Forgotten rail yard/Larry meeting me at camp
I'd gotten off my Q396 (I believe) from Kingsport to Ashland/Russell, Kentucky, and spent the next day videoing the small abandoned CSX rail yard in Ashland; only used to store overflow coal cars and gondola cars until they're needed.
I used to catch my northbound CSX there when the train would be stopped by the overhead signal waiting for clearance to Russell yard to be reworked and classified so this always gave me ample time to scout out a good comfortable riding car.
still contains old tracks that have been long forgotten and weeds and small bushes and trees growing up between the rails indicating no traffic on those rail tracks for years.
Once I was spending my second day/night in Thurmond, West Virginia, Larry text me and said he was looking at his Google maps and discovered I was just a three hour drive from Kingsport where he lives and asked me did I mind if he drove up and went camping with me that third night and I said of course, please come up! Larry had been wanting to see the New River Gorge Bridge anyway so he made it in about three and a half hours. We eventually found a place level that would be more comfortable for him than the bare uneven ground in Thurmond and that's where we ended up that third day/night.
So, this video is a hodge podge of a mixture of several events that happen during my last train trip.
I truly hope everyone enjoys this video and I thank you for watching!
Please check out my merchandise at: www.shoestringarmy.com/store
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Пікірлер: 618
Just when you thought 🤔 the Day couldn’t get any Better and then you found a New Hobo Shoestring Video. What a Country. 😬👍
RIP Shoestring. You are truly missed.
This guy uses words that I heard growing up sixty years ago. It’s a kind of poetry.
"I got everything I need here". Says Shoestring as he surveys an abandoned scrapyard. Gotta love the guy.
Godspeed Mr. Nichols, We Thank you for all you have given, And all you gave.. R.I.P. Shoestring, You will be greatly missed.. ✌
love ya string and i miss ya. you rest in peace now,,
I wanted you to know , in 2019 I came down bad with the covid. I live alone but what helped me was listening to your stories Shoestring. Been a fan for awhile. God Bless.
@ricgal50
2 жыл бұрын
2019? It wan't until late 2019 that we heard of the covid19, and rare cases coming this way!?
@chuckbrown5484
2 жыл бұрын
I had it in 21. It was like a cold at worst for me 🤷♂️
Sleeping under a bill board sign? Now THAT'S what I call room & board!
Purple flowered tree is a Paulownia Tomentosa I believe. Great wood and fast growing.
@chuckbrown5484
2 жыл бұрын
Japanese short sapphire maple.
@wvsparkbuster
Жыл бұрын
@@chuckbrown5484 Japanese Short Sapphire maple lol
Oooh boy a 40 minute Shoestring video is just what i needed to de-stress from the week. Hope you're doing well Mark!
@lorettashepherd.
2 жыл бұрын
Shoestring's videos are a great stress reliever. 🙂
@51-FS
2 жыл бұрын
Long videos take to long to watch.... I useley bounce out win first add pops up
@lorettashepherd.
2 жыл бұрын
@@51-FS you do know that the ads generate income for String right? His ads are monetized. How can you call yourself a fan if you don't watch the whole video? As if you have anything else more pressing at the moment. If you chose to watch the video in the first place at least you can view it to its completion. Sad that patience is a lost art these days
@51-FS
2 жыл бұрын
@@lorettashepherd. who said I was a fan? Maybe that's a nother reason I quit watching. I do watch ads on other channels. Don't have to be a fan to watch his videos do it? Is subscribing not enough?
@lorettashepherd.
2 жыл бұрын
@JEFF DOGG not desperate or crazy at all. Sorry you feel that way. String is a friend.
If this is the quality of your 'B-Roll' then tbh Shoestring I think I speak for us all when I say: Feel free to share more of it anytime!
Gotta Love People who can find Solace in anything It keeps me alive !
The man is not only a historian but a biologist and national preservist as well.
@bigmonmagoomba9634
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, these videos will be a treasure trove for historians someday.
@143speedball5
2 жыл бұрын
He is also a registered child sex offender
@Cabo_TheManFromCaboWabo
Жыл бұрын
I’d say he’s a Legend. Which is pretty much what you said too. Few and far between are men like this that make a positive impact wherever they go.
@robertprice7246
4 ай бұрын
You can't beat an evening with Hobo Shoestring ! I've seen more of this country through his videos than a History Book ever taught
@d.s.davenport610
3 ай бұрын
Indeed
It's not a Shoestring video, unless there's camping involved. 👌
A lifetime spent camping, in between riding the rails, something magical about it! Hobo, you could/should write a book about your experiences.
@jonwatt678
2 жыл бұрын
I'll second the motion that Shoestring writes a book! The knowledge you posses is far beyond what any college education could ever provide. Plus you probably understand more about the overall rail systems in this country than anyone on a RR payroll!! Your wealth of information should be recorded in books in conjunction with all these videos. Safe travels fellow veteran. I look forward to the next one!
