From all of us at RailCrew Express here in Bostic and many of the crews at CSX thank you Shoestring for showing the world of railroading and trains like nobody else could ever do.
I'm fortunate enough to know he was "hopping" one of my trains, the one that left him stranded at Case Farms, Shelby spring 2023. He got me motivated enough to "hop" a few trains rather than "run" them after that. It'd been since the 90s my pre RR working years since I'd "hobo'd", but he got me motivated and we shot a few notes back and forth. I hope the gang at the (Hobo) National Convention vote him posthumous "King" this year as he deserves. RIP
I made 100's of Erwin-Bostic-Erwin trips for PTI back in the day. I don't miss it ONE BIT! Shoestring made many of his trip starts from Erwin and Kingsport, him I will miss.
@@CarolinaKid93 Agree with you about electing him Hobo King at the next Convention in Britt. He seemed to have captured the “spirit” of the thing. I hopped a few in my time, before I hired in.
In the shadows of the trainyard, Where dust swirls and echoes fade, Lies the memory of a hobo, Known as Shoestring the UA-cam renegade. With a camera in his hand, He documented life on the trails, Sharing stories of adventure, And the joys 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.
I met shoestring years ago in WV , I was on the run from the law😂 and he was passing through, thank you for feeding me brother, I love you for that, he was so unselfish
He was classic! I will never forget his adventure to the Dalton Highway in Alaska in winter. Frostbite, and negative 20 below. An outsider who one day picked up a camera, the rest is history. RIP Shoestring!
This man lived a life longer than any of us suckers. He lived every second of every day unlike the rest of us who are only allowed to live a couple hours at the end of the day and maybe a few hours on the weekend. This man is a thousand years old in freedom years.
@@richardhead3211 The man got more exercise and fresh air by living 'free' than the 'average'.., you also somehow failed to recognize that missing a significant number of teeth will make any adult look 'older'...
This feels like a nightmare you just want to wake up from, but no, it's reality rearing its ugly head once again and claiming the life of somebody who was near and dear to us fans of the hobo / rail-riding lifestyle. Shoestring's stories, adventures and excursions kept me glued to my computer screen. I could be having the worst day ever, but if I came home to see a new post of Shoestring riding the rails, it would lift me out of my funk and make me feel a whole lot better. He was a kind soul and a kindred spirit, and UA-cam is a darker place now that he's gone. To say he will be missed barely scratches the surface. Ride on in Heaven Shoestring! I hope to see you on the other side and join you on a new adventure on the rails! God bless!
Very few UA-camrs have earned my personal respect as a friend and brother. Shoestring is one of those. I say this because though Shoestring's body has returned to the earth from whence it came, the memories and feelings of joy his life on earth left behind shall forever remain on the banks of the river that is my life.❤
Shoestring was a true example of what being a free American is! He was a true outdoorsman and loved America and all its beauty! He loved being able to ride from one point of America to the other and meeting with and making friends along the way! I personally will miss his train adventures and videos! RIP Hobo! My condolences to his family and friends! ❤🙏🇺🇸🇨🇱
Thanks for this great tribute to Mark Hobo Shoestring Nichols. He was one of a kind and the last of his kind that we just won't see much of anymore. I'd been watching his videos for about the past four years or so but hadn't watched them as much as I had been much of this last year. I had been fighting a tough fight wirh Stage III cancer this past year and its only been a few months that I've been back to doing things like watching UA-cam videos. He had gone dark the past month or so as well. It did seem that he was not in such good health in those later videos. I really handed to him that he contined to catch out in recent years in spite of his health issues these past few years. Well, I hope he is riding some perfect big trains in his boxcars and Cadillac grainers up in heaven, joining up with his old friends and they sit at night next to a big campfire, sharing tails of the rails while eating some Hobo Stew and he gets picked as the King of the Hobos for a time. May he Rest in Peace, to the swaying of a railcar that he loved so much.
I lost a good friend and a true American. He gave so much and took so little. He stood for freedom and made me feel free. Trains have always had a place in America's heart and now Shoestring will be in there too.
I'm 65 and disabled and Mark had me ready to catch out and go find Him and ride along with him, YOU will be missed Brother and much love from a brother who will never forget you, Prayers for His Family. 😢😢
This is beautiful. Prayers to his family and friends. He was a kind soul, served his country, knew more about trains than anyone, and had a wicked sense of humor. I'll never forget his line when it was snowing, I think he was in Maryland: "30% chance of snow - 70% WRONG." I almost fell off my chair laughing. What a treasure - you will be missed, kind man. Rest in peace and ride those rails forever.
