gonagain You have done what I wanted to do. And I think you did it better than I could have. Man, do I ever appreciate you posting this. I too hope to shake the hand of the honorable #HoboShoestring one day. He's a hero to a few of us that have drawn inspiration of any sort, either from his videos, his words, or just the look of contentment on his face as he rides along admiring the World without a window separating him from it. Once again THANK YOU for posting this video. Respectfully, Mr. Cross

[@DarlnDar]

**RIP M'BEAUTIFUL HOBO** You will **FOREVER BE SORELY MISSED!!**

[@jasonkruger1944]

I showed all my homies about shoestring in the hood and he was made one of ours and we black ppl but still have for love for shoestring and all the rest of them

[@richardr1891]

Hobo with Smart Phone and Doppler Radar ..... that's a little hard to wrap my head around ... in 1974 I knew an ex-hobo that rode the rails during the depression he would come into the shop for coffee where I worked a couple times a week ... he had stories of Texas to California and up to Canada of places he would look for work ... I still remember Ernie ... even though he passed away almost 50 years ago ... he took pride in surviving the depression and doing it honestly never being afraid of work ...

[@gonagain]

Thanks for the story Richard, much appreciated.

[@jimmydill7744]

That's a modern day hobo.

[@tammycantrell7049]

Rest in PEACE from all of us Tammy's missing persons site.. Rest in PEACE hobo shoestrings

[@verlandhenderson247]

@@tammycantrell7049 do u know what happened to Shoestring? I just heard about his passing 2 days ago! So sad! 😪😪

[@missme216]

❤long live shoestring ❤

[@explorer867]

Hi Rick and Linda, very informative video regarding Hobo life. Rest in peace Hobo Shoestring. 🤠

[@_chosen_remnant]

Now hobo Shoestring and Stobe the hobo can talk rails together forever in eternity. 2 of the best men the rails had to offer. Thanks for the memories-- love you, Mark. 🚂✝️♥️

[@jimmydill7744]

Shoestring is king of the hobos in my book.

[@gfriedman99]

Agreed.

[@KingDiamond714]

They picked Bazz just to be politically correct. Shame on them for that. Shoestring had waaay more experience than him.

[@anthonysaggio5582]

Shoestring is the best

[@disco07]

Shoestring is A#1!

[@j.t.cooper2963]

👍🏻😎Shoestring is THE King. What a super nice guy and a legend to boot.

[@gonagain]

We agree with you, J. T.!

[@makalapuamegs1056]

I am so sorry to hear about Shoestring! Happened on the same day Hobo went missing that I had a total knee replacement surgery so immediately thought of you and Linda. Thinking he’s riding that long train in the sky, free of pain and whole! Take care of yourselves and always be safe!

[@gonagain]

You're right, his body was so broken.

[@borandell9915]

God, I would love to have spent even 15 minutes with Shoestring. What an interesting man. And you got "busted" by the Bull with Shoestring. What a story! I fell in love with his channel immediately after you posted the video telling us he went missing. Such a sad ending. But really, this guy didn't leave a lot on the table. He saw more of this great country in his short life than any of us ever will.

[@gonagain]

Oh no, we didn't get busted together, we were just playing around in the yard that day. He was every bit as nice in person as he was in his videos.

[@borandell9915]

@@gonagain Haha, I know. It looked like a fun time for all. But especially meeting a hobo icon like Mark. I could tell you were a little "starstruck", as I would have been too.

[@daveinvictoriavirginia7959]

I sure do miss Shoestring, learned a lot, and understood more about how medicinal riding the rails. RIP !

[@gonagain]

We miss our friend too. He touched so many lives while he was here, great guy.

