Riding amber waves of grain ♧ North Dakota territory

[@mousepd]

RIP Shoestring. Thank you for of these videos which are ours to remember you by. I may even buy one of your shirts

[@donaldmilhoan6379]

He passed away? What happened??? When???

[@BraysonSmith-f7t]

What happened to him??

[@mousepd]

@@donaldmilhoan6379 Not sure. They found his body in a lake behind his residence

[@rjc7289]

@@mousepd I hope we get some answers as to the how's and why's he passed. He was last seen on a Ring camera barefoot and without his trademark gear. That is so unlike Shoestring to go outside without either one on his person. How did he go from that to drowning in Lake Boone? I hope I'm proven wrong, but I can't help but feel something sketchy went on. He was on a shitload of meds too. Did that affect him somehow? Whatever the case may be, I hope his soul is at peace now.

[@renegadebt1374]

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

[@CasualHoarder-ny9sd]

9:40, “there both dead” that will be all of us one day. Still watching 12-24. Still saddened by your loss.

[@PJL7095]

This man has left such a great legacy through these videos and didn’t even realize it at the time. What a treasure of Americana… a train hoppin hobo.

[@Michael-eu1mz]

He seemed like a great person I started watching his videos about 4 months ago and was hooked he'll be missed

[@justinstoreforyou]

I literally just went to look for any Hobo Shoestring videos I haven't finished or seen yet and see this was uploaded two minutes ago. What a pleasant surprise.

[@MrJerry619]

Same… this guy is awesome!!!

[@reneeleegreco1603]

I’ve been doing the same !!!!!!!

[@bradspringer2372]

They are always so soothing. Sometimes I will have them on in the background when I take naps.

[@lorettashepherd.]

​@@bradspringer2372you ever dream you're on the train when you fall asleep listening to one of Shoestring's videos?

[@steveib724]

@@bradspringer2372 lol

[@todds0990]

RIP Shoestring 😥. I pray your riding in luxury on the big train in heaven. Thanks for the years of memories.

[@chrismurphy5187]

22:15. LOLOL!!! Anyone Else Catch The Missed Easy 10 Yard Field Goal?? LOL.. Come On Shoestring you have better aim than that... Lololol.. Your The Best Buddy, Great Laugh...😂

[@ftotheb8820]

Such a great video! I love seeing Hobo Shoestring riding a 130 ton ‘grainer’ and telling a story with his deeply melodic voice and uniquely storytelling prose. I get hooked every time! Keep it up Shoestring! You mean a lot of different things to a lot of people. We all enjoy your travels and stories on the railways… ❤

[@anoshya]

Greetings from London U.K..my dad was born in South Dakota in 1909. My grandad was a Cornish tin miner who went to South Dakota to mine ..came back to Cornwall in 1911

[@CrustRotch]

Glad to see you're still livin the dream Shoestring~!!

[@SERBIAZ]

Shoestring, you are truly “free”. Most of us wish we could be free like you. Glorious eternal journeys. Peace.

[@user-dh9oz9um2w]

Good to see you Hobo, hope you are doing well!

[@jafo766]

$TAR-BUCK'$ ? that $ort of talk put your Hobo $tatus in jeopardy Shoestring ? I ain't NEVER tasted that $ilver$poon crap , it's a long ways from my boot strings to the top of my pallet !

[@stingray8585]

RIP SHOESTRING! He was missing for a few days in March 2024 and his body was found by some fishermen in the lake close to where he lived.

[@rjb77]

June 1st and I just found out about Shoestring....... Coolest guy I've never met but, his spirit will live on with all of us that have watched his YT channel!

[@JILOA]

You are a classic hobo, shoestring. You make us folks wish we were as seasoned a train hopper as you are.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome ride Shoestring! Beautiful countryside there! Thanks for sharing it with us! Stay safe and Happy Rails!👍

[@pepelemoko01]

I still can't get over, you out free and easy enjoying life , after all those health problems.

[@OnlyHuman2.0]

If my heart is beating and I wake up everyday, I'm gonna be living it. Probably what he feels, too. Always live while living.

[@pepelemoko01]

@@OnlyHuman2.0 well said.