Made his own rules about life, he lived to share but loved privacy as well. Was probably sent more gifts than his apartment could hold. The best gift you could send was your admiration of him. A lot of people saying he will ride the rails in heaven, but i say hes gonna be the Engineer
I never knew Hobo, but the videos and the searches that y'all have done for this man,, is very pleasing to the heart. To know this man touched so many hearts, shows how much he was loved. May he rest in peace.
Hobo, you made more people happy as we lived vicariously through you. Thanks for taking us along on your rail journeys, and thank you for your service. You have shown us what freedom is all about. The rail lines are clear, and we'll take it from here. Godspeed Shoestring!
SHOESTRING'S LAST RIDE. He awoke suddenly, having been sleeping peacefully cold as if someone had thrown water over him, but that didn't matter now, because there in front of him was a train, stopped, he must of been sleeping soundly, he had never heard it pull in, but better still, a carriage or two away was an open boxcar. Going for a look, he clambered in, no need to rush, they will be doing a crew charge, inside were plenty of corrugated cardboard sheets and a few pallets. He would travel in comfort he thought as he stacked the cardboard 4 or 5 high and moved the pallets around them. No bull will see him now. Suddenly he was tired and stretched out on the softest of beds, he must of dozed off because he awoke as the train began to move. His tarp, his bucket and hat, jump now to get them or leave them behind. This was to good a ride to miss, then he remembered his camera in his bucket, he wouldn't be able to video this journey to share with his 200000 subscribers, anyway by now the train was moving to fast to get off, there was no going back now. Sleeping again he dreamed of the doe he had seen in the wood with her 2 fawns, the salmon jumping in the stream, he first buds appearing on the trees, yes, indeed it was spring, after all it was April. Awake now, he looked out the door, somehow he wasn't cold anymore, not like on his trips to Alaska nor backing when he went down South. Something strange was happening, everything was shrouded in fog. He had felt the train slow down a little as he realised they were climbing higher and higher, funny because he never remembered an incline been here before, thinking about it, he didn't know where he was or where would be his final destination, he would sleep some more and figure it out later. Awake again, he looked out, there were snow covered mountains, but they were far below. Nothing made sense on this journey. Leaning out the door, to his astonishment he saw there were no carriages in front or behind his. Was his mind playing tricks again, and surely the rails weren't gold? Hour after hour he travelled higher and higher, eventually his carriage slowed to a halt, going to the door to try and figure out where he was, he heard a voice,. Panic set it as he thought it had to be the bull. But that voice was away softer than any bull he had encountered. Suddenly, it all made sense, the train, the comfortable ride, the dreams of everything that mattered in his life on the trackside, the long journey, when he heard the same voice say " Peter, go and have a look to see who has come home" RIP.. HOBO SHOESTRING ( MARK)
Rest in Peace shoestring, I have seen and followed your channel from day one. and enjoyed every single one of them. To the Family of shoestring, My condolences to you and your family for your lost, Mark was an inspiration to many thousands of people who Knew him and supported his Channel here on UA-cam. As they say Another Legend gone, But NEVER Forgotten. All the Best from a inspired and grateful fan from Birmingham the United Kingdom RIP HOBO SHOSTRING Your going to be missed.
Was thinking to myself earlier this morning how I had not see a recent upload by Shoestring so I popped in his name and a story of his body being found was right there. I was truly shocked and saddened to find out he has passed. Living in the UK his lifestyle was one I had never seen before but I was always struck at his incredible knowledge and passion for trains and the railroad. His freedom and the stories he told set him apart and he was such an all around decent human. His legacy will live on and he should aspire to be even 5% of the free spirit he was. RIP Mark
I stumbled upon Shoestring about a year ago by accident and learned how extraordinary seeing America by living the historical hobo society was . I'm at a loss for words about a mans passing that I've never met and that says a lot about the Man . RIP SHOESTRING you're in the Engineers cab now . 😢
Hobo Shoestring, A legend in his own time he loved the life he lived and the people that he met on his journeys. A life ended to soon indeed he loved family and what he did in life was far beyond understanding. Love ya, buddy. I knew in my heart the day after he came missing the first place I would have looked was Lake Boon. Strange how feelings come over you.
I've been to places I've never seen in the USA because of this great hobo!! Every video was like riding the iron horse with him,some more outstanding trips,the Continental Divide,riding through Montana, absolutely beautiful!! Learned about trains, how he was able to camp in any weather and area,hey including how chap stick can unstick a zipper!! Thanks for the stories,fun,learning,and for being the human being you were, beloved by all,rest in peace 🕊️ you will be missed
If anything, they should be donated to the National Hobo Museum in Britt, IA where they will be much more appreciated as opposed to the Smithsonian, where they'll be stuck in some locker away from public viewing.
