The evils of the wait! ☆ Rolling on the high prairies

[@kenjohnson5114]

You will always be remembered for your stories and the kind person that you were. RIp Hobo Shoestring

[@Jean-g9f7j]

I learned so much of a shoestring I sure missing RIP

[@Jean-g9f7j]

Mark always made away GOD love him 🙏❤️🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@PilotMcbride]

Don’t let the bulls find ya Shoestring! Ride the eternal train. Your spirit is free now my Brother, find peace wherever you go.

[@h.h.6551]

Seventy years ago when I was a kid our house was across the street from the railroad track, the Depot was just down the road and there was a lot of riders back then. The Hobos would walk across the street and ask my grandpa if he had any work and he let them mow the lawn with one of those reel hand push mowers and my mother would give them a meal and a cup of coffee and a lunch to go. "The good old days."

[@madmattuk1234]

Very very decent respectable people. I love reading things like this. Full respect to you and your family. Sending love from the UK. 😊

[@kimscheie]

My dad worked rail 30s said it was the best coffee ever loved to listen to his stories ..built the alaska highway maitained the telegrapg line near munch lake ..miss him 😊

[@Bull3tBikes]

Iam very thankful I live across the street from a main rail line although no hobos mostly just homebums…

[@markf350s]

I just want to say thank you for all the videos. I enjoy each and everyone of them and I appreciate the time you put into making it love learning about the whole operation how it works and just a great big thank you to you.

[@scp101418]

Absolutely !! Great ppl back then not so much nemore :(

[@aszteroidt]

Once again I'm just astounded by the top-of-the-head knowledge of where all of these tracks lead, crew change spots, yard names...just unbelievable...superior hobo knowledge...have fun on those rails Mark...be safe and be well!!

[@jaysmoke3132]

I agree. The knowledge ST has is incredible. Much respect.

[@shadiestmist4522]

Don't you just love story's?

[@sseptember6301]

He should've been a conductor!!!

[@LouG-hu6lb]

RIP Mark. Loved you like a brother ...

[@mylenekalynuk7116]

I just found out that Shoestring passed away....I can't stop crying. Such a beautiful soul and the knowledge he shares. I'm watching from Alberta Canada. R.I.P. Shoestring ❤

[@thomasmccray1517]

This beautiful soul and I never hear him say the precious word Jesus

[@wizwaz5529]

Watching from SK ❤️

[@Ryan-u5f]

​@@thomasmccray1517You people make me sick

[@veecarter2661]

When did Mr shoestring pass 😢 ??

[@Ryan-u5f]

@@thomasmccray1517 So?

[@Dwaine-ir2kt]

Thank you for the videos shoestring we will all love and miss you now your riding up there we will never forget you and you you will always be in our thoughts and prayers r.i.p sir god bless you 🙏 🙏

[@Nick215NY]

Mark, you are a national treasure. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE, we are all watchin' out for you.

[@kimscheie]

Thats a great comment . Feel that way everytime i watch him want to be his ears and cook .More lentils less sugar go Mark ! Prayers

[@jamie.777]

He is absolutely 💯 a national treasure. Love this man, wish he had a PayPal donation link

[@jamie.777]

​@@kimscheieagreed 👍. I am 48 and had too much sugar 😢, now I take metformin 😢. Yes , sugar seems harmless, but kills as much as booze 😢

[@livingproof9622]

Breaking the law is definitely treasured in these times.

[@lorettashepherd.]

​@@livingproof9622get lost creep. No,one cares what you think

[@roberthardy2013]

I find it amazing that I can sit for ages watching a slow talking old guy telling me about sitting around in trees and riding on uncomfortable steel carriages AND I LOVE IT ! Keep up the good work Mark,always glad to learn things new.

[@jaymorgan8017]

I agree

[@steveib724]

Yah he's the new Hollywood lol

[@fedupdomer5654]

its got a bob ross quality to it....

[@carlmorgan8452]

Very relaxing for me. 👋 ❤

[@wizwaz5529]

God bless you Shoestring, we will miss you!