[@Scott-hb4st]

That was fun and nostalgic for me. Thanks, Shoestring! I road this line in the opposite direction from Chicago. Got off in Havre, MT 2 or 3 days later because I ran out of water and food. I ate at Pizzahut. I remember being able to see my train I got off of while eating pizza. Went back hoping to catch the same train then got busted, but thankfully he just escorted me out of the yard with advise to catch out in the early early morning. It was the same day Mike Tyson bit Holyfield's ear, June 28, 1997. I remember, because I got a room at a motel and watched a White Sox game. Also went out to some old lounge that had great locals. The next morning caught the hi-line to whitefish and then went on to Portland. Still one of the longest most beautiful rides I've taken. Now I gotta watch your Sandpoint and Idahobo vid!

[@dansw0rkshop]

The hobos are so stealthy that there might have been 2 or 3 of them on Shoestring's train in this video.

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

nice - thanks for the vid sir. My daddy rode that line as a child after they lost the farm outside of Minot. Ended up in Seattle and g'ma worked at the veterans hospital out here.

[@paularose9407]

41:00 the train crossing the bridge sounds like the Terminator music 😀

[@sojourn1544]

lol it does!!

[@jamesrobert782]

I remember couple years back you were in north Dakota outside Bismark, it was cold 🥶 and you stayed between those two little buildings near the tracks, then you stayed under that semi trailer, had crates on the sides to hide you, stay safe out there shoestring. 👍

[@TheHoboShoestring]

Just thinking about that day today

[@AJMcQuiston]

I watched that one yesterday

[@richardsaunders3082]

A “milk train” or “milk run” was common in the northeast where farmers sent fresh milk to larger dairies by train, the stops picked up milk cans with cars refrigerated with ice. Because they stopped at nearly every small town, all along the route they were the ultimate stop&go trips

[@todddebick9160]

I rewatch all your old videos an enjoy watching your new videos Hobo Shoestring. Safe travels.

[@OnlyHuman2.0]

Lol I've been on a hobo shoestring binge for the past 2 days.

[@robertjimenez5877]

It was 2024 when I started watching you walking that line didn't know where you were ending but you knew you had the time you riding im watching can't even walk now you entertained us when you went out to ride from the bull's you knew how to hide so happy you looked in high heat and snow R.I.P hobo Shoestring till we meet again and continue your Great Show!!!

[@trumpingtonfanhurst694]

Great ride Shoestring, thanks for taking us along!

[@rogertemple7193]

Great to see Shoestring again and back on the tracks doing what he loves and riding the trains.🤠👍 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🇺🇸💨

[@johnbuckles3300]

Go bootstring, go.😀😄😀

[@kalamazoousa4412]

🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃HOBO Shoestring 🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃 =================================================== COPY CAT LOL

[@danstaple675]

Watching your Videos sooths my troubled soul and sets me free through your travels and adventures. Thank you. Safe travels Shoestring 🙏

[@Davehash]

Just think Shoestring, you were traveling in the footsteps of the 7th Cavalry under Custer which they traveled in the days before Little Big Horn. Its pretty cool to see the Dakota territory in all of vastness.

[@jeff9104]

Just watching Marks videos that I haven't seen yet, RIP Shoestring.........miss ya

[@Israelwins]

Your videos are better than 95% the shit on Netflix, thats why we and YT are lucky to have you

[@CagleConcepts69]

"RIP Mark Nichols aka "Hobo Shoestring" In the shadows of the train yard, Where dust swirls and echoes fade, Lies the memory of a hobo, Known as Shoestring the KZbin renegade. With a camera in his hand, He documented life on the trails, Sharing stories of adventure, And the joy of riding the steel rails. He captured the beauty of the open land, From the mountains to the deserts, with a steady hand. His videos were a window into a world unseen, A glimpse into the life of a wanderer, a man with a dream. So rest in peace, dear Shoestring, ride on in the sky, May your videos live on, may your spirit never die. For the hobo in you will forever remain, In the hearts of those who loved you, and in the rhythm of the train. You will always be missed Hobo Shoestring...🥲🚂❤️💯 Sincerely, Lynn Cagle

[@Kyle-si8yw]

Thank you.

