From a derail to rogue cops: a series of unfortunate events!

Cops telling me security drones are looking for me and if I'm caught waiting underneath any overpasses I'd go to jail for six months.
(Sissy scare tactics cops use when they think you're a greenhorn)......these cops obviously didn't know this ol hobo has been everywhere and heard it all.
what a country crock of shart!

[@cawalkabout]

Rest in Peace my friend. You will be dearly missed... Thank you for all of the amazing videos and memories.... We love you bro..

[@ElectronicPleasure]

He passed?

[@projectionsofmayhem]

SHOESTRING! We met out by the tracks near Shreveport LA and you kept me from burning up in a tire fire after Id gotten too drunk to notice how close I was sleeping to it. The next morning you kicked me down an ALICE pak that didnt have a frame. I go by the name River. I got myself a frame for that pak and still use it every time I go out. So cool that youre still around dude. Safe travels bro!

[@Marcuswelby-nx2te]

Don't 🍻

[@tinajenkins8410]

May God rest his soul 😢

[@beanapalooza6614]

R.I.P. Shoestring. I'll miss riding the rails with you, sir..

[@frankwillson7836]

Haven’t watched you for a while. I hope your feeling okay. Things are changing out there. You need to be careful out there. I enjoy your company. Thanks for your videos.

[@BentRodExpeditions]

He currently passed away

[@Digglerdirk79-l4y]

​@@BentRodExpeditionsno kidding? I doubt we ever woulda seen it all over KZbin without your da tellings us.😂

[@ClintEatswood]

@@Digglerdirk79-l4y Stfu

[@sandbergmachineandtool6226]

I learned a trick in the Army. Ticks prefer to crawl upwards. If you sew a small band of fabric onto the legs of your trousers, leaving the bottom unsewn, the ticks will crawl up to the band then get stuck in between it and your trousers. For some reason they do not have the sense to crawl back down. Works on sleeves and your mid section too. You can then remove them with ease. Good luck shoestring glad to see you happily chooching along.

[@markeverson5849]

Never heard of that trick before and I've been plagued by woodtex for almost seventy years anybody else ever heard of that band for keeping ticks off?

[@geoffreydonaldson2984]

I was a tree planter in British Columbia for a long time. Up in the mountains around Arrow Lakes one summer, never saw so many ticks (some reason the girls chose me to do the daily inspection at the shower tent-verrry interesting cuz there’s two female places where ticks go that men don’t have). One afternoon me ‘n’ my buddy Bruce were taking lunch on a big, flat rock outcrop about 150feet in diameter-and we were sitting right in the middle. I thought I felt something hit me-like a little pebble or something. Then it happened again. Finally I saw something hit Bruce’s long, bone-straight hair and fall to the rock below. I picked it up. It was a tick. We were looking at it very up-close cuz neither of us ever heard of a flying or jumping tick. It was flat like a tiny empty hot-water-bottle-empty of blood they feed on. We were just talking about how long they can live between blood meals-about 17 years, I heard someplace. Then, as we were watching it very, very up close we both saw it roll up its flat abdomen -like rolling up a magazine-never saw THAT before, either-and then it just vanished, quick as a wink. We realized it had unrolled itself at super high speed and basically sprang right outta sight. So that’s how an empty tick can jump you from, I imagine, dozens of feet away. Everybody on that crew was bitten by hundreds of ticks each before we got the hell outta there! So watch out for them jumping ticks. Remember: it’s only the ones that haven’t eaten for maybe up to 17 years-although I expect they get pretty weak by then. Good luck!

[@TheHoboShoestring]

Ah, like a screen-like fabric that would cause them to crawl back down to cross and crawl back up thus giving up

[@tinajenkins8410]

​@@geoffreydonaldson2984Oh my goodness!! 😳😵 I got freaked out by a tick YEARS ago, when I was probably 12. Found it attached to my head. When they burned it with a lighter, it disappeared! I wanted to know where that thing went! I felt like it was on me all over again! 😮😅😬🙅🏼‍♀️ #RIPShoestring AKA: Mark Nichols

[@ErikJohnson-jg3cf]

Similar tactics are used on fruit trees for keeping ants and such from crawling all the way up. I'm sure it works the same. Good info

[@StutJosfinger]

Miss you Mark. Glad we still haves these videos.