Great views - thank you! Those butterflies were actually taking moisture out of that damp soil. Along with the water, they’re getting minerals from the soil too. The butterflies are called Spicebush Swallowtails.
Sheooooot. It’s a dream of every hobo to meet ya on the rails and enjoy what stories you have to tell around a campfire. What a shining light you are in this world shoestring. Time to sit back and relax another great production. - A.T Edit; wow I never would of thought Kentucky to have such pretty scenery
@C2K777
2 жыл бұрын
I'd got farther. I'm not a hobo, I live in the UK and I'D love to share a beer or two ( alcohol free for Shoestring of course) in a bar or sat round a fire. I could happily listen to this guys stories for hours on end.
@illustriouschin
2 жыл бұрын
@@C2K777 Why torture him with the smell of alcohol?
@C2K777
2 жыл бұрын
@@illustriouschin He's a big boy and is around the stuff plenty. You ever seen a video of the Hobo Convention where they crown the King & Queen each year. Also it's not like i'd be wafting it under his nose ffs.
@turtleraiderttv1010
2 жыл бұрын
It does, I live in Mt sterling which is about a hour from ashland
@doubled1425
2 жыл бұрын
I am from Kentucky, but I think Tennessee is even more beautiful. Glad you think my birth place is a beautiful scenic place too🙂
This is an example of a old American vacation. This seems more relaxing then a 9 - 5 job any day.
@tobe1207
2 жыл бұрын
Most things are more relaxing than a job. This video is about the "highs" of the hobo lifestyle, I'm sure it's less relaxing in winter,when there's no food,money in your pocket, restricted hunting and no way to quickly make money
@richardcook4193
2 жыл бұрын
After a day at work I can't wait to pull up your videos and unwind. Your amazing Mark, the knowledge you have about life and being free. Thank you
Shoestring nearly has me convinced to sell my home and all worldly possessions and start hoboing and seeing this beautiful country from the railroad vantage point.
@robertprice7246
3 ай бұрын
I'm with you on that ! I'd love to forget this bill due, that bill due, paid that, fixed this, get the cars oil changed ....... And go where the wind blows me. I retire I just might do it
That's a Paulownia tree at 30:44 Shoestring. The blooms smell like grape kool-aid. I had a house & property next to the CSX North Mountain Sub near Greenwood Va. a few years back and those trees grew all over the mountainside along those tracks. Wishing you the best of luck with your surgery bud! [Dave]
Shiny blue butterflies were Pipevine Swallowtails Enjoyed watching this video, born in Huntington WV....been down by Ashland and the old Mansbach metals so many times
I enjoy seeing you and Ken spending time together. He seems like such a good young man and I can tell by his voice that he loves being with you also. I think he needs you also, just as you need him, and believe me when I say that you'll never regret the times you spent with him and you'll wish someday that you'd have spent more. Those are very important times for the both of you. You're a good man Mark Nichols.
My family and I love you. Been watching for a few years now, so inspired and a tad bit envious.
Having some medical issues and being home for two weeks almost.. these videos help me relax and take my mind off things Keep on making ‘‘em and I hope your medical issues are resolved quickly Shoestring!
The spectacular bridge at New River Gorge National Park. Stobe the hobo went through there and so did I. Wonderful area of WV.
Shoestring is the king of train hopping . Go Shoestring go.👍
we got wild Honey suckle here and it grows as a large as 12 ft shrub, small tree. Loved the ride, thank you.
The butterfly’s are getting minerals
Such a knowledgeable fella. Knows his game that’s for sure.
I love this dude.When I was a young guy I always walked the tracks.Never got the nerve to jump a train though
@tommyc9659
2 жыл бұрын
Same here
If the blooms on the "honeysuckle tree" were bright orange, it could have been a wild azalea, also called a flame azalea. The flower does not have the smell of honeysuckle, but does look a lot like it.
@shac9131
2 жыл бұрын
I haven't tasted a honey suckle since late 70's or '81. We'd find a few wild trees around town.
@Prop_2112
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Phillip because we have one here in Scottsburg, In and I always wondered what that tree was. Just like you described but as a pretty good size tree !
I moved my family from Conroe Texas to Washington State. It's beautiful here have you spent much time here other than van crazy LOL
Beautiful country up there! The butterflies looked like pipevine swallowtails!
@sararedfearn4691
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the information on the type of Butterflies. From a fellow Shoestring admirer . Mr JR/UK
The more I watch shoestrings videos, the more i see him hang out near where I was raised. I am pretty sure I've talked to shoestring once upon a time.
Rest in Peace Hobo Shoestring .
A 3.5 hour drive to go camp with you and give you a ride home. That's a rare friend you've got there. Thanks for sharing this video.