[@jimb5113]

I was 9 years old playing with Zeb on boxcars at the hardware store. Yard engine hooked to them while we were onboard. We were carried a few miles to the entrance to the yard where we jumped off and started the long walk home but that started a traveling bug. Last ride was from Texas to Miami by rail and thumb after military. I shipped my duffel bag home by bus and I got there a week later. Our home was known by the traveling men, and women. They knew the way to our back door. They never left without something to eat/drink. We found lots of "gifts" from them. A gate hinge repaired, a loose step board tightened or some handy work. That house was sold late 60s and we couldn't find the key to the front door. Thanks gonagain for another great video, as usual.

[@gonagain]

Great story Jim, thank you.

[@jimb5113]

@@gonagain ... And thank you for the visuals.

[@warsurplus]

There is a certain joy listening to Shoestring's contentment with life. Makes one ask what are the rest of us chasing? Thank you Rick and Linda for sharing this with your audience.

[@gonagain]

I think he's found what so many people chase....thanks for watching.

[@johnholliday6011]

Warsurplus I just realized about a year ago that I was just a rat in a cage and ever since then I'm working toward a debt free off grid existence I coukd do it now if I sold evervthing I worked for and moved in a camper but can't get my wife on board yet lol

[@johnholliday6011]

@@gonagain my perception of life was to work raise a couple of kids,retire and fish a little then die My eyes are wide open to the possibilities of living the nomadic lifestyle I so crave from deep down in my soul

[@warsurplus]

@The mysterious Miss X You don't know what experiences I've endured or anyone else's. My comment was about one person's contentment, Shoestring's. You should know however, that as a war veteran that has endured plenty of cold and discomfort in the elements and faced other dangers you'll probably never face, I fought for your right for you to cling to your misguided self-righteousness. Enjoy the freedom. Choosing a lonely life of travel isn't martyrdom. You sound like you could learn a lot from Shoestring.

[@tcc187620]

@@warsurplus The true meaning of freedom ? Waking up and deciding for yourself, what YOU want to do,( or NOT Do ) and then doing it without repercussions from anyone at anytime about YOUR decision(s) made by yourself For Yourself. Well, at least that is MY interpretation of it. I'll bet she's never driven a CAT D-6 Bulldozer or cleaned up a Haz. Mat. Spill like I have either. Me Father once said to me: "Son, someone's going to be the President, and someone's going to pick up those trash cans Wednesday morning. The point son, is that everyone has a place, a position they are or were meant to fill"..... He was right. Again. You served, I couldn't because of a bum knee. You protected my right to do something else. ie change my mind, and DO or BE someone, something else, besides a Military K-9 Trainer...which always was my dream from a very young age. Schutzhund in all of it's control and grace, it's comradery the partnership one feels with the Animal in attention mode, it's beautiful. Anyways... A lose firehose broke my back and I'm medically disabled, now amputated below the right knee from blood clots and a HUGE Fan of #HoboShoestring and everything he posts about the nomadic lifestyle he so enjoys, and enjoys sharing with those of us smart enough to listen and learn from his wise words of wisdom. After watching a few of his,( #HoboShoestring 's ) videos I decided enough was enough and got out of the wheelchair, put the fake leg on and started collecting tools to start #BushCrafting and made #StealthCamping near Railroad Tracks and Highway Interchanges a possibility in my area. I've made three camps so far in the Metro Detroit area near the tracks and yards of S.W. Detroit. Small places where 2 people can hide out of the direct weather and stay dry, or make a small fire to warm up, or cook food, and be out of sight but within quick walking distance from their next ride out. #HoboShoestring made me do it ! How's THAT for a tee-shirt logo or design, huh ? Lol! Oh, and his influence went even further than that with me. He enlightened me by inviting me to remember living in the Mountain's of N.E. Tennessee for 10+ years with his videos, and now I've sold off everything not needed in the Mountain's, bought the tools and gear required to carry them, and I'm getting out this place in S.W. Detroit and headed for the Mountains again, but this time someplace in the S.W. ( Mountain Region ) of Virginia to take the 4 season Camper, my 4 Pit Bulls, guns, bow and chainsaws and start out fresh again with a completely different mindset on retirement. Eventual #OffGridLife, and on the weekends, hitting the rails to build more #ShoestringCampSites near Rail Yards and Interstate Crossings wherever possible. It's not just traveling Hobo's that use trains for transportation. I've met entire 4-5 person FAMILIES walking the rails looking for a place to crash out, feed their kids, and maybe find somewhere to clean up and change clothes... Everyone has their place. Damnit, Dad was right again. And again...and... Lol! With all due respect, o7

[@Hobosmalls]

Very courageous means of travel indeed.