[@rajahamogan4376]

😪😪😪😪😪😪😪

[@RandolphStephenson-q1l]

You can be sure the Soul of Shoestring is fully aware and eternally grateful for your Wonderful Poem. It is said that when we pass our Spirits are lifted in joy when we think of them. You kind Sir did just that for Shoestring ❤😇🙏

[@SW-jw6il]

Looky here,,,a brand spankin new video from my favorite Hobo shoestring / aka Brother M !! i love the crap outta that coffee !!!

[@lorettashepherd.]

Black Rifle coffee is hella great

[@johnscherf1228]

@@lorettashepherd. I agree to that!

[@annahardina1831]

The Original Videos are gone of Shoestring.. This guy is 5.9 218 ibs.. Original 6.1. 165 ibs thin guy.. something very wrong.. new ads too. Original very different charactor..

[@theshapeexists]

​@@annahardina1831 take your Kool aid and tinfoil hat BS somewhere else. Ridiculous.

[@Reds3DPrinting]

Blows my mind you were in ND not only a year ago...

[@slserenader]

wow, theres some peaceful scenery out there! great video, hope you stay well!

[@irene1655]

Yay Montana, and also North Dakota. Grew up up there as a railroading family. Trains rule!!!!!! Father worked for the Great Northern at Whitefish.

[@rayrobinett8126]

Hay S.S. in BIG SKY country. Real glad to see you back,I was getting fobick 😉〰️〰️happy trails 👣 my friend,,be safe.

[@donaldthompson5144]

That was just plain pure- D good train riding . Hobo Shoestring an expert. One of the greatest hobos of our era.

[@GeorgeJansen]

9:54. April 1990, I was a young (21 yo) army specialist going through phase 3 of 3 eod school Redstone Alabama .😅😅😅😅And today(sep'23) I'm going on almost 3 million miles of trucking... Thanks for the memories

[@hollywood3190]

Been through the yard at Shelby a bunch of times on Amtrak's Empire Builder....absolutely love Shelby and especially Whitefish.....safe travels Hobo

[@gracietakesonamerica]

How this video has brought back memories of my past. Haven't ridden since 96 but seeing some tags brought me a smile, Boone & Jane, Big Bubba, Modoc have shared a boxcar or 2 with me miss these people and many more maybe one day I'll see my tag sometime out west or the highline. DoG with a joint hope to see it one day.

[@homersreluctantodyssey2508]

north dakota- where you can watch your dog run away from home for 3 days

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

Spent the night in Williston in the middle of a big snow storm in April, 1986. We were driving to Minot from Great Falls for Air Force business - TDY for 179 days.

[@supericeman1]

This is awesome, I rode the empire builder amtrak from Fargo to Seattle and back and saw all of this, incredible scenery, it's awesome to see a Hobo's pov vs a passenger!

[@stephenbyrn9097]

Beautiful but desolate country out there in the Upper Plains. Very different from here in Tennessee. Safe travels Shoestring. I love watching your videos. God Bless.

[@Lt_Tragg]

One thing I love about Shoestrings vids, if I’m in a bit of a crush for time, I can play at 1.25 or 1.50 and get through it and enjoy just as much. Love the content.

[@juggalo4life247]

Glad to see your still out doing what you love most in life!!!!

[@richz2608]

The life I couldn't do,but wish I could....thank you shoestring, I bet many would say this.

[@easttnrailray5685]

That's good stuff Shoestring. I bet the heart was pumping fast when you thought the Police was waiting on you.

[@larrybarnard4762]

Wow just mind blowing seeing the vastness of the great plains. Thanks for sharing and safe travels sir.

[@cullenfalcon5725]

That’s where I am from! Williston ND! Anybody need anything that is rolling thru let me know!

[@TheGrover1968]

Some people love the ocean or the high seas. I love the high plains. Especially where there are buttes and mountains in the distance. Kinda like an island sticking up out of the water.

[@lrlimits]

I always watched the trains, but I never saw Shoestring. I bet he rode past me at some point before he took the westbound.