Shoestring was a kind and warm hearted person. He taught us to go out and live life to the fullest! Thank you Shoestring! May he RIP and enjoy that ride on the main line to heaven!
THANK YOU. .. It was when I was not sleeping well in hospital I discovered Shoestring on my laptop one night and I began watching all of his videos. I grew to love and respect him and his life and appreciated his honesty and stories from the past so fondly. - not someone I would have ever expected would capture my attention like he did. - In short, I came from a very challenged background that involved sleeping rough and moving a whole lot all the time. I think that is what felt familiar about his transient comfort. I feel very sad. I saw some rather cruel and judgmental clips online by people who never knew anything about him .. Well, I am on the entire other side of the Earth and know that he is a beautiful man with a big heart of gold. I will miss seeing new wonderful adventures. 😥💖
Thanks for this great tribute to Mark Hobo Shoestring Nichols. I'll always be waiting on his next video, that will never come. RIP Hobo Shoestring! You will be missed.
A very wonderful tribute to our great friend hobo Shoestring. As we are all saddened by his departure from this life,we can rest assured that Shoestring is getting reacquainted with Stobe and the other friends that have left before him. R.I.P. dear friend.
What a great song to use for the video---Shoestring by Mel McDaniel---I hadnt heard that since I played it on country radio back in 1985 in Greensboro NC-------the memory of this Army vet will live on in pictures and video---RIP Mark----I hope some time in your life you got to know Jesus🙏🙏
“Well it’s alright, even if you’re old and gray. It’s alright-you still have somethin’ to say. Well it’s alright, everythin’ will turn out fine. It’s alright…we’re goin’ to the end of the line” Traveling Wilburys.
The Traveling Wilburys pretty much made this version (see link) a tribute to Roy Orbison who was one of the founding members of the band. In the video they placed an empty rocking chair with a guitar on it as a "missing man" gesture. There will be a lot of empty places where Shoestring might have been. R.I.P. ua-cam.com/video/UMVjToYOjbM/v-deo.html
Mark ,Shoestring ,will be sorely missed ,he'd make me smile ,his shows ,informative ,and filled with the joys of a simple life. Sending my deepest sympathies ,to his loved ones .❤ Indeed ,Shoestring ,you brought so many folk happiness. ❤
Rest in peace my friend. No more pain, no more troubles on the heavenly railroads. God bless. Thanks for all the enjoyment in your videos. You'll be sorely missed old son!
A wonderful tribute to Shoestring. I have watched his videos for years and his memory will live on when I continue watching them over again. RIP Hobo Shoestring, you will be missed...
Sad to hear his gone, a good man with a heart of gold, he will be missed by all that watched him. He was a breath of fresh air in a screwed up world. RIP my friend.
A man that embraced his inner tremble. Took me a while watching him before I understood why he still rode. Once I learned I respected it and enjoyed joining him through his videos. It’s time to sit still brother, relax finally in the sky hamik. Love you brother.
So sad for the loss of friend. I never met him in person but I felt like I knew him personally. You will be missed by many. Condolences and prayers to his family.
Thank you for the nice tribute to Shoestring. He probably lived life more fully than many of us have, and if there are trains in Heaven, surely he has already hopped one and is clackety-clacking along through the Golden Meadows.
Something out of the blue drew me to his youtube channel today! Man loved watching this guy very genuine! I would spend hours watching his content! Gonna miss you big guy!
I feel a true loss. Rest In Peace Hobo Shoestring. Is it my imagination or did he seem to be on edge lately? Maybe his health was just catching up, don't know be he was a wonderful man. Happiness indeed, thank you Mark.🙏
Shoestring.. thank you for taking ALL of us along the rides with you and adventures. Never thought I would love a you tuber. YOU will be missed. We all love ya and now you are riding the heaven train..CDOG
Dont feel bad for Shoe String! He lived more happier and more free then most of the people on this plant. Feel bad for the people he left behind and especially for his family and friend who loved him the most I found his channel 2 years ago by chance. The algorithm gods made that connection. Instantly watching his channel I recognized how free he truly was and it reminded me of my early teenage years when my friends and I would hop freight trains out of Oakland California to Sacramento and Fresno, hang out with friends and then hop them back to Oakland. Getting chased by the train police and the yard staff was just part of the excitement. Theres nothing like riding a freight train in the summer through the hills and valleys of central California. I will always remember those days and for Show String in keeping the dream alive. Catch that North Bound line Shoe String and ride it all the way to Heaven!! 🙏
Wow, I just saw this video and found out that Hobo Shoestring passed away. What a tremendous loss!! Having watched and appreciated him for years, I’m so saddened to hear of his loss. He was a genuine individual and lived life on his terms!! Thanks for the amazing adventures and rides, Shoestring! ❤
Thank you for the tribute videos. I will miss Shoestring and his videos greatly. RIP Shoestring. On a side note, This old man has been hunting for info about a rail-rider (Hobo) from back in the fifties and early sixties that was a medal of honor winner during WW2. He came home and "gave up on the rat race and it's facade." I live in West Central Indiana, near a "hobo jungle" where many would come through and camp. My father a long time railroader knew many of them and they'd stop by the house for food and water at times. Us kids spent many hours down in the jungle talking to them all about their adventures and way of life. I can't remember his name there was so many veterans like him traveling through back then. I know there was one news article in a paper about him but can't find it from way back when. The gentleman was originally from out West. Just thought I'd throw this question out here while I'm here. Thank you.