[@superfuzzymomma]

Rest easy Mark

[@grandiose_3392]

Y’all are awesome. Too bad Stobe couldn’t be there to reminisce with y’all.

[@badgerpa9]

Interesting video, stay safe.

[@edfraz453]

Still to this day , I like watching and chasing freight trains. Hobo Shoestring, I just discovered your mind relaxing videos and documentaries about 4 months ago. You , Jawtooth, Jumping Off The Cliff, Hobo Stobe (RIP), and many others. I really enjoy watching you guys. Dammit, one day I am going to do it!!!!!

[@teresareed1157]

Great video. Thanks

[@timmccarver4121]

IF ONLY we could all be as satisfied and happy with a simple life. I love Mr. Shoestring, there is so much to learn there!!

[@paulboone5616]

I watch this when it first came out but I had to watch again today I sure miss hobo shoestring

[@gonagain]

Yes, I miss him too and think of him daily. He was kind to everyone.

[@leeyoung1367]

Thanks for sharing ! Right on Shoestring !

[@kevinstonerock3158]

Wish I’d had a chance to meet him.

[@AndrewMurphy-y4q]

What a man great videos very much missed RIP hobo 🇬🇧🙏

[@gonagain]

We miss our friend.

[@AndrewMurphy-y4q]

@@gonagain yes never forgotten looked at your channel I will subscribe and start watching thank you for replying bud 😊👍🙏🇬🇧

[@EBThisThat]

I’m in Britt. You were absolutely right about the people. Being free spirited myself I’m drawn to other free spirited folks. We met Mark’s sisters and nephew as well as George (Jumping Off the Cliff). Amazing people, fascinating stories ! Oddly feel right at home!

[@gonagain]

Thanks for sharing!! We wished we could have been there. Mark was a good friend.

[@rpdobbler]

Hobo Shoestring brought me here! He's a good guy and a friend!

[@gonagain]

Thanks, Matt, he certainly is a great guy.

[@rpdobbler]

Thank you so much Goneagain for making this. Watching this tonight as Shoestring is being laid to rest in Britt...

[@jdfromsc3473]

Shoestring is a very nice person. We enjoy his videos so much! Your interview with the worlds greatest hobo was very good as well.

[@gonagain]

Thank you, JD. We sure like Shoestring too, he's a great guy and a new friend.

[@nervouswreck392]

Shoe strings de kingz‼️ ya

[@gonagain]

Yes he is! And a great guy too.

[@danielpiccinini]

Wach Emperor of The North pole. Hobo movie. Great video, thanks.

[@gonagain]

I will! Thank you!

[@RandyCRR]

Great interview guys. Hobo Shoestring is as real as it gets . A lot of knowledge about living outdoors using his wits.

[@CreekRanger]

Thanks for a wonderful documentary! Kris Kristofferson said it best. “Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose”

[@gonagain]

I always liked that line!

[@gina50gina]

I really enjoyed this interview with Shoestriing, he is an amazing person and has lived an adventurous life!

[@beach3girl459]

So that's where you get your wanderlust! Opened my eyes to a whole new community of nomads. So very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@gonagain]

You're right, my father instilled that in me from his hobo days and the other things he did in life. Thank you for watching, Beach3Girl!