[@rawnarrative]

I just found out he’s not with us anymore. 😢

[@theredflannelchannel7820]

What happened to him?

[@kens.3729]

Sorry to hear the Derailment had delayed your travels but Thank GOD it Derailed before you got on that train. 👍🙏

[@randybutler6717]

That's what I was thinking

[@williamschlenger1518]

This guy is a survivor.Many of us are at the brink of living in the woods.

[@dirty6209]

So true

[@user-pw6jg8is7s]

Yes

[@imjustbeingreal100]

I don’t think he was homeless. I’ve seen a video of him at home. I believe this is just what he enjoyed doing

[@edie4321]

He did not survive, may he rest in peace.

[@YouTubeTyler]

The interactions with the cops sure would have been interesting to watch. Love that the 2nd cop was a fan. Travel safe.

[@jerryspann8713]

This bum never shows any interaction with the authorities

[@renegadebt1374]

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

[@user-qr5vb3vm6e]

The Cadillac Grainer Train to Heaven. Rip Mark.

[@williamwhite882]

Love the trains! As a kid living in W. Pa., we'd grab our fishing gear, a truck inner tube and hop a coal car that went up the creek, then jump off after about 5 miles. Then we'd float our way back fishing all the way. Great memories! Surprising thing was the engineer would always slow down for us and knew where we liked to jump off.

[@mrenfilade7178]

You are a freeman on the land and that's all there is to it! Love and prayers to you, Shoe!

[@HootisGarage]

Wealthy beyond money. Love it.

[@jeanbaker2087]

I married a train riding tramp in 1978. He had a hard time giving up traveling that way. He mostly rode from Arkansas to California. He never could get me to try it. We were married for 34 years, and they were wonderful years. He died in 2013. I miss him every day and still love him very much. I got to meet quite a few tramps in those years....all very nice people. I love watching your videos, but most videos I watch are 30 minutes or less so cutting yours back some don't hurt my feelings at all. Take care of yourself. 😅😊

[@elijahharvey01]

Sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace 🙏

[@psynriter]

@@elijahharvey01 very thoughtful

[@tdtvegas]

I like the long videos!

[@philipgreene8952]

I can see that your man was a tramp if you had to support him for 34 years jean. But how do you know his friends were tramps? You have alot of hate in your voice. There's a great difference between a tramp and a HOBO. You just didn't care to find out. There is a old saying and it goes like this. HOBO"S WILL, " I will never lose the love for the arriving, But I'am BORN to leave.....!

[@lorettashepherd.]

​​@@philipgreene8952why you gotta be so nasty? She meant nothing by calling them tramps. Ever think that's what her husband and his friends called themselves? Don't be so judgemental. The poor lady lost her husband and your giving her hell for something that really doesn't matter

[@TheStuport]

You are very resilient Mark! I appreciate you explaining the reasons used in your applications. You keep it very down to Earth in helping a knucklehead like me to understand what you are going through with certain items! The Tips really do make sense and will come in handy too! As far as the Cops having nothing better to do than harass you is sad...but the "warnings" they give you are too comical. It must be difficult to not just tell them to STFU or even laugh in their face. A shout out to ALL who Help Shoestring out! You stay strong Mark and Keeps Strutting! MOO From COW-lumbus, Ohio 👋

[@Sigpilot97]

There’s always two sides to a story. It’s at least possible Shoe didn’t include everything in his description. However, Shoestring seems to be trespassing (which is a law created by your voted in government) and you believe the police are harassing him by doing their duty? Odd you can’t see the irony of that.

[@islandnug9885]

@@Sigpilot97 We got ourselves a bootlicker folks

[@curiousgeorge5992]

@Sigpilot97 back the blue.poopoo popo until they shove it up your colon then,, unless your sado-maso Stockholm Syndromed sheeple then enjoy.🙄

[@TheStuport]

@@Sigpilot97 A warning is all they should be giving Shoestring...not a bunch of idiot scare tactics...THAT is the irony

[@lorettashepherd.]

​@@TheStuportamen!