[@HitsTownUSA]

Just finishing my railfan trip in the east. Currently in Dalton,GA. Was in Bulls Gap a couple days ago and they have a small museum there. Not very much traffic north of Roanoke in Shenandoah Valley

[@raymondcaylor6292]

28:29 Sadly yes, yes it is Shoestring. But lucky for us you've got the barn full so we can feast for year's on your bounty. Peace Brother.

[@freddypflugbeil6]

Thanks HOBO SHOESTRING. A lot of fun and interesting things going on your train hopping. Hope your Sunday dinner is a good one. From New York

[@cmliphone]

Awesome video Shoestring. It’s amazing how much knowledge you’ve accumulated over the years and how much you need to rail-ride. I’d love for you to do more videos about your camping and survival tips. It’s really interesting! Stay safe

[@Marcuswelby-nx2te]

Shoe shine don't forget to stop at grand forks nd its very exciting

[@dugncat]

Thanks again for the ride along Shoestring, you're good company 😊😊😊😊

[@billbright1755]

Who really knows what lurks in the hearts of men? The Hobo Shadow knows. Hobo experiences the high line of Mr. Hill and the Great Northern Railway system across Montana. Route of the famous Empire Builder and Glacier Park and Rocky the mountain goat.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

If your Boxcar a'rockin...don't bother knocking..thanks Shoestring

[@Steven_SK]

Beautiful scenery! TY!

[@ronnieselby5700]

Watch your videos all the time, I love the knowledge you share with everyone about trains. Watching your videos allows me to do what I can't lol. I would love to try it sometime but I would end up with my luck south of the border. The views are my favorite of the places you go through. Will keep you in my prayers. Thank you for the videos Shoestring. Best regards ,RJSELBY

[@ronnieselby5700]

Keep the videos coming

[@claytona57]

Hey Mark, I came across your gold panning video in alaska a couple of weeks ago and I couldn’t help but noticed you look really familiar minus the grey hair & missing fingers. I use to ride the rails between Casper & Billings back in the mid to late 90’s and went by the name Weasel or DocHollywood. If I couldn’t find an open boxcar then I’d try to find a grain car w/those open cubbyholes so the bulls cant see ya and if those weren’t available then I’d have to wait for the next train rolling thru. Safe travels Shoestring 🍻

[@riffdigger2133]

A classic. Great weather. Love the blue skies and prairie scenery. Nice smooth axle on the ride.

[@michaelconlin6302]

Belting over the prairie,you could feel the power of your ride,I enjoyed that journey as much as you did Shoe!

[@lestersloan2758]

What a beautiful view 😍😍 Mr. Shoestring, thank you for giving me the opportunity to travel with you on your adventures 💯🙌 God's speed my friend & safe travels 🥾 🥾 🙏

[@GregSmith803]

Always enjoy your videos - thank you for sharing your experiences and railroad terminology 🚂🚞🚞🚞🚞

[@brucebenjamin4964]

You stopped in Devon; my Grampa is buried just north of the tracks!!

[@suburbandiyguy661]

I had a great great uncle who was a sheriff in a county in South Dakota back in the early mid 20th century. He knew just about every person in the county. He had permission from the farmers and ranchers to cut across their land in an emergency. He'd go through a gate and just barrel across their land rather than add time following the roads as some of those farms and ranches are huge.

[@the3ps741]

He is great n so are y’all 🤟👍

[@buillioncubes]

Hey, I know your route! Me and my sisters were bike tramps for 2.5 months going from Portland, OR to Portland, ME. We took an Amtrak from Whitefish to Shelby since Glacier was looking expensive. We paralleled the BNSF for the first half anyway. I wonder how easy it would've been to stash a road bike on a grainer? Take care, thanks, Mr. Shoestring!

[@olivei2484]

Mr Shoestring, I would like to suggest you put a book together of your stories, rememberances of past riders and expirences from your years on the rails. I think you have a lot to share, and are a thoughtful person.

[@mikeashely8198]

I will remember back in sixty eight going through That part of the country on highway 2 going to micbegin.

[@us1fedvet]

I was driving through Shelby on 15 September westbound up to Glacier and spent night in Kalispell. The security fellow in Havre gave me a nice overview of the big yard and the depot. Had been on US2 The Highline all the way from Minnesota to Idaho. You be careful.