[@dennismilby1822]

The View while you are Rolling Along must never get old. You are showing us the real America through your videos. The America we never see from the interstate. God bless ridesafe

[@davidwayne5152]

This man was very intelligent in knowing and explaining everything about the railroads and the operations.I also must say that his camera work was superb.😊

[@imonearthnow1903]

A patient man rides a Cadillac. Blessings, stay safe and much appreciation for showing us the real riding life.

[@Fizzyphukoff]

"Fell over at one time and kept livin". Damn, i felt that.

[@lubaker]

I did too Brudda

[@Thymamai]

he mightve been referring to his accident in shreivport. slipped on ice crossing a string, hand was cut in half by one of the wheels

[@personaldrummer313]

45:30 That crop was canola - an oil seed plant. Thanks for everything, Shoestring. I miss you.

[@Jumpingoffthecliff]

That trestle crosses the Gassman Coulee west of Minot and you captured it well. That was Glasgow where you were by that new bridge waiting. Thanks for the video!

[@renegadebt1374]

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

[@SW-jw6il]

Good morning brother M !! thanks for taking us along 🚂💨💨💨💨

[@danb8489]

Good morning Mark thanks for taking a tour with us. You are still the best👍👍🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃☕️☕️.🇨🇦

[@claytona57]

I hopped on an eastbound Santa Fe train in Las Vegas, NV back in 2001 & ended up stuck in a tiny town of Modena, Utah for 4 days train and all (think the crew went on holiday for Labor Day weekend). I ended up hitchhiking to Cedar City finding day labor to get a bus ticket to Omaha. Luckily the general store/post office/gas station & the only phone in Modena was owned by an FLDS family which they provided me w/some water & food while trying to wait for the train to get moving again. A couple of other hobos that were riding in a grain car 8 cars down from me left before I did hitchhiking to Cedar City. I eventually met up w/one guy at the rescue mission when I got there. Safe travels Shoestring 🍻

[@beberle9641]

Nice someone made you a special Shoestring glove. I left a comment maybe a year ago that you should do that to your glove.✌️🚂🤠 Brian

[@toddfraisure899]

It always warms my heart to see you get good use from things I've sent you. This time was the gloves and matches. I guess it's about time to put on my thinking cap and think of something else you can use. Never miss an episode. It almost seems like I know you. Much respect to you Brother.

[@marcbyrnes293]

Dude, you rock.

[@TrevorBrazil]

Beautiful gloves

[@tonebrooker7675]

you guys over there look after this guy for he is bringing a ton of joy to us in england

[@petelove9731]

Hi everyone. I’m sitting here on my sofa in West London U.K. just got totally engrossed in the latest film. Great work as usual man. From start to finish just felt I was along side you Mark. The cut to the adverts shocked me back to reality! Thank you for the posts, just awesome. Look after yourself.

[@keithphilbin3054]

Watching from Manchester UK, birthplace of the train !

[@kimscheie]

Colder mornings but warms thru day too lovely sir ..thanks for vids made my day

[@benpluta6187]

That new bridge needs a shoestring tag!

[@rbfarmer4522]

I hope everyone that was in a car, a town, their backyards sees it from this guys eyes and appreciates it. RIP Shoelace.

[@rbfarmer4522]

Replyin to my own but Canola!!!! It was canola

[@The_Reality_Filter]

Keep rolling boss, blessings from England.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome ride Shoestring! Beautiful countryside! Stay safe out there and Happy Rails!👍

[@SlingshotM-nl4vt]

SHOESTRING! This one of the 2 lucky kids that stumbled into you at your camp there in Glasgow 2 nights ago now. I can’t say how honored I am to of met ya! Shortly after we parted ways that IM rolled in and by the looks of this video we all got on! We were on towards the back, a mini well 53 with Amazon cans. stayed on to Minneapolis. So so fun to run into you🚂

[@myrnawashington9057]

You should have had him autograph your back packs.

[@Trackroamer]

Lmao I was just riding through there Aswell about 1 week ago. Rained the day I was in glascow

[@Rocketman88002]

Glasgow, MT was home to a S.A.C. bomber base. Thank God for the Minuteman III ICBM's around Great Falls. We no longer need bombers to deliver nukes.

[@MacnigMacgregor-jr3yu]

I only wish I was young enough to keep my shoe strings tied.. we love you . And say safe old man....