[@Jeff-hb1qq]

I always listen to Mark, and to me he sounded like Johnny Cash talking .I always have your videos to watch over and over. God bless you.Train keep on rolling …rest in peace.😊

[@deaneparker9469]

Rest in peace, MARK. You are now in a better place where the demons can't find you. You were a wonderful man. Sorry, there will not be anymore on your wonderful posting. God speed. Rest easy! I hope to see you later.

[@dugncat]

Always a welcomed sound hearing your voice shoestring, now my day feels complete. Stay safe out there on the rails and in the jungles. 😊

[@TheMrgunnoe]

I consider you a blessed man, since you could have been in that derailment. "Thank you Lord for takin care of our friend Hobo, amen".

[@gavinvalentino6002]

Yeah how'd that whole invosible-skyzombie crap work out for him at the end? Your "lord" only exists in your simple mind.

[@KyleKarnes-nb1jl]

Gavin. Chill out dude. You do you let others believe what they want too.

[@GuyzLikeMe]

I hope someone saves all his videos for future generations to watch. RIP Shoestring!

[@jimmiegilvin281]

Good to see and hear you! Be safe out there. You are the G.O.A.T!!

[@timgentry7777]

Safe travels, Mark! Love your adventures

[@davidfarrell7318]

rest in peace we are really going to miss your excellent videos no one makes them as good as you did god bless.

[@braindamage_eclipse]

I'm sure the cops out there have a full time fleet of drones checking the underpasses 😂 . Always glad to see you out and about.

[@GilmerJohn]

I truly doubt that. Too many things can go wrong. If the RR cops care, they can ride along with the engineers/conductors and watch out.

[@aaronwalker8847]

I wouldn't be surprised. The criminal thigs called cops hate poor folks, and they especially despise like slaves who dont work slave jobs. They try to kidnap and cage them so they canarmed rob taxes to cover their "dues owed to society/ the govs".. I wouldn't put it past the criminal thug slave drivers to use drones to catch poor folks and slaves who dont work a slave job. The cops don't use drones much yet, but they will be soon it looks like. New yorkers are trying to prevent the cops from using drones there - sighting privacy issues. A noble cause , But cameras are everywhere anyway , privacy is hard to find these days.

[@oldriver1827]

Its called sarcasm sheldon.@@GilmerJohn

[@thecatsmeow42087]

Fucking drones are a trip I was in the middle of no where out in the Nevada desert and you want to talk about scary. Drone came out of no where with a huge light lol man oh man I was sure I was going get a probe or worse lol finally realized I was next to a a rail yard and once I got my shirt together realized what was going on lol

[@TheHoboShoestring]

Bailey yard in North Platte, Nebraska, have drones or used to but only for checking for broken security seals on container doors

[@wolyfood1068]

Hi I'm from the UK England we don't have hobos in the UK what we do have travellers I found your podcast really interesting a blunt about hobo stew it actually looks really nice so I'm going to make it myself looking forward to watching more of your podcasts good luck my friend May the trains keep coming

[@Toolboxboy69]

Glad to see your back riding the rails again. Glad you didn't catch the one that derailed.

[@Raymond-xk4pm]

R.I.P. Shoestring... Thank you for the videos. May you continue riding the rails.

[@RichieCat4223]

I use to use a AM hand portable radio for lighting. Set it to a station number that had very poor reception and the speaker would crackle when it picked up lightning.

[@shawnpowell5876]

Great video of you being out again! The fact that young cop had to be a total smartass abt it and you'd done nothing wrong! Atleast when the big dog showed up he made that punk feel like a jerk! There was a reason you missed that train and the man upstairs had a hand in it especially after hearing about the derailment of your train. Glad you're doing well and enjoying life on the rails! Can you give a shout out to me, Shawn in Laurel, Delaware and I'm one of your BIGGEST fans! Cheers from Laurel, Delaware USA

[@jonwatt678]

Sorry you're stuck but when things are beyond your control... what can ya do?? Hunker down for a bit, wait it out and things will get better. Best of luck Mark.. Stay safe..

[@tntltl]

RIP. I can't believe I just started watching and enjoying your and to hear of your passing. Enjoy heaven.