[@SamuraiMama]

I think I smiled the whole time watching this! I've subscribed to his channel and have been enjoying his videos. Looking forward to the next interview with 'Bazz'.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

I seen Bazz in Shoestring videos in the past. He is quite articulate. Also seems to be a nice guy. I also look forward to it.

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

I saw you and your wife on Shoestrings website... Glad you got to meet him... And Jawtooth also! ✌️ Great Content 👍😎 Thanks for sharing

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching. We met some awfully nice people at that event and came away with new friends.

[@georgekusz4221]

Excellent interview, enjoyed it immensely, thank you. Sorry to hear Shoestring is not well😢. Take care in 2024, roughest ride still ahead.

[@gonagain]

He's getting better and still rides the rails.

[@janpiper3068]

This really brought back good memorizes.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching our videos, Jan. We really had a great time in Britt and the highlight was getting to know Hobo Shoestring.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

Hi Rick and Linda: I just want to say thank you for being a good example of not being Judgmental of others. It is so important for people to understand how other people live and what there lives are like.

[@gonagain]

You got that right John! Also, we didn't know what to expect when we headed down there, but those folks are a lot more open minded than most and accept everybody. Even us!

[@bobpaulino4714]

Our Creator is the only true judge ---

[@ziggengineering7861]

I’ve been watching & listening to shoestring here in Yorkshire UK for a few months now, I have only just come across your channel, really enjoyed that interview! Thanks

[@wagonswest2526]

I really enjoyed this video!!! Thank yall so much..... God Bless.....

[@scottsimmons5350]

I grew up in Beaumont, Texas and I am familiar with Port Arthur, Orange, Bridge City, Nederland, and Port Neches and Groves

[@NYUK-x-4]

Pretty cool of the engineer at the beginning, mutual respect between each other.

[@jameslashley3970]

Outstanding !!!

[@roberthardy2013]

Great interview,been a Shoestring fan for years.

[@garretlewis4103]

A Hobo convention. Who knew? Seemed very interesting.

[@gonagain]

And it's been happening every year for over a hundred years, in the same town.

[@manclimbtree3622]

Excellent video! Love both of your channels!! Thank you!

[@mariuz5991]

Great guy ,,great interview Sir. Greetings from Brooklyn NY. ❗❗

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching!

[@JawTooth]

That was an awesome video! All kinds of interesting info and I see you included Britt's finest. They were very nice just like everyone else there. It was nice meeting you and your wife. Maybe you are ready for your first train hop. Lol

[@gonagain]

I'd love to!

[@1954shadow]

Real video, of the real thing.

[@joelwolfe7579]

Just bought a bravo 6x12 enclosed cannot wait to start camping!

[@gonagain]

Good for you! That's a nice size to do a build on.

[@kevindriver9375]

My grandpa was a hobo for many years. Thanks for the great video. I’ll check out shoestring’s channel.

[@gonagain]

Thanks, Kevin!

[@aztrails1]

It's good to know that this free lifestyle is still possible in America. Interesting for sure...thanks

[@StepvanDan]

great video,love this ,thank you

[@Mario-zo1uj]

peace.

[@malfunctionjunction6212]

MR. Shoestring is cool. Thanks.

[@robertphillips93]

Wow! You may have hit one outta the park, here . . . so many threads . . . Asperger's, etymology of "hobo" (one of my ancestors was a first gen hobo after being a Southern POW), homelessness, nomadism, aging, purpose and meaning, morality, product endorsements . . .

[@curtforeman9014]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@gaylefeinberg1237]

Shoe string,your passion is trains.Mine was airplanes.27 years in the Air Force.I know the wanderlust feeling.Msgt/ret. Norm

[@lauratibbles6598]

This is a truly great piece today so interesting I wish Mr Shoestring well this has been so interesting may gods bless this man

[@gonagain]

Thank you for watching, Laura.

[@3generations393]

Wow. Thank you for your service 💞

[@russellm7530]

Great video, thank you.