Looking backwards...Mark really wasn't able to ride the rails much the last 3 to 5 years, due to his poor health,and constant appointments..most of his videos were about trains but not actually riding on them.. l am imagine that not being able ride the rails like he used to really got to him ... ❤
From all of us at RailCrew Express here in Bostic and many of the crews at CSX thank you Shoestring for showing the world of railroading and trains like nobody else could ever do.
He had friends on both sides of the track.
I'm fortunate enough to know he was "hopping" one of my trains, the one that left him stranded at Case Farms, Shelby spring 2023. He got me motivated enough to "hop" a few trains rather than "run" them after that. It'd been since the 90s my pre RR working years since I'd "hobo'd", but he got me motivated and we shot a few notes back and forth.
I hope the gang at the (Hobo) National Convention vote him posthumous "King" this year as he deserves.
RIP
I made 100's of Erwin-Bostic-Erwin trips for PTI back in the day. I don't miss it ONE BIT!
Shoestring made many of his trip starts from Erwin and Kingsport, him I will miss.
@@CarolinaKid93 Agree with you about electing him Hobo King at the next Convention in Britt. He seemed to have captured the “spirit” of the thing. I hopped a few in my time, before I hired in.
RIP Mr Shoestring. God has you now.
In the shadows of the trainyard,
Where dust swirls and echoes fade,
Lies the memory of a hobo,
Known as Shoestring the UA-cam renegade.
With a camera in his hand,
He documented life on the trails,
Sharing stories of adventure,
And the joys 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.
🙏
Beautiful ❤
Simply Amazing.
Beautiful absolutely Beautiful !!
Love this...
I met shoestring years ago in WV , I was on the run from the law😂 and he was passing through, thank you for feeding me brother, I love you for that, he was so unselfish
Pass it on my friend!
None of us will ever know the real pain he was in, but he's in God's hands now. Gone too soon..RIP Shoestring
He was classic! I will never forget his adventure to the Dalton Highway in Alaska in winter. Frostbite, and negative 20 below. An outsider who one day picked up a camera, the rest is history. RIP Shoestring!
That’s my favorite video.
Take the long ride home Shoestring. There’s no bulls on this line my friend. RIP
This comment made me cry.
I sure miss him I would have loved to have his knowledge of things rip 🙏 mark ❣️
@@laurarodrigue3438 This loss hit a lot of us hard. Mark was a kind and gentle soul. I can’t believe it’s been 5 months. God bless you
This man lived a life longer than any of us suckers. He lived every second of every day unlike the rest of us who are only allowed to live a couple hours at the end of the day and maybe a few hours on the weekend. This man is a thousand years old in freedom years.
he was 57 and looked 77. the free live has its price. rip shoe
@@richardhead3211 The man got more exercise and fresh air by living 'free' than the 'average'.., you also somehow failed to recognize that missing a significant number of teeth will make any adult look 'older'...
Amen too that. Bro
That guy lived life fully! Simple and one cool dude!
@@richardhead3211 Look in the mirror old man
This feels like a nightmare you just want to wake up from, but no, it's reality rearing its ugly head once again and claiming the life of somebody who was near and dear to us fans of the hobo / rail-riding lifestyle. Shoestring's stories, adventures and excursions kept me glued to my computer screen. I could be having the worst day ever, but if I came home to see a new post of Shoestring riding the rails, it would lift me out of my funk and make me feel a whole lot better. He was a kind soul and a kindred spirit, and UA-cam is a darker place now that he's gone. To say he will be missed barely scratches the surface. Ride on in Heaven Shoestring! I hope to see you on the other side and join you on a new adventure on the rails! God bless!
Who will we watch now?