[@doom3648]

The legend himself Shoestring blessing us with a new video!! Hope all is well brother stay safe out there 💪

[@shawnsylvester9143]

My prayers and condolences to the family of shoestring hobo. I loved watching his videos of train hoping. I never got to meet him in person. But I feel as though I have. He's riding on God's train now. God bless you hobo and your family. Amen

[@debshipard1664]

A great video Shoestring. There doesn't need to be riding involved to make for interesting content , you are a very good story teller.

[@damiensebastian]

Glad to see another video from ya buddy! Stay safe out there and keep making awesome content!

[@roberthardy2013]

I’ve been away a while, coping with an embolism and all the crap that entails. At least I’m still breathing and walking around. Glad to see you out there again! Now I have to catchup with what you’re doing. God video with some useful info…

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great video Shoestring! Great stories and tips on traveling! Sure glad you missed the train that derailed! Stay safe out there and Happy Rails! 👍

[@KaidsTrains]

It’s always a good day when there’s a new video from Shoestring!

[@freddypflugbeil6]

Thanks HOBO SHOESTRING I don't care if you cache out or not hearing your stories have us hangout with you and watching trains is fun. Thanks for the show From Highland falls New York

[@Just.A.T-Rex]

Catch out

[@marvingooden2232]

Glad all is well with you brother. Be safe out there man One love.

[@triple6758]

RIP Shoestring. You didnt know this was your last summer.

[@dannyht92]

Stay safe man. Worlds getting crazier every day.

[@chad1733]

The world is not getting crazier everyday like what's new

[@dannyht92]

@@chad1733 you tell me how it isn't.

[@lorettashepherd.]

​@@chad1733wake up dude. The world is crazy and getting crazier

[@tomcatt998]

World's fine >> it's the humanoids

[@lorettashepherd.]

@@tomcatt998 🙄

[@margarethughes3763]

I loved watching Marks videos. R I P.dear man.

[@kellyskloset350]

I work in Portsmouth, Ohio near West Virginia. I realized that I had watched a video of you hopping a train there in Portsmouth and got so excited lol. Ended up walking through where you did to hop the train. It’s a cool train town! I’ve watched your videos for years but never commented. Have Always wanted to travel this way. Fascinating! Thanks Shoestring!

[@leonriffe9463]

How did he die , I don't see any info on here

[@runningwindadventures]

Crazy you are gone my dude ❤ miss you

[@FluffyBunnyArsenal]

I live close to Bristol and go there often (and Abingdon). I always keep my eyes open looking for you. It would be cool to meet you. Stay safe out there brother. ✌

[@TripleXXXLady-im5it]

You're knowledge of trains is amazing!! This video is awesome!! Your cubby hole looked like a Hobbit Hole Shoestring! I grew up running barefoot and wild through the Kentucky mountains. That's a great spot to hangout for awhile in!! May your train traveling start picking up speed for you to get where you're heading to. Stay safe along the way. 🚂🚃✝️🚃🇺🇸

[@madmattuk1234]

Brilliant upload once again Shoestring. Your a master of camouflage with the vegetation. So unfortunate you could not get that box car, I was routing for you. Here in the UK, we cannot get that energy bar you mentioned so ill have a look on Amazon. Take care of yourself, I really look forward to your uploads and your updates here on YT. Best wishes Matt 😊

[@danlucas213]

These high res videos make me feel like I’m there with you. Safe Travels, Shoestring!

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

Good luck Shoestring...glad you weren't on the train that went off the rails, that's for sure! Stay safe and keep on roll'n !

[@bigmonmagoomba9634]

Yeah. Good luck is when the train derails before you get on it.

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

@@bigmonmagoomba9634 -- That's the truth!

[@user-xv2ix9jj9b]

You are on top of life as a hobo, Mr. Shoestring. Do what is best to keep you safe on your travels. Best not to get into it with cops, let them have their say and move on, not a good area if someone is making threats to you on your travels. You make many watchers happy with your travels, .....