[@TheHoboShoestring]

I'm so glad to hear from y'all... Wondered if y'all got that first train after I went under the bridge or second train a hour later....I caught the second one because no rides on the first where I was

[@koko2bware]

I would never have seen so much of America's wilderness beauty if not for Shoestring!! Thank you, my friend!! RIP

[@janetcohen917]

Damn. I haven't seen this one. I heard someone say all Mr. Shoestrings gear needs to be in the Smithsonian museum. I agree. He is an American icon who's lifestyle will never be replicated 😢😢😢😢. RIP Hobo Shoestring. I for one, am missing your posts.

[@cleekmaker00]

It should be donated to the National Hobo Museum in Britt, IA where it will be seen and appreciated. Give it to the Smithsonian, and it'll be locked away in some storeroom away from Public eyes.

[@theoldOnceler]

Someday I'm hop on that train that sits on the side track near my house I swear. I don't know where it goes or how to even come back home but I know I'm gonna do it someday. Till then thank you for giving my soul some peace, thanks Mark ~O

[@kimscheie]

I understand that desire ...me to

[@bruderschweigen1259]

SOMEONE THATS RODE SINCE 1973 OFF & ON AND WHO RIDES EVERY SUMMER AT 66 YEARS OLD. RIDING FREIGHT WITHOUT SAFETY KNOWLEDGE IS VERY DANGEROUS. IVE SAW A PERSON FALL OFF A GRAINER AND FALL BY COUPLING UNDER WHEELS. HE WAS HOLDING LEASE OF HIS DOG AND DRAGGED HIM TO DEATH AS WELL. I HAD TO REPORT IT AND IDENTIFY HIS BODY AND CLOTHES WHAT WAS LEFT OF HIM. I SPENT 3 MONTHS IN JAIL AND IF I EVER GET CAUGHT ON CSX PROPERTY I COULD GET LONG TIME IN JAIL. TO MAKE MY POINT- THEY LIFTED THE SHEET ON RIGHT SIDE AND SHOWED ME WHAT WAS LEFT OF HIS ARM AND BLOODY SHIRT. THEIR WAS BAGS WERE HIS FEET WERE , WHICH I FIGURED WAS BODY PARTS. BUT WAS COVERED PARTIALY WITH SHEET. ONE SIMPLE MIISTAKE CAN KILL YOU ON A TRAIN. ONE... I UNDERSTAND THE DESIRE TO RIDE. IF YOU MUST, YOU SHOULD FIND A EXPERIECED RIDER. AND THATS NOT EVEN SAFE. THE GUY THAT DIED HAD YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. IVE WARNED YOU. I COULD TELL YOU A STORY HOW I ALMOST DIED ON MY VERY FIRST RIDE.. ==DRIFTER==

[@mocrank5314]

Be careful as he makes it look easy.

[@Bmg009]

We will never know how many people he made smile, laugh and now cry, he will be missed by men who he never met eye to eye, he’s now in heaven and walking streets of gold, he was taken to early only 53 years old. So simple and easy he wondered around, I truly hope he loves his new crown. Rip my brother.

[@Gunner41530]

WOW, I know it's only been two weeks but I often catch myself watching old videos I've already watched. Keep up the good workings Shoestring ,thanks to you & channels like vise grip garage ,Scott Kilmore I know longer watch mainstream TV. Beleave that my friend,you are the reality show of my World...

[@crashingstoans7907]

I worked at a marine terminal in Galveston years ago. Many many grainers came through. Bozo Texino, The Rambler, Herbie, Colossus of Roads, etc.

[@PolarCub64]

@31:15 My heart broke. RIP Shoestring. You made, and STILL make, people's days brighter. You are dearly missed, my friend.

[@TPLS2]

Morning Shoestring I hope the weather is treating you well. Hopefully not too cold.

[@jamie.777]

I LOVE REAL PPL.. this man is honest and i love him. Never met him, but love him😊

[@peptidegirl]

Loved this. You only live once! Enjoy sharing the seasons and listening to you.

[@TammyMullins-jv8wm]

Hey shoestring the sunset looks cool 😊

[@Steve.Cutler]

The fact that you can travel anywhere in the country by train, but not actually riding inside, is amazing.

[@NERD-FROM-THE-SOUTH]

I can't imagine just how good it feels to finally get a train after waiting for hours. You can tell it's a relief and shoestring gets back in tune. Patience is the lesson here.