[@myrnawashington9057]

You and Linda are the nicest people. The first time I found Shoestring I was hooked. Have you ever met Noah, Silvia and their dog Virginia better known as the yard Blizzards. They are good people also, they are also homeless and work migrant jobs. I also watch Jumping off the cliff and of course Jaw tooth.

[@gonagain]

Thank you, Myrna. We've watched the Yard Buzzards videos but haven't had the chance to meet them yet. We got to meet Jaw Tooth in Britt, Iowa when we first met Shoestring at the Hobo Convention. All great people!

[@GypsyJvan]

hes right !..most of the time, there is a electrical receptacle on those poles of billboards..

[@richardparker8264]

My grandpa hopped his first train back in 1927, just before the great depression, from st Joe Missouri to Oregon from what I understand he kept it pretty much to the west and only rode a few times but, if he hadn't taken that ride, I wouldn't even be here!

[@richardparker8264]

80 lb backpack! Most wouldn't last a WEEK with that kind of a haul I carry 40 to 50 for at least the first half of every month, it's a real good and constant workout, helps the restful sleep come easily

[@gonagain]

That would be about the time my father left home too! 80 pounds! Wow.

[@leroytubbs269]

Great Interview , I always look forward to watching your videos and Shoestrings also.

[@davidcandy2220]

Another top show there Rick. Kiwi NZ

[@gonagain]

Thanks David!

[@JohnLobbanCreative]

Very good interview with Mark. We chat on messenger from time to time. Very nice guy and quite intelligent! I’ve watched every video. Good to see Jaw Tooth too. I’ve watched a number of his videos and he catches many interesting trains. Another nice guy!

[@gonagain]

We feel fortunate to have met them both.

[@johnemanolis]

Fabulous video

[@cheryllovaclantonroseclant5325]

Enjoyed the interviews at the HOBO elections. A surprise to see you and then interviewing Shoestring! He was my choice for King. I've been watching not your channels for a while.

[@gonagain]

Hello Cheryl, I have several more interviews from Britt coming out this next week. Stay tuned!

[@susanpeters4608]

Thank you, I had the opportunity of getting to know Charles Elmer Fox (AKA Doc/Charie/ Reefer Charlie). He spent many a summer foraging with his Grandpa when he was young. His name Reefer, as he preferred to ride the refrigerated cars as they went faster, he would attach his stick to the steps and sleep as he went from place to place. I had the pleasure of meeting Gypsy Moon (she was Queen of the Hobos at the time) when she came to visit and presented Charlie with a painting of SteamTrain. Tales of an American Hobo was written by Charles Elmer Fox and a good read! Hobos are good people in my book.

[@susanpeters4608]

Loved the video and look forward to your next interview and with Bazz !!

[@gonagain]

Thanks for sharing that Susan!

[@georginasmith]

It's totally a happy Friday now!! New goneagain video!! 😊😊😊

[@gonagain]

Yes, indeed! And we also post videos on other days as extras so don't miss those. Friday is the day we post weekly, hope you clicked the notification bell. Thanks for watching!

[@elsewhere9167]

Love your videos... thanks again Gonagain!

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment, we appreciate it very much.

[@russell3380]

So many in my family worked for the PRR. The mainline passed through here and it was a happening little town with 4 rails and sidings. We bought fertilizer and seed off box cars and RR ties were loaded at the wharf. Locals sold eggs and asparagus through train car windows. Folks gave Hobo's work and food and are fast disappearing along with their stories. I watch you both and it was a treat seeing both of you together.

[@gonagain]

Thank you for sharing your story. I think the best thing that we got from going there, besides making a friend in Shoestring, was hearing the stories from the hobos there. Some older now and walking much more slowly and others very young. Loved the stories.

[@russell3380]

@@gonagain I didn't intend to write all of that, all I wanted to say was " I liked the video", lol. So many towns today are nothing but a stop until the barrier goes back up.