[@stuartroyle1402]

man this gentleman knows how to survive on his wits without drawing attention to himself,,,and on the other hand he is visible in plain sight to the rest of the world,,,top man is SHOESTRING✌😎

[@claytona57]

Outta sight Outta mind

[@SW-jw6il]

How nice to catch one of your videos brother M !! thanks for taking us along !! 🚂💨💨💨

[@briandonovan9560]

Great video, nice clarity and sound. Glad to see you out on the high iron. Stay safe.

[@ulin4226]

Hi Shoestring - good to see you riding again! About that Gatorlyte drink: if you need to watch your sugar intake, there is a Gatorlyte-Zero out. I see it for about the same price than the normal stuff and it works great. I do a lot of outside activities in the summer and it is far better than just drinking water. Stay safe, brother!

[@aaronscott2278]

Much love and much respect 🙏

[@Goodkarma-q9g]

Thank you shoe for another excellent video! I think you will enjoy Idaho it's been nice and cool here in the North West. Take care and stay safe!

[@chox2001]

33:25 there doesn’t have to be train rides in every video. I’m here to see your daily problems and issues to try taking a trip out. Thank you for taking the time and I say the video quality is pretty good.

[@Enjoy_my_1st_Amendment]

Jersey gloves are great and putting a set of latex surgical gloves over them for wet situations works very well. Plus the latex wont let the heat out the gloves nearly as easy.

[@PAcentralRailfan2102]

Great video Shoestring! Will keep Betsy in my prayers.

[@jardiff5983]

Drove through Sandpoint and Ponderay yesterday, crossed the tracks a few times, kept an eye peeled for you. Doing it again tomorrow, it would be awesome to shake your hand.

[@jasonalvey3194]

Hey Shoestring. I'm a new subscriber. I've always had a thing for trains and ridin the rails and I thought I knew a good bit about it until I found your channel. I've learned ALOT of things from you that will make it more fun to do safety wise. Anyway thanx for sharing your adventures with us. Be safe man!!🇺🇸

[@bigjoe1274]

I tell you what Shoestring, its even been getting hard for a fellow like myself who I just a guy with a camera who likes to take pictures of the trains with crews turning mean and local cops threatening you and even just plain crazy people trackside. Its been bumming me out big time lately ive taken to just hunkering down for the most part. I think the wind of change is blowing big time and big things are happening. Stay safe out there during these uncertain times!

[@rogertemple7193]

Glad to see you back on was hoping to see and hear some more of your adventures on the railroad hope you are doing well and take care and Thank You Shoestring.🤠👍 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🇺🇲💨

[@psynriter]

Just got home from work sick and by blessing of KZbin algorithms Sir Shoestring had put up a video. I enjoyed that video. Even if your not riding it's good to see and hear from you at camp talking whatever comes to mind. I've noticed in the last 10 minutes Shoestring has got 3000 veiws.. A month we all waited patiently for a Shoestring Fix and we are all getting our hit now kind sir 👍

[@jaynewilliams2281]

My husband and I just found you this summer. We are now diehard fans and tell every train lover we know about you. We live near Clinton, TN. We love riding trains and spotting trains. I wanted to let you know that GATORADE makes a power for hydration WITH PROTEIN. It might be good to have with you. We hope to run into you sometime, somewhere on the east coast...our stomping grounds from WV to GA😊

[@leonriffe9463]

Do you ever ride thru Harts Wv. South of Huntington a few miles from Logan , hope to see you waving around at me someday, b safe

[@kjgas6945]

Thank you String!! God bless!!

[@douglasdowling4773]

Stay safe Mark . Really enjoy all your videos . Prayers for your freinds wife and you . Hopefully you done got caught out on a train by the time you read this .

[@chubbawubba4287]

Oscar Nominated video Sir! Thanks for sharing, be well, be safe.

[@sixgunslingin]

We lost hobo shoestring all the videos of his I watched I can't believe he's gone godspeed hobo shoestring I hope you have a smooth ride on that last westbound that'll take you home

[@driverjeff1498]

You should put the lightning detector up against the stun gun.

[@lornperkins4270]

😆 that would be a good match

[@nickp2133]

I will miss you alot Mr shoestring. Please know we are all here still watching trains and giving them a big wave for you!

[@fhbbi]

Such a gentleman, for a hobo. Thanks, Shoestring for your time and videos!

[@Tammy121111]

😢😢 R.I.P SHOESTRING ! I'M PRAYING FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TOO !