@@uuuultragifgas
Thank you. I couldn't say this any better.
What happen to him did he pass away...? 😢😢😢
@LynnAnn1960 sadly,yes he did
He always took us along for the ride.
Shoestring was a Treasure Rest Easy Guy ❤🙏🫡🇺🇲
He was an awesome person and I am really missing him. He was a legend. RIP Mark ❤
AMEN BRO
Can't believe he's gone. Feeling sad. Loved his videos. Condolences to his family.
So sad 100%.
I know. This sucks i swear.
Well, you should
What happened?
@@OscarVaughn Do not swear this is a worldwide platform where kids can see all.
Him an Stobbe riding the rails in heaven... God bless them both.
That’s for sure 🙏
🚂🚂🚂👍👍
Very few UA-camrs have earned my personal respect as a friend and brother. Shoestring is one of those. I say this because though Shoestring's body has returned to the earth from whence it came, the memories and feelings of joy his life on earth left behind shall forever remain on the banks of the river that is my life.❤
I actually used to chat with him by email, he had my phone number if he needed a ride when he got to my town. Gone too soon.
"The midnight train is whining low, I'm so lonesome I could cry."
Gods blessing to his family & friends. Go rest high on that mountain. Your work here on earth is done Hobo Shoestring 🙏🏻🪖🇺🇲🚂💔
I hope you found a Cadillac all the way to heaven Mark we miss you.
This was beautiful. Well done. RIP.
I agree
Shoestring was a true example of what being a free American is! He was a true outdoorsman and loved America and all its beauty! He loved being able to ride from one point of America to the other and meeting with and making friends along the way! I personally will miss his train adventures and videos! RIP Hobo! My condolences to his family and friends! ❤🙏🇺🇸🇨🇱
Thank you. That's exactly how I feel.
Thanks for this great tribute to Mark Hobo Shoestring Nichols. He was one of a kind and the last of his kind that we just won't see much of anymore. I'd been watching his videos for about the past four years or so but hadn't watched them as much as I had been much of this last year. I had been fighting a tough fight wirh Stage III cancer this past year and its only been a few months that I've been back to doing things like watching UA-cam videos. He had gone dark the past month or so as well. It did seem that he was not in such good health in those later videos. I really handed to him that he contined to catch out in recent years in spite of his health issues these past few years. Well, I hope he is riding some perfect big trains in his boxcars and Cadillac grainers up in heaven, joining up with his old friends and they sit at night next to a big campfire, sharing tails of the rails while eating some Hobo Stew and he gets picked as the King of the Hobos for a time. May he Rest in Peace, to the swaying of a railcar that he loved so much.
Well said. And riding a Cadillac grainer.
@@alycatpublishing1164yep lol
I lost a good friend and a true American. He gave so much and took so little. He stood for freedom and made me feel free. Trains have always had a place in America's heart and now Shoestring will be in there too.
Rest in peace, brother Shoestring. Thanks for the memories. My condolences to the family you left behind. You were a good man!
I'm 65 and disabled and Mark had me ready to catch out and go find Him and ride along with him, YOU will be missed Brother and much love from a brother who will never forget you, Prayers for His Family. 😢😢
Here, here! I'm also disabled and he had me so inspired and he left this world leaving a mark and so many of hs. What a grand champ
This is beautiful. Prayers to his family and friends. He was a kind soul, served his country, knew more about trains than anyone, and had a wicked sense of humor. I'll never forget his line when it was snowing, I think he was in Maryland: "30% chance of snow - 70% WRONG." I almost fell off my chair laughing. What a treasure - you will be missed, kind man. Rest in peace and ride those rails forever.
Made his own rules about life, he lived to share but loved privacy as well. Was probably sent more gifts than his apartment could hold. The best gift you could send was your admiration of him. A lot of people saying he will ride the rails in heaven, but i say hes gonna be the Engineer
I never knew Hobo, but the videos and the searches that y'all have done for this man,, is very pleasing to the heart. To know this man touched so many hearts, shows how much he was loved. May he rest in peace.
His videos helped me get through the pandemic! R.I.P.
Me too! His adventures were the escape that kept me sane. They still do.
Hobo, you made more people happy as we lived vicariously through you. Thanks for taking us along on your rail journeys, and thank you for your service. You have shown us what freedom is all about. The rail lines are clear, and we'll take it from here. Godspeed Shoestring!
Sad day ill miss his stories and videos
SHOESTRING'S LAST RIDE.
He awoke suddenly, having been sleeping peacefully cold as if someone had thrown water over him, but that didn't matter now, because there in front of him was a train, stopped, he must of been sleeping soundly, he had never heard it pull in, but better still, a carriage or two away was an open boxcar.