[@KaWe1982]

Rest in Peace Shoestring 🖤

[@davesherrell447]

I've heard about shoestring. My favourite stories are from the spoon lady she was a hobo and very talented

[@gonagain]

We've watched the spoon lady but didn't know she was a hobo too. Yes, very talented lady!

[@davesherrell447]

@@gonagain yes her story is very interesting as a hobo going back in the day. Apparently she's very well known as a hobo. Thank you for replying. Oh and your travel's with your lovely wife Linda are amazingly beautiful. And your reviews on e-bikes

[@littlebull8881]

Hello🖐🏼 I'm here from Shoestrings channel, mighty glad I found you guys. Am going head in into your uploads. Peace and love you two. Little "Davie" Bull 🇬🇧 You take care now🤙🏼

[@gonagain]

Thank you, Davie, and welcome here!

[@ralphp3057]

Very good Video Rick & Linda. I did jump on train cars and ride it for 6 miles out of town. We would jump off before it go going too fast !! Always messed around the trains in the 60’s . Sure brings back some fond memories. We got caught several times by the Bulls . We always got away .lol 😬😁👍

[@gonagain]

Great memories Ralph!

[@GypsyJvan]

iv seen alot of hobos in my yrs., working on the RR..iv helped them to get on the right train, depending where there going..iv gave them money, food (my lunch) and coffee, water..iv got a few stories to tell.. Gypsy J van..

[@777cretbo]

This was very Good!! Great Video!!

[@gonagain]

Thank you, got more hobo interviews coming up, so stay tuned!

[@lauratibbles6598]

This is a truly great piece today so interesting I wish Mr Shoestring well this has been so interesting may gods bless this man in his travels

[@georgehayduke6717]

Very nice

[@SoonerGirlTravels]

Awesome content! Great idea.

[@cherishanderson9025]

Welcome to Iowa!!!

[@gonagain]

Thank you!

[@malindawray7544]

Good to see you guys just lost my hubby so going to fig out how I can still travel that's what we liked you guys stay safe

[@gonagain]

Sorry about your loss Malinda.

[@malindawray7544]

Thank you how is the knee doing

[@gonagain]

It's much better as long as I don't move it the wrong way. Thank you for asking.

[@vincenzodemarco7983]

Hi Rick, Hello Linda. Oh Nice. This video explains us Nomads perfectly with the Key-Word being "Wanderlust". The only way to live. Keep Moving, Keep Exploring. I can't stay in anyplace Too long without the craving to see what else there is. Also have traveled coast to coast via train multiple times. And Europe has great trains going everywhere. I really like Shoestrings attitude. Thanks for turning us on to him. A true gentle soul. (how does he have a YT Channel without a camera & laptop?) I guess I'll find out. And Shoestring sharing his run-in with the faux-vax was quite the 'Tell'. Thanks for bringing this HoBo Roundevous to light.👍

[@gonagain]

We always want to see what's around the bend or over the next hill. Thanks, Vincenzo.

[@vincenzodemarco7983]

@@gonagain I Truly enjoy your Videos. I've also learned a lot from you. Thanks Much. Vincenzo.

[@bradyridgley6338]

Cheers sir

[@gonagain]

No worries!

[@carolinefreeebyrdacw13ly]

Excellant video. Very enjoyable. Thank you for sharing Hobo Shoestring. Just subbed to HS's channel.

[@gonagain]

Thank you for doing that because he deserves it.

[@tommystone4563]

Hey I'm here because of Hobo Shoestring...

[@gonagain]

Thanks for coming over, Tommy!

[@tommystone4563]

@@gonagain Thanks for having me over here...

[@Bob-qf4qo]

Really enjoyed this! It ads a different tone to your channel. I sure you meet a lot of interesting people when you are out and about! Thanks again, stay safe.

[@gonagain]

Thank you Bob. A place may or not be beautiful, but the people you meet there are what's it's all about anyway.