YES YES A train set up. your now one up on this old man.
The butterflies 🦋 are puddling. Licking up salt and minerals.
Damn, you sir are living life right.thank you for letting us tag along
Great Content! Beautiful Scenery... Great campsite too! Safe Travels Brother ✌️😎
blue butterfly’s are usually the most rare to see
32:14 Spicebush swallowtail butterflies: the sand is damp where you vidded them. I believe they were drinking. My understanding is that they are not blind but see different spectra than humans. They use their vision to help them locate the flowers they fertilize in exchange for the nectar they feed on.
Hello from Missouri...have you ever rode the MKT railroad in Missouri in the past..most of it now is a bicycle trail..thanks
Shoestring, am sittin at the table having a cup of camp coffee! And enjoying the new SS flick! Here s to you SS enjoy while you can pushing all joy and energy to you👍😇🐈
I really enjoyed your "hodge podge" video! Seriously, it was so good it felt like it was only ten minutes long. Left me hoping for more. Take care Shoestring.
hey Shoestring, not that it was brought up or that anyone asked,, just wanted to congratulate you on your continued sobriety. Youre looking great. Love to check in and see you doing well.
Them butterflies are getting warm from the sun
Excellent
I'm from Scotland I have always wanted to try this like most people watching
Awesome show. Thanks be safe.
Luv it Pops
it's the compendium of information you have and your humble delivery. been such a friend to us, bringing us along on what you love. now I love it too through you.
@DrGonzo-jl9wq
Жыл бұрын
Exactly, well said.
Excellent video
this dude the best
Nice bridge. Another good one, thanks.
NICE its great man!
great train set
top video mate .
really love your videos very informative glad to see your doing well happy travels my man!!
Thanks for sharing
Love the train set! Always love those
Great video. Enjoyed all of it.
Nice campin spot! 👍👍👍
I enjoy your videos Bro , keep up the good work
Great Video Shoe, thanks.🇺🇸❤
This is my new favorite KZread show!
What beautiful waterfalls! Very beautiful scenery all around.
Great job Shoestring
I love how your teaching us all the time but we don’t notice because it’s so enjoyable. Thank you
I love your videos, Shoestring
RJ Corman engine 8718 is a SD40T-2. T is for tunnel motor used to increase dynamic brake cooling in mountains..SP,, Cotton Belt, DRGW used these units
Your informative and entertaining great work!
Fully enjoy you Video Shoestring. Thanks.
You the man shoestring. 👊🏻
Thanks for another great video!! Love the ending with you and Ken! That train and track looed fun to play with!
Can't wait to see this, sounds very exciting.
Loved the video Im jealous of all the sightseeing and camping
I grew up not far from the massive Russell yard during the Chessie era. Sad to hear the state it’s in now
Thank you for the excellent video and thank you Larry for coming to the rescue too!
Love your videos Mark ! Stay Happy and , Well.. Blessings
Beautiful scenery
Some great fishing bud
Thank you Shoestring, I enjoy the rural pictures and the history lessons. Take care and stay safe.
Hey there shoestring.... Been waiting for this video
You're so smart Shoestring. You've taught me alot of things. Always enjoy your videos. You take care!
Mark, thank you so much for bringing such important knowledge about the railroads. Another insightful video that you have presented here on KZread.
More quality videos please mate, always worth looking forward to. 🇬🇧
Cool how you know the tracks,what a well lived life your living.
You pieced together some scraps and it ended up being a great video! I enjoyed seeing Ken operating that train at the end. It took me back about 65 years.
@1neAdam12
2 жыл бұрын
@ 33:50 Larry seems like real good people too. Look at that spread he provided. That took lots of planning and care.
Nice video champion 👍cheers from Australia
Great vid shoestring thanks ✌️❤️ as always from the 🇬🇧
New to your videos and I must say they are fantastic, absolutely love them . Your wealth of knowledge is amazing. Safe travels shoestring,Peace brother.
Thank you for posting shoestring! I always enjoy your videos. You be careful and stay safe brother.
Dios Le Bendigo mi amigo... riding the rails
keep on keepin' on Hobo Shoestring! you do great vids...always entertaining...
Awesome Video thanks keep on railroading :)
Found your channel two days ago and have been hooked. It reignited my dream of riding a freight train down south. I have been trying to do as much research as I can on this and your channel is priceless. Thanks so much for making these videos and sharing them with us man. Really appreciate ya
Wow Shoestring, thanks for sharing, impressive railroad knowledge!
shoestring, your such a charming fellow. you have a simple, yet concise way of seeing things
It's always a pleasure for us to go on virtual trips with you Shoestring. The interesting places you go to, the riding on the trains and taking us through the U.S.A. most of of will never get to see. You capture the freedom loving spirit in us by showing all the beauty and wonder of nature. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!