Going for a look, he clambered in, no need to rush, they will be doing a crew charge, inside were plenty of corrugated cardboard sheets and a few pallets. He would travel in comfort he thought as he stacked the cardboard 4 or 5 high and moved the pallets around them. No bull will see him now. Suddenly he was tired and stretched out on the softest of beds, he must of dozed off because he awoke as the train began to move.
His tarp, his bucket and hat, jump now to get them or leave them behind. This was to good a ride to miss, then he remembered his camera in his bucket, he wouldn't be able to video this journey to share with his 200000 subscribers, anyway by now the train was moving to fast to get off, there was no going back now.
Sleeping again he dreamed of the doe he had seen in the wood with her 2 fawns, the salmon jumping in the stream, he first buds appearing on the trees, yes, indeed it was spring, after all it was April.
Awake now, he looked out the door, somehow he wasn't cold anymore, not like on his trips to Alaska nor backing when he went down South. Something strange was happening, everything was shrouded in fog. He had felt the train slow down a little as he realised they were climbing higher and higher, funny because he never remembered an incline been here before, thinking about it, he didn't know where he was or where would be his final destination, he would sleep some more and figure it out later.
Awake again, he looked out, there were snow covered mountains, but they were far below. Nothing made sense on this journey.
Leaning out the door, to his astonishment he saw there were no carriages in front or behind his. Was his mind playing tricks again, and surely the rails weren't gold?
Hour after hour he travelled higher and higher, eventually his carriage slowed to a halt, going to the door to try and figure out where he was, he heard a voice,.
Panic set it as he thought it had to be the bull. But that voice was away softer than any bull he had encountered. Suddenly, it all made sense, the train, the comfortable ride, the dreams of everything that mattered in his life on the trackside, the long journey, when he heard the same voice say " Peter, go and have a look to see who has come home"
RIP.. HOBO SHOESTRING ( MARK)
Rest in Peace shoestring,
I have seen and followed your channel from day one. and enjoyed every single one of them.
To the Family of shoestring, My condolences to you and your family for your lost, Mark was an inspiration to many thousands of people who Knew him and supported his Channel here on UA-cam.
As they say
Another Legend gone, But NEVER Forgotten.
All the Best from a inspired and grateful fan from Birmingham the United Kingdom
RIP HOBO SHOSTRING
Your going to be missed.
Was thinking to myself earlier this morning how I had not see a recent upload by Shoestring so I popped in his name and a story of his body being found was right there. I was truly shocked and saddened to find out he has passed. Living in the UK his lifestyle was one I had never seen before but I was always struck at his incredible knowledge and passion for trains and the railroad. His freedom and the stories he told set him apart and he was such an all around decent human. His legacy will live on and he should aspire to be even 5% of the free spirit he was. RIP Mark
I stumbled upon Shoestring about a year ago by accident and learned how extraordinary seeing America by living the historical hobo society was .
I'm at a loss for words about a mans passing that I've never met and that says a lot about the Man .
RIP SHOESTRING you're in the Engineers cab now . 😢
Hobo Shoestring, A legend in his own time he loved the life he lived and the people that he met on his journeys.
A life ended to soon indeed he loved family and what he did in life was far beyond understanding. Love ya, buddy.
I knew in my heart the day after he came missing the first place I would have looked was Lake Boon. Strange how feelings come over you.
Lovely tribute. He was a free spirit here on Earth and now his spirit flies free. ❤
❤️
Fantastic tribute and perfect music. Thanks for this. What a loss.
Gonna miss his videos & funny stories...
Amen to that
I've been to places I've never seen in the USA because of this great hobo!! Every video was like riding the iron horse with him,some more outstanding trips,the Continental Divide,riding through Montana, absolutely beautiful!! Learned about trains, how he was able to camp in any weather and area,hey including how chap stick can unstick a zipper!! Thanks for the stories,fun,learning,and for being the human being you were, beloved by all,rest in peace 🕊️ you will be missed
This is the best tribute video and the most fitting for our dear friend HOBO SHOESTRING! RIP SHOESTRING!
Rest in peace hobo mark shoestring Nickolas you provided me lots of hours of great knowledge you shared
love this. never met this man personally but loved to watch his videos. he will be missed
Shoestring’s backpack and bucket should go to the Smithsonian. He was an American legend!
If anything, they should be donated to the National Hobo Museum in Britt, IA where they will be much more appreciated as opposed to the Smithsonian, where they'll be stuck in some locker away from public viewing.
Shoestring was a kind and warm hearted person. He taught us to go out and live life to the fullest! Thank you Shoestring! May he RIP and enjoy that ride on the main line to heaven!