[@bengone3349]

I'm always impressed of your railroad geography of the towns etc the line go to or through.

[@rackum44]

@37:00. Beautiful!. Shoestring you are unbelievable with all the knowledge of where all these trains go and crew change. You shouldn't have to hide,they should let you ride anytime you want. You are a legend without a doubt!

[@loriwoloshyn7266]

I admire your free spirit, love the Country side views and the soothing sound of the train rolling along, too cool man.

[@katrinmcdonough2414]

i sure wish i knew where this beautiful country is! RIP Shoestring. You are missed!

[@suzymiss9632]

Hey Shoestring!!! You are amazing in so many different ways! One thing people might overlook is your ability to capture such great footage on your phone!! You have an eye for sure.. God bless and keep you safe.🙏

[@bluehawk777]

Praying for You dear Brother Shoestring. Please Lord Jesus keep Your Holy Angels all around Brother Shoestring 🕊🙏🚂🚈❤

[@RobertHolster1]

Good afternoon Shoestring! Those cars you saw with those "spines:" they are known in the trucking industry as IM Chassis. They are most likely being transferred from one hub or port to another. Transporting that many of them on a train is more efficient than pulling them with trucks, and much safer. Believe it or not, IM chassis are so lightweight they could potentially skid, especially during bad weather. Some are hauled on the road stacked, but again, easier and more efficient to haul that number on trains.

[@miniaturefarmer464]

Probably new or refurbed also. Inventory was low at some facility.

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

love that custom glove - kudos to it's maker. Sunset shots while riding are gorgeous too.

[@mickymantle3233]

Thanks for sharing your rides & knowledge Shoestring. It's all very much appreciated.

[@bradleymuha4861]

I appreciate you taking us on your adventures, thank you for the longer videos!

[@rogernikiforow9682]

Watching you reminds me if a good hobo friend I once knew. Watching you i feel like I'm with him. Your smart and practical thanks for your videos.

[@TomKatzman]

Here's a poem I wrote about Hobos around 2006... "Elements Of Last Evenings Dinner" As I woke next to the switch in the tracks...i had to retrieve my box of Sterno...boxcar buffet of spam ala carte' ...had me a serenade by Ol Willy and his harp....clapping hands and stomping feet to a clattered beat...as I crossed the Continental Divide i sang a hobo song of gypsy dreams flying high for all to see. This is Utopia! All Aboard!🎉 think a left a line or two out but you get probably get it.🎉

[@Olizimm]

my god I never thought I would love so much a person I only knew through his videos... I only found out about his death yesterday, when I no longer received notifications from KZbin about his channel I got worried. So I opened KZbin and remained as still as a statue after reading the most terrible news. I cried. Yes, I cried like a baby; I cried because I lost a friend; I cried because a good man who was able to grasp the essence of life and show it to us, ordinary people, died. Thank you Mark, thank you from the bottom of my heart in which you will remain forever. God bless you!|

[@kens.3729]

You’re Smart to Pack the Warm Clothes but you’re a Pro and are always prepared. Keep it Safe and Thanks, Mark. 👍🙏

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

S H O E S T R I N G !!! Good to see ya, buddy Central California watching

[@billtsirtsis7060]

Good luck Shoestring! Thanks for all the knowledge!I admire your free spirit!

[@Derrick-dm6ym]

Will always think of you and thanks for all you did you will be missed you you never be forgotten rip shoestring

[@darren8103]

SS in the morning! Great way to start the day! Safe travels Brother!

[@lukestrawwalker]

The crop at 45;39 is canola, called rapeseed in Europe. Crushed to make canola cooking oil, leftover cake from the crusher used for livestock feed. Looks like broccoli when its first planted and comes up, leafy and green, but then it grows up into the spindly plants and flowers out solid yellow with small blossoms, then sets seed in those slender pods... small hard reddish/purplish/black seed. Either direct combined or windrowed and combined (older method). Hauled to an elevator and handled like any other grain.

[@demil3618]

Makes great fuel for diesel engines. And you can use it twice: first to cook chips, then filter and pour it in the tank.

[@reneeleegreco1603]

nice. Autumn is upon us and the winds of change are here .....