[@gcr1]

25:31 timestamp. What is that. Looks like a underground entrance. Cement looking hatch cover?!

[@FloridaJack]

Great video. This is what it is all about. Thank You, Shoestring, stay safe.

[@vendigrows]

Watching these uploads makes me happy and kind of sad at the same time! Peace HoBoShaDow

[@Naisium]

My life is dull as dirt. I appreciate your videos.

[@jdmacduff1444]

You’ve probably touched many lives in a positive way my friend ; you’re a good man.

[@tomstarcevich1147]

Take up fishing 🎣 😀

[@jackfrost5794]

Another awesome video, have fun and stay safe out there Shoestring....Awesome " selfie" screenshot pic of You @ 20:00 , in Your happy place. 🚂.....🇺🇲😎👍

[@jackfrost5794]

😁👍

[@dmorgan28]

Well that was a pretty cool ride. Glad you’re back out here enjoying yourself. Neat video. 🙏👍❤️

[@6680thSOG]

Love these videos , your enthusiasm, knowledge and insight Shoestring! What an amazing way to see our beautiful country. Although I don't have any career regrets I do wish I had joined the railroads or at least been a train Hopper! KeepSafe and as always thank you for your service!

[@brucebird133]

Lookin good old mate!

[@danb8489]

Good day mark i am happy you are doing very well. Stay safe my friend. 👍🙏🚂🚃🚃🚃 🇨🇦

[@hawkwind769]

Good to see you old time✌🏽 I wanna roll with ya so bad🤣 Been 20 years since I hopped a freight but damn it feels like yesterday when I watch your videos. Been to lots of the places you reveal🤙🏽 Safe travels mister

[@BlueBagger83]

I've been to that Albertson's in Shelby so many times when I've come through from Alberta on my Glacier trips! Great to see places I've been to showing up in your posts (forgive me, I've been to 34 states, but have yet to hit that East Coast run - but someday). 😊

[@jameslockard6956]

Shroom says: Thank-You Shoestring, my carcus wouldn't last long hopping the tracks these days. But I feel like I'm traveling again when I watch your videos😂❤😊😊

[@collinmc90]

I live at the end of a line near the canadian border. The train yard is just wiiiiide open but trains only come every 11 days I've noticed. It's fun to walk by and imagine picking a car, then I check everyday to see if it's gone yet and yep came to 11 days on the spot. That would be a long wait to catch out in this small cold town. Not super friendly to vagrants here either but there is a small community. I bet most people hope off a little further south down the line where there are bigger cities and interstates but what do I know haha.

[@nervouswreck392]

Killer bra another GRATE‼️ production by the one and only‼️ ya🤘✔️

[@2wheels2ride49]

Those old tags are cool!👍

[@larryjayne9451]

Happy Rails ole buddy. 👍🏻

[@TheHoboShoestring]

There you are

[@chuckmid]

Welcome to ND! If you get to Fargo by Thursday, you will have to check out Big Iron in the West Fargo Fairgrounds.

[@Rustylad85]

Those golden fields, wow. Loved riding along on this one. Too bad about it being a milk train slowing u up.

[@Ghost-dx8mm]

FIRST!!!!!!!!!!! Hope your doing well Shoestring :)

[@Ghost-dx8mm]

I should get a heart Shoestring for being the first comment! :(

[@planetwisconsin9901]

Awesome and I just ran out of stuff to watch on you tube! 🤠

[@cradman7099]

Love your videos! First time I’ve seen you up by me. I gotta look for a shoestring tag! You’re an inspiration and I hope someday I’m wandering like you, away from the rat race, and maybe I’ll run into you :) greetings from Billings

[@BrandonFrandsen]

That's really cool that you were in shelby I'm from conrad about 20 minutes south of shelby and go through there regularly

[@javajoebogota]

Enjoy hearing all you have to say, very interesting and informative 👍

[@rossregner936]

You coming thru Minnesota

[@jdh395]

Any chance you can show us how to tape up a water jug ? and maybe a couple other little tricks you might know ....Thanks Shoestring !

[@TheHoboShoestring]

If I can remember

[@jdh395]

thanks buddy@@TheHoboShoestring

[@swnie2k]

Waving back at you from Southern Oregon.