He brought so much joy to so many by his videos. He was a legend. God bless you, Shoestring. RIP
THANK YOU. .. It was when I was not sleeping well in hospital I discovered Shoestring on my laptop one night and I began watching all of his videos. I grew to love and respect him and his life and appreciated his honesty and stories from the past so fondly. - not someone I would have ever expected would capture my attention like he did. - In short, I came from a very challenged background that involved sleeping rough and moving a whole lot all the time. I think that is what felt familiar about his transient comfort. I feel very sad. I saw some rather cruel and judgmental clips online by people who never knew anything about him .. Well, I am on the entire other side of the Earth and know that he is a beautiful man with a big heart of gold. I will miss seeing new wonderful adventures. 😥💖
R.I.P. Hobo Shoestring!
Such a wonderful tribute. Thank you Hobo for the many rides & adventures of a lifetime. Now I will tag along with you in my prayers. God Bless.🙏🙏🙏
Thanks for this great tribute to Mark Hobo Shoestring Nichols. I'll always be waiting on his next video, that will never come. RIP Hobo Shoestring! You will be missed.
Rest easy Shoestring thank you for all the great rail adventures 👍🙏
A very wonderful tribute to our great friend hobo Shoestring. As we are all saddened by his departure from this life,we can rest assured that Shoestring is getting reacquainted with Stobe and the other friends that have left before him. R.I.P. dear friend.
He had a kindred spirit, a genuine appetite for travel and was able to share that with us.
What a great song to use for the video---Shoestring by Mel McDaniel---I hadnt heard that since I played it on country radio back in 1985 in Greensboro NC-------the memory of this Army vet will live on in pictures and video---RIP Mark----I hope some time in your life you got to know Jesus🙏🙏
“Well it’s alright, even if you’re old and gray. It’s alright-you still have somethin’ to say. Well it’s alright, everythin’ will turn out fine. It’s alright…we’re goin’ to the end of the line” Traveling Wilburys.
The Traveling Wilburys pretty much made this version (see link) a tribute to Roy Orbison who was one of the founding members of the band. In the video they placed an empty rocking chair with a guitar on it as a "missing man" gesture. There will be a lot of empty places where Shoestring might have been. R.I.P.
ua-cam.com/video/UMVjToYOjbM/v-deo.html
Mark ,Shoestring ,will be sorely missed ,he'd make me smile ,his shows ,informative ,and filled with the joys of a simple life.
Sending my deepest sympathies ,to his loved ones .❤
Indeed ,Shoestring ,you brought so many folk happiness. ❤
Rest in peace my friend. No more pain, no more troubles on the heavenly railroads. God bless. Thanks for all the enjoyment in your videos. You'll be sorely missed old son!
RIP Shoestring,,,,,God bless you,,,,you will be missed!
There needs to be a movie about this man
Very well done tribute video. Shoestring is now an eternal legend. May his soul RIP
A wonderful tribute to Shoestring. I have watched his videos for years and his memory will live on when I continue watching them over again. RIP Hobo Shoestring, you will be missed...
Great tribute to shoestring I will truly miss his videos his stories and his wisdom. RIP Shoestring.
Sad to hear his gone, a good man with a heart of gold, he will be missed by all that watched him. He was a breath of fresh air in a screwed up world. RIP my friend.
RIP Hobo...This is definitely heartbreaking..you will be missed.
Yeah definately fartbreaking.
@CarlosAlberto-ii1li you're not funny
@@bennetts-revenge_2Probably just some kid. When tragedy strikes him, but he won't be so funny.
@@CarlosAlberto-ii1li Yeah chime in idiot
@@CarlosAlberto-ii1li 😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠
A man that embraced his inner tremble. Took me a while watching him before I understood why he still rode. Once I learned I respected it and enjoyed joining him through his videos. It’s time to sit still brother, relax finally in the sky hamik. Love you brother.
Rip shoestring. Have fun riding those big rails in the sky.you will be truly missed
So sad for the loss of friend. I never met him in person but I felt like I knew him personally. You will be missed by many. Condolences and prayers to his family.
Thanks for sharing! RIP brother 😢
Thank you for the nice tribute to Shoestring. He probably lived life more fully than many of us have, and if there are trains in Heaven, surely he has already hopped one and is clackety-clacking along through the Golden Meadows.
Words can't explain the loss for this man, wish I could have spent a few days riding with him in person. RIP shoestring, happy travels ahead.
Something out of the blue drew me to his youtube channel today! Man loved watching this guy very genuine! I would spend hours watching his content! Gonna miss you big guy!