[@jamie.777]

😢😢 I know, here in Massachusetts it's finally sunny snd hot. But we know the cold is a week or so away 😢. Especially a el ninio winter 😢

[@Rick-wx4md]

Real good to see you editing and uploading more again. (liked)

[@briandonovan9560]

Great video Mr. Shoestring, stay warm and one step ahead of the bulls.

[@arthursmith3401]

Hey shoestring, thanks for the new video! I look forward to them so much when I'm laid up, kinda live through your adventures!!! I can almost feel like I'm riding with you. Keep up the good work sharing your knowledge of trains, freight train travel , the lore, but most of all, for taking us with you!! But above all else, please be safe and take good care of yourself and God bless you!!!

[@TomKatzman]

I'll trade you some liquor for that song you wrote...🎉

[@pamelapalmer2832]

I'm a 70 year old female and watching this makes me wanna go jump a train! Total freedom ❤

[@jameschristiansson3137]

If you're going to do it, now's the time. You're 70 years young.

[@robbiehernandez1666]

I kinda like being stuck with you Hobo SHOESTRING on the side of a track(s). I like your storys and talks. I'm right there with ya Mark. It is nice too when you make the longest videos. Well take care and be safe and patient, like you said. R✖️R

[@MzSharinique]

Your videos are fascinating. I often wake walks and there and CSX comes along my trails. I think of you abs your adventures. Be safe out there. 🚉

[@karlaharrington1]

Really great video!!!!!!!!!!!! Love the honesty and realism. Need more like this from everybody. Excellent job!!!!

[@annem8152]

when my mom was a kid in the 1940s, in WA state south of Seattle, the hoboes would come through and they always found something to give them even though they were dirt poor. My grandpa was a preacher who usually didn't have a church and he gathered scrap metal. So, they were definitely poor. Mom said she thinks that the hoboes all told other hoboes that their house was good for a meal. They came a lot, she said.

[@benkern6739]

Every time I watch one of your videos I learn ATLEAST one thing new.

[@fastrat37]

Hey Mark! I grew up 32 miles NW of Williston ND, now live in Colorado, I so enjoyed this video as you were in my homeland of the prairie along Hwy. 2 from the Montana State Line and on east, I recognized the trestle west of Minot as I've driven by it quite a few times and have rode across it on Amtrak several times as well! Stay safe and if you need anything along the way we'd love to help you in your travels when you're in our neck of the woods.

[@jeffreyhall838]

Wow! This guy was an encyclopdia of the North American rail network....RIP Shoe

[@mylenekalynuk7116]

He definitely was a walking encyclopedia. I always would say he would have been a great tour guide ❤

[@MISCIFMAKER]

Safe Rails John E Ringo on the rails out west , eyes wide open. Happy Trails. 🎉

[@wisecracker1814]

***Shoestring's body was found today in the lake near his home. We wish you eternal peace, Hobo...

[@markdinkel-uh2je]

What happened?

[@leonriffe9463]

What happened to him , if you don't mind my asking , and where did he live ?

[@MikeLikesChannel]

I learn something from your videos every time. Fascinating. Your patience is commendable in this nonstop world. Take care of yourself out there!

[@nordvegfigg7746]

RIP Shoestring. You were truly a free spirit who overcame much that life threw at you. Wherever your spirit is now, I hope there are lots of rides and no bulls.

[@yngx777]

I feel like I'm apart of a secret club watching this the way Shoestring is so criminally underrated

[@mjcindiarailrider]

Wow, i myself felt a great relief at 34:I0 to see you back on the rails after the great wait. Imagine if just watching your video caused me this feelin, then can understand how much shoestring must have felt to be on the move. Enjoy the life that freedom brings.

[@6680thSOG]

Love these videos and adventures. Wish I could hang out with you for some Hobo Shoestring wisdom and learn mote about railroading. I worked at an intermodal yard, and didn't realize all the things that go on with trains!