[@xXREdWInDSXx]

hey always appreciate a gear breakdown and fieldcraft video. useful stuff right there 💯

[@MarcusEye]

I just discovered this channel yesterday, cool guy/ channel. Didn’t realize he had passed away. Sorry to hear that. R.I.P. Brother. God Bless You.🙏☮️

[@johntomblingson7451]

So happy to see you I was worried about you. If you're ever in Illinois nearby St. Louis and need anything hit me up.

[@bluemoon-pm5hv]

Hiya Shoestring, this is Sherry from Indiana. I just love watching your videos. Love adventure, use to do some myself back in the day. Anyways,good to see you back and well. Stay safe ,God bless✌️❤️

[@SH-di8im]

Thanks for the video. Exactly what I needed today. Stay safe out there buddy.

[@NorlandBoxcar]

Open boxcars are rare enough. To have one at an intersection where cars are present is one big unattainable dangling carrot of a tease. Heck, had I been in one of those automobiles, I would have pulled out the red carpet for ya in front of that boxcar for you to get in. Then I would have told the other people waiting that a celebrity was amongst us. Happy to hear of the big gentleman copper who recognized ya. God Bless him..

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Really good episode Shoe 👍

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

God bless you sir Just found your page and I think you’re so awesome ! Love alllll the tips Please do more videos just you talking n saying anything you like It’s all so interesting Angels be with you

[@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.

[@ChainsawNW1218]

I get the Roanoke VA news,I hadn't heard about 14Z but hope You finally got rolling when NS rerails the cars in the derailment and You don't run into no more problems. Enjoyed the video and have a safe trip Man!🛤🚂

[@WaldoVonErich3]

Damn! Be careful with that DEET! It melts certain plastics if it comes into contact with them, especially ABS and Styrene, don’t get it on your phone or camera. I learned the hard way.

[@GoPro._Musica]

The Deet needs some sort of zip up pouch to keep in as well.

[@joshweinstein5345]

Love your videos not just for the railriding action and sites along the way but also for the handy tips you always give! So this video was great, too! Thank you, Shoestring.

[@danb8489]

Have a good trip and be safe out there . Best wishes to larry and his wife 👍🙏☕️.🇨🇦

[@HikingWithTumTum]

Awesome videos shoestring. Love how wide the mat is. Nothing worse than having cold arms in the middle of the night.

[@TammyMullins-jv8wm]

Happy you wasn't on the drill train it was a blessing 😊 stay safe shoestring

[@jasonc.7696]

RIP SHOESTRING WE'LL MISS YA BROTHA!!

[@willyphast2509]

good to see ya string. thanks for this one. will see you in idaho soon. god bless,,

[@Dannyzieger]

awe man, that sucks dude, nice ride in the wrong place. Stay safe out there Mark. Thanks for sharing.

[@leea1988]

Health and safety are #1 priority. It may take days or it may take weeks but in the end staying healthy and safe are what matters most.

[@dsum7778]

So happy your happening, Shoestring. 💕 hitchin a ride with you in your camera view. The world awaits in a hobos knapsack 😊. Great journeys to you🚂

[@waynehowell431]

good metaphor

[@cajunoneforchrist4545]

Dear Lord keep our friend Shoestring safe and yes I thank you God for all you do that is unknown. Amen..

[@jpbrown1963]

Rip shoestring

[@markjames2686]

I JUST WATCHED THE STOBE MOVIE AND HE POINTED OUT YOUR TAG IN NEBRASKA!! MIND BLOWN! 🤯

[@doodleartlover]

Rest in peace, Shoestring. 👃

[@AnHonestDoubter]

Pepper spray is more likely to deter an attack vs a stun gun. Stun guns don't incapacitate, they just hurt. Whereas pepperspray incapacitates. Gotta check legality of either in the areas you're in, be careful with that.

[@normanpaterson]

omg, so great to hear from you again, old timer, you are like an old Timex watch, just keeps tickin

[@chox2001]

12:10 just a thaught maybe get a flexible solar panel wrapped arround your bucket or hang off your pack to charge battery banks. They are so light and charge small power banks here in UK so would be great for US