This was a very nice, well put together tribute to Mark. Thank you for spending the time to do this.
Sad week
Can’t stop thinking about Shoestring.
His videos will live on forever!
He will never be forgotten. R.I. P. Good sir❤
Wow! This song is fantastic!!!
Aaaaah. I didn't know this song was old as me.
@@TempoDrift1480his name is from the song
I feel a true loss. Rest In Peace Hobo Shoestring. Is it my imagination or did he seem to be on edge lately? Maybe his health was just catching up, don't know be he was a wonderful man. Happiness indeed, thank you Mark.🙏
God Rest His Soul ❤, one day all of us will be reunited with our loved ones .
Thanks Shoestring for showing us America’s backyards from boxcars,grainers, and intermodals. May you find a Cadillac grainer in heaven. RIP
He was always so happy when he was out on the tracks. He will be missed by all. We loved you Shoestring. 😢❤❤❤RIP
Thank you who put this together good fond memories of hobo shoestring RIP a true legend ❤you’ll never walk alone 🙏🇬🇧
Shoestring.. thank you for taking ALL of us along the rides with you and adventures. Never thought I would love a you tuber. YOU will be missed. We all love ya and now you are riding the heaven train..CDOG
This is a very beautiful tribute video i think he would love this
A humble adventurer. Ride forever Shoestring. Stobe is lucky to have you.
I was thinking about Stobe, too. I found Shoestring's channel from watching Stobe.
Same here!@pegbars
Fabulous Tribute to him. I"m so gutted I cant tell you , he was everybodie's friend love you shoestring❤
Dont feel bad for Shoe String! He lived more happier and more free then most of the people on this plant. Feel bad for the people he left behind and especially for his family and friend who loved him the most
I found his channel 2 years ago by chance. The algorithm gods made that connection. Instantly watching his channel I recognized how free he truly was and it reminded me of my early teenage years when my friends and I would hop freight trains out of Oakland California to Sacramento and Fresno, hang out with friends and then hop them back to Oakland. Getting chased by the train police and the yard staff was just part of the excitement. Theres nothing like riding a freight train in the summer through the hills and valleys of central California. I will always remember those days and for Show String in keeping the dream alive. Catch that North Bound line Shoe String and ride it all the way to Heaven!! 🙏
RIP Shoestring, You finally caught that big train in the sky...
I got real teared up at the end. R.I.P Shoestring! You will be missed!
This is a fantastic tribute! - thank you for doing this! And Shoestring - you'll find the perfect ride, going the right direction forevermore. ❤
Shoestring was a beautiful soul and will forever be remembered by everyone. RIP🙏🏼🕊️🙏🏼
Yes Betty I agree. R.I.P Shoestring ❤🙏
@@talkinglifeNic Hello beautiful lady 🥰🌹🥰
Wow, I just saw this video and found out that Hobo Shoestring passed away. What a tremendous loss!! Having watched and appreciated him for years, I’m so saddened to hear of his loss. He was a genuine individual and lived life on his terms!! Thanks for the amazing adventures and rides, Shoestring! ❤
R.I.P. Shoestring thanks for the great memories!
Loved his videos, Very soothing. Respect how it got up that day from his lonely apt amd made an interesting life with the trains and youtubimg it
Lovely tribute, fly high Shoestring
Thank you for the tribute videos. I will miss Shoestring and his videos greatly. RIP Shoestring. On a side note, This old man has been hunting for info about a rail-rider (Hobo) from back in the fifties and early sixties that was a medal of honor winner during WW2. He came home and "gave up on the rat race and it's facade." I live in West Central Indiana, near a "hobo jungle" where many would come through and camp. My father a long time railroader knew many of them and they'd stop by the house for food and water at times. Us kids spent many hours down in the jungle talking to them all about their adventures and way of life. I can't remember his name there was so many veterans like him traveling through back then. I know there was one news article in a paper about him but can't find it from way back when. The gentleman was originally from out West. Just thought I'd throw this question out here while I'm here. Thank you.
Looking backwards...Mark really wasn't able to ride the rails much the last 3 to 5 years, due to his poor health,and constant appointments..most of his videos were about trains but not actually riding on them.. l am imagine that not being able ride the rails like he used to really got to him ... ❤
It makes me wonder what the medical staff witnessed when Mark was at the hospital for the last time?
Rest in peace shoestring will miss you,FREEBIRD.
Fabulous tribute. Thank you!
We were the same age.. I wished I had met him at least once. RIP Hobo 😥
Thank you for posting this video! RIP Shoestring!!
shoestring is the reason i became a conductor it is awful he passed what a legend
Awesome tribute.