[@claymack1109]

Hey Hobo Shoestring, on Sunday I went to watch some trains up in Cresson and had my first interaction with a railroad bull. But he didn't give me a hard time about nothing he just politely told me that I couldn't stand where I was

[@bobbybarnett171]

Mr Shoestring I LOVE your videos. I especially like the ones where you show your camp and items you take along. Be safe my friend. I am in Kentucky. God bless

[@AlvinUselton]

@31:13 I cringed when I heard him saying HELP I CAN’T SWIM IAM DROWNING!! Knowing he actually just did and was found; Hobo you’re loved and missed buddy 🚂🚂 52:32 good bye and see ya further east 🚂🚂🚂

[@themartingale3890]

I thought exactly the same! 😔

[@slserenader]

wow, that veiw when you rode over that huge bridge was beautiful, great scenery in this video, theres no better way to see America.

[@freddypflugbeil6]

I was feeling not good and then all of sudden here comes Hobo Shoestring on the phone what a cool guy man. Shoestring I was getting those cotton gloves from the dollar store. Five for two dollars and fifty cents Thank you so much HOBO SHOESTRING that was a fun camping trip and train ride

[@wild_child333]

If anyone sees this message, please pray for this him. He's been missing since March 27th. Hobo Shoestring needs every single prayer he can get right now.

[@BuiltaOutdoors]

This is starting to remind me of hobo stobe 😢

[@koolaidbomber]

Sadly, his body has been found. RIP Shoestring. 🙏 Thanks for rail adventures

[@jaredhopper4713]

He’s had surgery and has been recovering ..

[@Rubin4749]

@@jaredhopper4713 Maybe reading an occasional newspaper would do you some good. But he's riding an open box car somewhere, just not in our world.

[@braves96]

​ @jaredhopper4713 what the hell is wrong with you? His body has been found. Did you read an old comment or something pertaining to the time he had an accident?

[@koko2bware]

While I have been only dreaming about it, you are really doing it, Shoestring, and I am really happy for you !! Love your excellent informative videos !!

[@oneparticularharbor144]

Great video Mark- you are truly the modern day A No. 1..... glad to see you still out there riding the rails. Every time I hear a train whistle I think. - hey maybe Shoestring is on that one....

[@briansherman3961]

Hope you see this Shoestring. If you ever get back in the Rocky Mount, NC area, let me know. I would love to meet you and help you out with supplies if you need them. Be safe as always!

[@BrianHanscom0790]

Watching from Pahrump Nevada 🇺🇲 Be safe out there 👍😎

[@cheeseburger9232]

Is the Chicken Ranch still there?

[@BrianHanscom0790]

@cheeseburger9232 yep got the chicken ranch and Sherry's ranch still open 😁

[@richardsylvanus2717]

Art Bell & the kingdom of Nye

[@ugsisr]

Shoestring... Your right! Them small towns can be tricky and the Waiting can be even worse. It's Great to see your Riding and staying well... God Bless..

[@charlescorey184]

Great video Shoestring. As usual, learned a lot. Love it when u show us your camp and explain the various lines and where they go. Stay safe!

[@riffdigger2133]

Thanks, Mark- you're my bedtime companion. Storytime and video gives me a restful sleep. Stay warm.

[@MJB516]

Hey, Mark, Glad you,ve finally got a ride. Hang in there and God bless!

[@Makeitliquidfast]

Our Lord is with him now, lets all pray for him

[@chrisshaw4228]

I was at that Soo Tower Labor Day weekend. I hopped out in La Crosse and got off in Minot. I found your tag under the road bridge under the diamond. It was from 1990. I tried to hop out there but nothing stopped , had to make the hike to Surrey ! Can't wait to see if one stopped for you. Anyway breakfast at Charlies on Main St. was killer. ( I left my tag next to yours under the bridge , lol )

[@slugo915]

Stay safe Hobo! Nice that you don't get caught anymore with all the security cameras everywhere. 🙏

[@Troy-g3q]

RIP Shoestring from new Zealand

[@michaelmcgauran4013]

Always interesting. Thanks Pal, happy trails, be careful.

[@acmeexplosives]

These last few vids have been very interesting. Really seems to show ‘the Hobo life’. A lot of waiting for the right ride, managing provisions, dealing with the outdoors and dashed expectations. Beautiful morning scenery while riding through in ND too!

[@mikejones-vd3fg]

Heh that would be a good start to a Hobo in Oz story, getting swept up by a tornado while crossing the tressel.

[@robertjimenez5877]

Yeah!!! A kid's Movie!